Glacier

After getting out a day late we only had one night at Spirit Lake.  Which was too bad because it was gorgeous and would have been fun to spend some more time there. 

On the dock at Spirit Lake

Sedlmayers was a fancy resort in the 1930s (white table cloths, fancy restaurant, big deck), but had fallen into disrepair over the years.  Six years ago a new family bought it and has been gradually bringing it back - new docks, nice camping facilities, and a nice store.  Next on the list is rebuilding the deck.  The management is great - we hope they continue to do well.  We will be back!

One of the impacts of only one night at Spirit Lake was losing our day we had set aside to organize the trailer.  So a bit unorganized, but still eager, we made the trek to Glacier.  Thanks to a late start and road construction (two themes throughout our trip) we rolled into Glacier after 9:00 that evening.  We stayed on the East side of the park, and came in from the south and east - watching the sun set over the park as we drove in.  Wow.

The next day we drove up to Logan Pass and hiked up to Hidden Lake.  Even though it was mid-July there was still a bunch of snow.  It turned into a snow hike!

What would be one of many trips over the continental divide the next few weeks

Crossing the snow field up to Hidden Lake

 

Hidden Lake (still half covered in ice)

 

Enjoying the view

Lots of mountain goats on the trail

Big Horn Sheep

That afternoon we drove the Going to the Sun road (wow) and ate pizza at Lake McDonald Lodge.

Sam makes a new friend

Our second day in Glacier we took the boat out of Many Glacier Lodge, across Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine, and hiked up towards Grinnel Glacier.  Snow turned us back about half way up (much to the relief of the boys) but the views were still gorgeous. 

Mama and baby moose playing on Lake Sherburne

Many Glacier Lodge was one of our favorite places in Glacier

The Boys in the Boat

View of Grinnel Lake

Cooling off

Camp Life...

Glacier gave us our first opportunity to get used to living in our home for five weeks.  Showers, cooking, eating, sleeping - all were new adventures for us.  Luckily Glacier was about as nice a place as possible to learn.  The campground circle next to us had flooded and was empty - so it felt like we had Glacier to ourselves.  Wide open spaces (this being on the east of the park in St. Mary campground), long days, and a full moon made it one of the most special stops on our trip.

Showers became a family activity

Papa cooking burgers on the grill

Happy campers