- Joined
- Jan 24, 2011
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- 8,906
We just recently got back from a trip to Montana and did a little paddling on the Upper Missouri. Here's a thread about it. The second thing we wanted to do while in the neighborhood was some hiking in Glacier National Park, so we left the river and drove the three hours up to St. Marys, MT. There was a storm blowing up, so instead of unpacking the tent we snagged this little cabin (and the fact we could use a bath after three days on the river figured into it.. 
)
It wasn't bad. We unzipped the sleeping bags for cover and the 40 degree night was pretty comfortable.
The aspen trees were pretty and we had a decent view out the front door. You can see the storm coming.
Next morning (well fed and well washed), we found a suitable campsite in the park and it was time to trade paddles for packs and hiking boots.
The first hike we did was a four mile in/four mile out that pretty much followed a glacial melt stream to a lake in the mountains. We had actually trained for six weeks for this trip and it paid off hiking at altitude. This was only eight miles but the elevation change was nearly a mile and you could feel it.
The trail was rocky in spots but wide and well marked and we cruised right along. Big difference from the overgrown and muddy trails we usually hike at home.
Had some dandy spots to take a break. This is big bear country so I had spray (courtesy of cbwoods67), my model 19 S&W (stuffed with hot bear loads courtesy of Biscuit) and the Tradewater as a last resort. We might get chewed on but it would be after they got six in the gut and a cloud of pepper. And sliced a time or two for good measure.
The water was ice cold and had a blue tint from the melting glaciers. Simply beautiful and I've never seen anything like it.
Every once in a while we would get a glimpse of some pretty good hills and kind of figured something worth seeing was up ahead.
And sure enough.
As the glaciers melt they form this lake which in turn ran off down the creek. It was quite a sight.
First time the line from the song "For purple mountains majesty.." kind of sunk in. Wow.
Back at camp, the TWS made the campfire sooo easy. As tired as I was that helps. This is one reason I wanted the extra reach of a longer blade.
This is a fine knife. Holds an edge.
Next day we hiked to a bigger lake. It was kind of a hazy day which made it hard to photograph, but here are some nonetheless. This one was mostly ridgeline and had some spectacular views.
There was a fire here in 2005 and you can still see the results.
This lake was worth the hike too.
A tough eleven miler and here's what time it was when we got back to camp.
We did a couple more shorter hikes the following day, then bid farewell to God's country. Here's a few shots of those.
We had a great time at Glacier. It is a magnificent place and I'd highly recommend it if you happen to find yourself in Montana with a few days to spend.
Oh yeah. If Murphy was a cowboy, he'd need one of these.
Thanks for looking,
trade
)
It wasn't bad. We unzipped the sleeping bags for cover and the 40 degree night was pretty comfortable.
The aspen trees were pretty and we had a decent view out the front door. You can see the storm coming.
Next morning (well fed and well washed), we found a suitable campsite in the park and it was time to trade paddles for packs and hiking boots.
The first hike we did was a four mile in/four mile out that pretty much followed a glacial melt stream to a lake in the mountains. We had actually trained for six weeks for this trip and it paid off hiking at altitude. This was only eight miles but the elevation change was nearly a mile and you could feel it.
The trail was rocky in spots but wide and well marked and we cruised right along. Big difference from the overgrown and muddy trails we usually hike at home.
Had some dandy spots to take a break. This is big bear country so I had spray (courtesy of cbwoods67), my model 19 S&W (stuffed with hot bear loads courtesy of Biscuit) and the Tradewater as a last resort. We might get chewed on but it would be after they got six in the gut and a cloud of pepper. And sliced a time or two for good measure.
The water was ice cold and had a blue tint from the melting glaciers. Simply beautiful and I've never seen anything like it.
Every once in a while we would get a glimpse of some pretty good hills and kind of figured something worth seeing was up ahead.
And sure enough.
As the glaciers melt they form this lake which in turn ran off down the creek. It was quite a sight.
First time the line from the song "For purple mountains majesty.." kind of sunk in. Wow.
Back at camp, the TWS made the campfire sooo easy. As tired as I was that helps. This is one reason I wanted the extra reach of a longer blade.
This is a fine knife. Holds an edge.
Next day we hiked to a bigger lake. It was kind of a hazy day which made it hard to photograph, but here are some nonetheless. This one was mostly ridgeline and had some spectacular views.
There was a fire here in 2005 and you can still see the results.
This lake was worth the hike too.
A tough eleven miler and here's what time it was when we got back to camp.
We did a couple more shorter hikes the following day, then bid farewell to God's country. Here's a few shots of those.
We had a great time at Glacier. It is a magnificent place and I'd highly recommend it if you happen to find yourself in Montana with a few days to spend.
Oh yeah. If Murphy was a cowboy, he'd need one of these.
Thanks for looking,
trade
I love Montana.
