Glacier National Park. It's one of the most prized national parks our nation offers, and for good reason. Nestled far and away from the nearest major Interstate, on the border of British Colombia and Alberta, this park is wilderness at its finest. Its remoteness, raw beauty, and powerful scenery is a reminder where America got its beautiful. I left Helena, Montana early morning, and made the trek northward. It's several hours due north, and out of the way of the beaten path of interstate 90. You've got to commit to going to Glacier- and let me say it's worth it. At the advice of a few locals, from Helena I headed north toward Augusta, and drove the lesser traveled roads to the park (Rt 287 to 89, to Browning, where you'll see signs to Glacier popping up). This was well worth the drive, as it was remote, peaceful and beautiful. Montana has made that impression on me; it is a state of wide open, raw scenery. It makes you think of adventure, and wonder what's around the next corner or town down the road. I particularly enjoy that feeling, and Montana delivered it.
I headed into Glacier National Park from the Eastern border. I stopped into the St. Mary HQ and obtained a backcountry permit. After a 15 minute safety video on not attacking grizzly bears after they come after you, I had the documentation to hike into the wilderness and set up camp. I admit, it was an honest ix of excitement and healthy nervousness. As I drove back down the east side of the park to Two Medicine area, the sheer immensity of the wilderness in front of me become more and more apparent. This wasn't a walk in the park. This was the real, unadulterated, untamed wild. This trip was not without risk.
I parked my car at the trail head, and started my very easy/modest 5 miles hike towards my campsite. I had no way of gauging the terrain, as I had never been before, so I chose a conservative route, especially as I was hiking solo, a not-suggested idea in this part of the country. After arriving at my site (alone), I settled in and became very aware of just how remote I was. I heard soft rain, some birds and occasional unidentified animal sounds, but mostly wind. I heard the wind echoing of the mountain sides around me. It was blowing through the small meadow I was set up in, and running through my jacket. I felt chilly, cold, and very alone. Almost on cue, a fairly enormous moose snatched a twig of the branch about 5 meters to my left. I froze initially, then backed away, and we left each other alone. This would be 1/4 of my moose encounters that little trip. At that moment I felt very alone. But I felt at peace, and I knew at that moment that this is where I belonged. I love the mountains, and of that I could never be more sure.
Now, at this point in the year, there are still quite a few forest fires blazing in our western states. 3 large fires are currently occurring inside Glacier National Park. This was almost a deterrent to my going there, as I had heard reports of zero visibility and only the sight of smoke. I threw my dice by driving north anyway, and I got lucky. Now, it was rainy the entire time I was there, but this dissipated the smoke!
Some would say unlucky weather, but I'd rather have some rain that smoke everywhere. Also, I think mountains are most beautiful when they seem powerful, and rain, fog, and cold only adds to the mystique and beauty of mountains. I had a great time in the backwoods. It's also a lesson in staying flexible. Travel is all about plans changing and you being able to adapt to those changes, weather being a major factor! Well, tomorrow is away from Glacier into Washington, Chapter 1 of this journey is coming to a close!
