GLACIER NATIONAL PARK

WELL, HERE YOU SEE two views of the Park. At this time of the year, while the Park is huge (shared between the US and Canada) there is not a lot one can get close to. Even in the warmest season. there really is only one road through the park but, just now, this was only plowed for seven miles or so.

I was clambering down to take a photo when one of two nice folk out for a walk in the snow near the Park Office offered to take one for me, so you can see I really was there today. In the middle ground is the lake along the East side of which runs the road. Some miles along the way, I was able to clamber down to the lake shore to get the next picture. I had to sit on some very cold, dry snow to get my footing at one point. Later I was able to warm my posterior before a fire but the old rear end did get a bit chill. So the time in the Park was short but the scenery endlessly and awesomely beautiful.

Thus was the beginning of as perfect a day as one might wish. I was starting to feel somewhat cold, despite the heat in the car, and began to think of a spot of lunch back at the Belton Chalet just outside the West entrance to the Park. This proved to be a good idea as a warming fire burned a cheering welcome in the bar. This, along with excellent coffee, a pint of the local stout, and a bowl of buffalo chillie soup made with black beans, warmed my body and soul. The good folk at the Chalet told me of a ski center just down the road so off I went to find some skiing.

Eight kilometers of groomed trails set on the side of some hills awaited me and I had great fun for an hour or so, meeting some nice folks along the trails, as one is wont to do amongst the XC skiing crowd. 'Crowd' is overstating it; I virtually had the trails to myself most of the time. I was making great progress on seeing the park and getting in some skiing as well.

Toward Kalispell, I intended to get the car all gassed up for the final 650 miles to Fort Langley on the morrow and also the have the road grime washed off the hard working Altima. Seeing a gas station offering gas at $3.08 per gallon, the lowest price I had seen, I drove right in. The pump asked me did I want a receipt and did I want a car wash? So the two got done at the same place. Sometimes it all just works out without any effort.

After a well presented steak at Applebee's and a tall Sam Adams Pilsener, I replaced the headlamp bulbs (one was out), then headed back to the motel. Another hot bath (Oh Bliss) the day was done except for packing the car and this posting.

Just about a perfect day.

I hope you all had a great Sunday also.