In 1972 I had an opportunity to spend the summer doing geological research in Glacier National Park, but the position didn't pay and I had a wife and other obligations that demanded a certain amount of income. So I had to pass. In some ways, I've regretted it ever since, but ....

Wanting to see what I missed, I finally made my first visit to Glacier National Park in late August of 1983. On that trip we were making a big week long loop through the Pacific Northwest and stretched our eastern leg to include a quick one day drive through the Park. What we call a reconnaissance trip. And we did see enough to make us want to go back, but it's taken 24 years to make it happened. Life and other adventures have always interfered.

On the single day that we drove through the Park we, unfortunately, caught a bad weather day. The sky was overcast and everything was dark and gloomy. But we enjoyed what we saw. The main points that stick in my mind are lots of streams and cascades and water falls, the long, winding Going-to-the Sun Road and its out-of-this-world views, the many lakes, amazing peaks, wildflowers, wild critters, and fresh, clean, crisp air. At Logan Pass we felt like we were on top of the world. And I'll always remember my first views of St. Mary Lake as we descended toward the plains below.

In August of 2007 we made our way back to Glacier for a full week. The weather was great, and we finally got to hike a few of the shorter, easier trails. And once again we're determined to get back, when we're in better shape, so that we can hike more of the spectacular trails which Glacier has to offer.

Next > Journey to Glacier (08/25/07)