Hard to believe we were heading north already – but, the route to Alaska was calling.  So – north it was on the I-15 to Bozeman for a quick nights stay, a tour around Montana State University campus and a round of golf;-)  The travel day was one beautiful scene after another as we skirted the Gallatin River along much of the way –  –

A brief respite was waiting for us in a nice, green, lush golf course – Bridger Creek – which seemed to be set down on an old dairy farm on the north side of Bozeman;-)

 

By mid-afternoon, Magic was all set up in her new parking spot in the Saint Mary KOA on the east side of Glacier NP – and G was itching to fly his new drone!!  Oh yes – G got a new drone to replace the one he put in the Provo River and as soon as we ‘landed’ in Saint Mary he had to test the new bad boy to get some good shots of our campground and Saint Mary Lake.

 

We DO LOVE our National Parks!!  And Glacier NP is really special as it is also the world’s first International Peace Park.  Yellowstone is the grandaddy of them all – the world’s first national park designated in 1872.  Its popularity quickly gave rise to others, including Waterton Lakes in 1895 (just north of Glacier in Canada) and Glacier in 1910.  Since they adjoined one another along the International Border, in 1932 the governments of Canada and the US linked the two parks as the world’s first International Peace Park – a further evolution of the park idea.  And – what a GRAND idea it was.  Further, in 1995, Waterton-Glacier was named the world’s first international peace park World Heritage Site.

We are especially grateful to George Grinnell, co-founder of the Audubon Society and tireless advocate of the interests of the native Blackfeet people and the establishment of Glacier as a NP.  It was Grinnell who aptly named this beautiful place the “Crown of the Continent” in 1908 and is celebrated as the “Father of Glacier NP” for his efforts to achieve NP status for the Glacier area – –

 

One of our favorite places to visit and hike is the Many Glacier area with the National Historic Landmark hotel sitting on Swiftcurrent Lake.

 

Long before any European explorer confronted the area now known as the Rocky Mountains, the Blackfeet people of the northern plains dominated the area.  They were aggressive to protect their east-slope buffalo hunting grounds from incursion by western tribes and the occasional foreign traveler.  With the last bison in the area killed in 1882, there was rampant starvation on the Blackfeet Reservation.  George Grinnell (also editor of Forest and Stream magazine) was contacted and with his connections he helped increase government aid to the Blackfeet.  This is when he was first introduced to the area and began the process of pushing for NP status for Glacier.

To the Blackfeet, this land is still sacred.  In a coordinated effort with the Park Service – representatives of the Blackfeet tribe give evening talks – or provide information thru song – to pass on their heritage.  We were lucky enough to attend one of these evenings – –

 

Early the next morning, it was back to Many Glacier for our current day’s hike.  The plan was to take the shuttle-boat across Swiftcurrent Lake then across Lake Josephine to hike to Grinnell Lake.  Unfortunately – best laid plans were put aside as all the shuttle-boats were full for the day.  As is often said, everything works out for the best.  The above hike was a repeat from earlier years – and now a new hike was put in the plan.  Off we went to Ptarmigan Falls with some fantastic views across the valley, interesting sights of nature and beautiful falls.

 

The day was lovely and invigorating;-)  BUT – we weren’t done yet.  The trip back to Magic provided the first bear sighting of the trip and perfect lighting for a perfect picture of the incredible wildflower meadows – –

 

After a good nights rest, we were ready for more.  Off to Logan Pass at the top of the Going-to-the-Sun Road for the trek to Hidden Lake.  Although – we learned about half way there we could only go to the overlook.  The fish were spawning in the lake and the bears were feeding – so the trail from the overlook to the lake was closed.  No problem – the overlook was a good hike and felt on the legs for a few days to come;-(  AND – the animals were out for a good show.

Our stays are always too short in the NP’s.  This trip we really enjoyed seeing all the families with young children on the hiking trails and conversations with visitors from other countries.  Our NP are true gems!!  We love them and love to see our fellow citizens out there taking them in.

E & G saying – “Go enjoy a National Park!”  You, too, will love it;-)