My body has barely recovered from our week of hiking in the park, but the sore muscles are worth every minute we spent enjoying views like this
We celebrated the 4th with Grant's aunts in Billings, MT before driving to Glacier. And let me tell you, the people in Billings go all out for the 4th with the fireworks. They started at 7pm and did not quit until 1am (mind you, it doesn't get fully dark until about 1030 or 11pm there). And the quality of fireworks was equivalent to an organized show in Memphis. We loved it!
We drove to Glacier the next morning and spent three days hiking, totaling a whopping 30 miles! We visited the park a couple years ago, but were unable to finish most of the hikes due to the number of grizzly bear sightings causing the rangers to close the trails.
But this year we finished all 3 hikes we set out to complete and did not encounter any grizzlies (thank goodness!) but saw several deer, marmots, mountain goats, sheep, cows and one black bear. Grant spent most of his time pining for a moose but no such luck this year.
First day of hiking. Iceberg Lake.
But this year we finished all 3 hikes we set out to complete and did not encounter any grizzlies (thank goodness!) but saw several deer, marmots, mountain goats, sheep, cows and one black bear. Grant spent most of his time pining for a moose but no such luck this year.
First day of hiking. Iceberg Lake.
on the way... don't even ask, i have no idea whats going on here.
stopped to admire this little guy and then finished here
due to the ever-changing climate, the icebergs are slowly disappearing each year :(
Day 2: Hidden Lake
Let me just say, I was not prepared for the amount of snow on this hike. We drove about 30 min to the trailhead and this is what was waiting for us:
Let me just say, I was not prepared for the amount of snow on this hike. We drove about 30 min to the trailhead and this is what was waiting for us:
less than a mile in...
the Burke men made it to the top!and so did this cute thing
The change in altitude and steep incline presented its own challenges, but I certainly made it worse when I decided to wear New Balance shoes that morning. Reaaally old new balance with non-existing treds.
The beginning of the end...
and it only got worse from here. it was pretty hilarious the number of times I bit the dust. way too many to count!Day 3: Grinnell Lake
We spent many nights here by the fire or on the deck and it was heaven! Its also the place where Grant's dad spent 2 summers working in college.
Many Glacier Hotel (built in 1915!)
and finally, the place we visited every morning in hopes of spotting a moose for Grant
Fishercap Lake
Many Glacier Hotel (built in 1915!)
and finally, the place we visited every morning in hopes of spotting a moose for GrantFishercap Lake
see you next time, glacier!