Glacier II

I got up and out of camp early so I could make it down to town to call the motorcycle store in PA to have them ship my part. I got that accomplished with so little ease it almost scared me.

While in town I picked up some groceries and headed back to Glacier National Park. The motorcycle place thought it would be better to ship to a US address, so I’m stuck in Glacier for today.

Since I got back to the park pretty early I decided to get one of the more primitive and remote camp sites. At the last one I was surrounded by RV’s, people on bicycles, and ladies in walkers “hiking” on the boardwalk. Not exactly the wilderness.

I picked the most remote one I could find on the map and set out over 30 miles of unpaved road. It was slow, difficult, dusty, rough, and great. I was shocked at how fast I became comfortable on the rough road, and it really gave me some confidence for the upcoming Dalton Highway in Alaska.

Surprisingly, the camp was pretty full, but I got one of the few remaining sites, right next to the bubbling stream.

 

This is the view of the lake about 50 feet from my tent.

This camp site was definitely a great idea. A group of people who were packing up to leave gave me their extra firewood too. Alright!

Well now that I was in this great remote place, I decided to take an afternoon hike. I walked about 6 miles on the perimeter of the lake and it was gorgeous.

I found a Tree Star (you know, from The Land Before Time)

The most perfect hollow log I’ve ever seen.

A tree that got attacked by a vampire, I mean wood-pecker.

And a tree that seems to have exploded from the inside.

Also a good selection of critters.

There are a lot of people with kayaks and canoes here, and no motors of any kind are allowed on the boats.

I found a little beach area and took a swim. This time I had my camera, so here’s a great swimming picture.

The water was COLD! But perfect for icing down the beer I bought in town.

I made friends with the camping neighbors and we shared a fire and some s’mores. Good night.