Back in the USA!

We are happy to report that we are back in the good ole’ U.S. of A.  It feels wonderful to be home again!  

From Jasper, we drove to the Waterton/Glacier National Peace Park, spending one night on the Canadian side and two nights at Many Glaciers Campground in Glacier National Park. 

The weather was warm in Waterton but all the campgrounds were closed except for one.  As a result, the park was packed on Saturday night.  We seem to be closing campgrounds and parks as we go.  Most campgrounds have already turned off their water, in an effort to winterize their lines.  A majority of the lodges, shops, and restaurants have already closed.  With weather and autumn colors this wonderful, it is hard to understand!

Waterton Lake

We hiked a little in Waterton and let Roxanne take a dip in the lake before heading over to Glacier.  Our first night there, a front came through, pelting us with wind and rain. 

The gale force winds stayed the next day.  Sleeping in our canvas camper was quite an experience.  The wind would roar up the canyon, shaking the camper and lifting the awning (which, thankfully, David had staked very well!).  After one gust would billow the tent around us, we could hear another gust muster strength in the distance until it, also, roared over us.

We saw very few animals in either park.  However, we did see something in Glacier that was new for us:  mountain goats!  Although they were hundreds of yards away, I am happy to have these photos to show you…

On our second day in Glacier, we took the drive up to Logan’s Pass, a favorite drive for us.  We knew that the road was closed at the top.  We were disappointed to discover half way up that we had to follow a pilot car the rest of the way.  With all the construction, there was no wildlife to be seen.

That evening, however, we found a brown bear grazing berries on a hillside not far from our campground.  Although he was over 50 yards away, it was wonderful just to watch him.  The wind was so strong that I was having difficulty holding the long lens steady.  David set the tripod up for me, but I had to hang onto it and the camera to keep the gusts from ripping the gear from my hands.

Brown bear in Glacier National Park

David has come down with the sniffles.  With the weather report promising more gale force winds and chill for the next several days to come, David and I packed up Oz and decided to head for North Dakota.  I am excited… my wild horses await me!  

Many Glaciers at Glacier National Park

Many Glaciers at Glacier National Park