August 14, 2007

August 14, 2007

From Libby, MT we drove to Glacier National Park. What should have been a beautiful drive was marred by smoke from nearby forest fires. The haze was so thick at times it looked like morning fog. We had to drive with our lights on and vents closed. By the time we got to Glacier the worst of the smoke had dissipated.

Our first stop was the Visitor Center to get oriented with the Park. The visitor center was disappointingly tiny with little parking. It was merely a ranger station and small gift shop. Based on a recommendation we put on our hiking boots and waited for the park shuttle bus to take us to the Avalanche Creek Trailhead. After the fourth bus came and went because the drivers were ready for a break, we returned to the RV and drove ourselves to the trailhead. After some initial frustration we found a parking spot. Our first impressions of the park management are poor but unfortunately not atypical government efficiency. Why liberals would want more government control of our economy is beyond me.

About a half hour into our hike I have forgotten about bureaucracy and I am enjoying the exercise. The trail first follows a stream up a small slot canyon and then uphill thru a pretty forest. After an hour we emerge at Avalanche lake sitting at the bottom of a high mountain bowl. The view is stunning even if the sky is slightly hazy with smoke. After communing with Mother Nature for a while we head back and stay at a campground just outside the park.