Day 20-Glacier National Park

We had not originally planned to visit Glacier National Park.  However changing our route and hotel reservations gave us the opportunity to explore some different cities and visit the park.  We knew in advance part of the Going to the Sun Road would be closed due to plowing, but we were ok with that.  (We aren't "ikers", as in hikers/bikers, so enjoying the car ride with scenic stops suited us just fine.)

(Be sure to click on the pictures to enlarge.)

Now that I've begun to appreciate these old barns, I snap pictures as often as I can.

The Flathead River

The railroad system plays a huge part in western history and development of our country.

The day was chilly, partly cloudy, but a nice day nonetheless.

The boatramp in Apgar Village

Howe Ridge reflecting in Lake McDonald

Explaining how a glacial lake is formed

The water in the lake is so clear....and cold!

Historic Lake McDonald Lodge

Red Bus "Jammers"

Historic Boats at Lake McDonald

Back of the Lodge where people arriving by boat would enter.

Pretty lanterns in the lodge

More chislers!

The water is stunningly clear turquoise! 

Check out the video Frank made of this area.

Still beautiful!

In 2003, there were devastating fires in Glacier National Park.  

This view is part of the area damaged by the fires.

Not a bad view!

After our time in the park, we headed south toward the Izaak Walton Inn for a bite to eat.  It has quite a history, originally for railroad workers.

We couldn't believe it!  Cuban sandwiches on the menu of a restaurant in northwest Montana and the southern end of Glacier National Park!  And oh my goodness, it was a close second to Tampa's famed Cuban sandwiches.  :o)

After lunch, we continued our drive toward Great Falls, watching for the Goat Lick Overlook.

We walked along the path to an area where we hoped we would see some goats.  Nothing!  Nada!  Bupkus!  And we hadn't seen any moose or bears.  We were getting gypped!

But when we returned to the parking area, eagle-eye Frank spotted a goat across the water high on the side of the mountain!

 

Can you 'spot' the goat in this picture?

(It was on the opposite side of the parking area.)

It was a fun way to end our time in Glacier.  Guess it just wasn't our time to see more wildlife.

Afterward, we followed the road north-east around the edge of the Park and took the scenic route south toward Great Falls.

The rolling plains of Montana.

(We drove through the town where Anheuser-Busch has many of their barley processing plants.)

Really glad we decided to take the 2-lane road through the country-side rather than hoping on the bustling interstate as quickly as we could.  Unfortunately, the Museum of the Plains Indian in Browning  was closed today.

Tomorrow we head to Billings but not before we explore the Lewis and Clark Historic Trail!