Wandering Retirees

We had a beautiful riding day today. From our hotel in Browning, MT we headed north on US Rt 89 toward St Mary’s and the east entrance to Glacier National Park. On the way we encountered a small herd of horses in and alongside the road. Seems they got free of their corral or paddock or whatever they hang and were chomping on some tasty grass or bushes or whatever. There was even a foal nursing, which was touching. Though it called for caution, there was no excitement and they appeared as happy as can be. Later in the day, a line of traffic came to a screeching halt as a “free range” bull just sauntered across the road in front of us. Everyone seemed delighted to let him go his way. He couldn’t have cared less what we thought. Just rural Montana traffic. Nothing to get excited about.

St Mary’s Village is located at the north end of St Mary’s Lake, which is in turn fed by St Mary’s River, which contains St Mary’s Falls. (Names around here can be pretty easy to remember.) This little village that boasts 50 year-round residents sits at a strategic spot for exploring the eastern part of Glacier Park. It is really small and really pretty. Two more important characteristics: it sits on the western border of the Blackfeet Reservation, and is the western terminus of the Going-to-the-Sun road through Glacier.

Going-to-the-Sun road is a high, tight and winding road that takes you through stunning mountains, rivers, water falls and even clouds for 53 miles. For bikers, it’s a famous “must ride” that is a little challenging with oh so beautiful spots to dismount and enjoy. Connie and I arrived early so traffic was not heavy and we had lots of opportunities to stop and drink it in.

We had a chance to talk to an Park employee named Tony, who has worked with the Park Service for a number of years. His wife also works for the Park Service. He couldn’t say often enough how much they both love it. They are full-time RV-ers and have started their own side business, Glacier Emblems, making commemorative pins and patches for discerning tourists. He is so enthusiastic about his work and seems to revel in meeting Park visitors. He’s the kind of representative who makes you glad you came.

Going-to-the-Sun empties out close to the western entrance to the park, where we spent a wonderful time with my sister, Judy, in 2017. We stopped at the Lake McDonald Lodge on Lake McDonald for lunch and a cup of coffee. We brought our own food but the coffee was hot and fresh. We saw more lovely mountain scenery and watched an intense stone skipping match involving a bunch of boys and girls. The girls won going away.

We headed out to our lodgings for the night, a cute apartment in East Glacier Village with a view of the park. Tomorrow will be our last day in the Rockies and we’re a bit sad to go, though we’ll be happy to see home again. We’ve been in the Rockies since Colorado Springs on June 7th. We also haven’t had days warmer than about 75F and most much cooler. I’m sure that doesn’t play particularly well right now with the eastern heat wave, but we’ve loved it. We plan to do a little more riding in and around Glacier then get some rest for our push to Minneapolis and family. This has been a wonderful day. Have a great night.