Origin Story

I read about the receding glaciers resulting from the climate crisis, including those in Glacier National Park. I became rather fixated (like I sometimes do – I see you laughing out there) with the notion of seeing them before they disappeared. In 1966, the park had 35 named glaciers large enough to be considered active. By 2015, only 26 named glaciers remained. [source]

If the global climate change trends continue, researchers predict that Glacier National Park will no longer have glaciers by 2030. Many of the remaining active (over 25 acres) glaciers will be gone before that date. [source]

Look at this:

GRINNELL GLACIER 1910 AND 2017

One of the most moving moments was on our hike to Grinnell Lake/Grinnell Glacier. When we arrived, I wept. I was overcome by the majesty, beauty and grace. And I was sad to think this may be lost. A couple of my pictures:

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We would see more glaciers in Canada and the PacNW, but GNP was first. It meant so much to me.

Overall, the park was just magnificent. The Going-to-the-Sun-Road was a human creation just as awe inspiring as nature. I marvel at the engineering and labor that goes in to making these treacherous scenic byways. We were very grateful for the free shuttle that operated on the road so we (Brian) did not have to drive it. He has an expression for what it feels like when you look off the side of the road & see a sheer drop – chestnuts. Think about it, what happens when he feels his nuts in his chest LOL – perfect description, even for a lady.

We spent 3 days seeing the sites of the park. First stop, Sun Point trail where we saw Baring Falls and a deer who basically walked on the trail pushing the hikers out of her way. We knew who owned these woods. Next day we hiked to St. Mary’s Falls and Virginia Falls and then shuttled to Logan Pass and hiked up to Hidden Lake where we saw our first Grizzly Bear — luckily down by the Lake (closed to hikers due to bear activity) through the binoculars as well as a mama goat & her baby. We saw another small Griz on our way out of the park – safely from the window of the shuttle. We also walked the Trail of the Cedars, so immense and peaceful. On our last day was our hike to Grinnell Lake & Glacier.

St. Mary’s Falls – fed by three glaciers to create this iridescent color and unimaginable power.

Sun Point

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Our campsite, as previously mentioned, though lacking viable internet, did have a hot tub and pizza delivery and we took advantage of both! It was too windy for a fire & weather wasn’t the best during our visit, but we were graced with a double rainbow as we left the park. It was magical.

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