UPDATE BULLETIN!! We have since learned that the beautiful yellow fields are not sweet clover, but CANOLA! Who knew? (well the person that told us knew). Departing our campsite by Two Medicine Lake, across from Rising Wolf Mountain (dig those Indian names!), we took the southern loop (the only way) around to West Glacier and Apgar Village/campground. Lake McDonald is there, but the campground is across the road among tall trees. We managed to go kayaking on the lake but the big thing to do here is drive the Going-to-the Sun Road. This is a 50 mile road across the park, winding through lush valleys, along mountain sides and over the Continental Divide. We left the Apgar Campground, made the transit to St. Mary, left the park, and went up and around, back in the park to Many Glacier lodge - another 20+ miles. Before we talk about the road, I will talk about the lodges. The last report described Glacier Park Lodge on the east side and it is the premier showcase. The three lodges we visited on this trip, all had the same inside appearance (heavy log construction), the same elegance, and all the attributes of a fine hotel. And all are served by the Red Bus Tours. McDonald Lodge: St. Mary Hotel Many Glacier Hotel A photo taken in 1920 shows tourists who visit these lodges which are said to be placed one day's ride apart. Now ... about the Going to the Sun Road. Completed in 1933, the construction involved carving part of the road into the side of the mountain and building retaining walls, some of which are quite tall. We estimate that some parts are more that 2000 feet above the valley floor. Click the pictures for large view. The Red Bus Tours were everywhere. When stopped, the people could stand up through the open top. This would be a good way to see everything with a narrative from the driver. In the photo below, traffic is stopped because the park people were going to blast some of the snow just above the road to prevent it coming down on the road unexpectedly. Didn't seem all that bad, but what do we know? They were having trouble with the wiring, so we were disappointed when they let us go on through while they got it fixed. There is a hiking trail high above the road along the face of the mountain (!?!) and there was a 'trail guard' up there to stop any hikers from entering the blast area. When allowed to go on, we drove the short distance up the mountain to the Logan Pass Visitor Center on the Continental Divide (water on the east side runs eventually into the Atlantic Ocean, and on the west into the Pacific). Of course the Red Buses were there. While at Logan Pass we heard the BOOM. In fact we heard several booms as it echoed around the canyons. And finally some scenes from along the road. We were pretty pooped at the end of this day. We felt like we had been 'to the Sun' and back. Tomorrow we'll leave the park and head south. Not home, just south. But this is as far from home as we will get on this trip. We have been 5 nights without hookups, and a broken generator. We have really been roughing it - boiling water on the stove to make coffee!!
Anyway, stay tuned.
3 Comments
7/13/2013 05:00:26 am
I had for each update to end. Your chronicle is wonderful.
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Paul jank
7/15/2013 05:57:59 am
Am enjoying all your vast travels.
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Patsy Harris
7/18/2013 02:33:06 am
I just love seeing and reading about your heavenly trip. Thank you soooo much for this. It does get trying but take time to enjoy and rest. Isn't America just wonderful,!!!!!!! Stay safe we miss you both so much.May god keep you safe and enjoy because we only get one chance to see all of this love and God Bless, patsy & hunter
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Who are We?Chuck and Mary Lou have been traveling Trip Reports
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