No rest for visitors

The bear situation has calmed down and between our good friends Mary Jane, Ray,Karen and Bill we have been running.  Hikes in the park, a few rounds of golf, fishing and touring the sights has left us all tired.  We still continue to live the NYC dinner schedule which includes closing down restaurants at 11 as well as camp dinners.

  Travel to Canada was a highlight with the Harrison's.   The Prince of Wales hotel had a beautiful location over looking Waterton Lake but the place was a bit rundown with no Adirondak  chairs to sit and enjoy the view.   We were able to view multiple  bears  across the road on the hillside from our rooms foraging for huckleberries to gain that winter fat.

Bill with his creative wit gave us all nicknames over the week of adventure. Wally is Chief Brown Finger ( he is great with pit toilet buckets), Karen H is Princess Broken Toe ( for a reason),  Karen J is
Princess Happy Trail ( my job). and Bill is Notorious  Bill E. Goat.  Please feel free to adopt any of the above.

Our last two back country patrols took place on the Eastside of the park in Many Glacier. The plan was to tent camp and enjoy this new area. Weather forecast pouring rain. We set up the tent and ran over to the beautiful Many Glacier lodge for 2 nights. Bless the people who cancelled their plans.  We stayed dry at night but our trip to Cracker Lake was a different story.  This was 14 miles round trip with two miles slogging up a horse trail with a huge ditch . Not our best moment but we did it because we are committed  volunteers or perhaps we should be committed.

Our last guests are friends from Texas, Tim and Melinda.  We  decided to drive through the National forest yesterday.  The gas tank on empty we climb and see no end in sight. Tension is on high as we have 12 miles on remote back roads  to go, we think, and only 3 miles per the gauge left in the tank. Not one of us has ever run out of gas except Wally the repeat offender.   No sign of people or civilization. Minds race as we get deeper into the interior.  But surprise, the road ends, Wally is the hero as we wisk our way to the pump.   The truck was mistaken and we had miles to go!!!

Our big news is Monica and her boyfriend Peter are now engaged.   He is now the fiancé. We are thrilled with our expanding family and will be hearing bells next year.   Peter took Monica to Maine and at sunset overlooking the lake at the family camp asked her to marry him.  What a lucky family we are.

Our thoughts are now turning to Denver as we get closer to leaving our oasis in Glacier.  Our plans are to pack up and leave next Tues and get to Denver in time for a baby shower for Katie.

As we reflect on this time here we realize it was the perfect buffer after leaving Summit and before starting life in CO.

Canada with Harrison's

Waterton Lake

The Prince of Wales Hotel

Our closest bear encounter( so cute)

Fly fishing the North Fork of the Flathead river

Walter the Hero

I know you have all been waiting for the continued story of the Bear and the shot heard around Glacier.  First and most importantly Walter was mentioned on the front page of the local paper.  How elated was Walter after the big incident.   Wish his name was in lights but Volunteer Back Country Ranger was the title.   This is how it went.  Volunteer Wally making his patrol up the Snyder Lake Trail when suddenly a man comes racing down asking if Walter was with the park.  He said I shot a bear. He charged through my bear spray and I shot him.  The  bear rolled off the trail  and didn't   move. I ran down and turned people back from going up the trail.  The man was from Texas and you know the stereo type about guns and Texans.   Walter called the dispatch and reported the incident and interviewed the perp.  After finishing his report he closed the trail and kept visitors out of the area.   For those who don't know the law, you can carry a gun in National Parks but you can't shoot them.   Oops.! The story has grown just like the old game of telephone tag.   For example, the perp was injured, or he did not report it,  or he was from Texas so obviously he just wanted to shoot bears,  or how could the bear run through the bear spray ( that's what I want to know).   We finally got the correct ending of the story.  The bear could not be found.   Probably not a happy bear and will not mess around with humans.   The law enforcement team found blood so he was shot and the perp did spray his bear spray and the can was empty, just no bear. The Texan was an upstanding visitor per Walter and the law enforcement team. He could have been mauled.  I am counting on my bear spray and don't plan on buying a 357 magnum.   Hope we don't run into one with a gunshot wound or a tooth ache.

Off to Waterton National Park in Canada with the Harrison's tomorrow. Keep you posted.

Fun on Avalache Trail

The Hidden Lake Overlook with Mary Jane and Ray

Mountain goats at Logan Pass.  (Radio collar for research)

Sunset over Whitefish Lake for Walter's B'day

Hidden Lake at the top of Logan Pass on Going to The Sun Rd

Happiness is!!

Walter and I realize that the summer is flying by.   Before we know it we will be leaving our little oasis to return to the big city. Everyday we appreciate where we are living and enjoying the opportunities we are so lucky to have.  ( just got a phone call from Walter saying shots fired at a bear.  I don't  know the story yet  but will keep you posted.).   The excitement continues.  We have realized that people don't respect the wilderness. There was a women who slipped off some rocks and fell into the creek and died, a real tragedy. This area is not Disney as some think as they hike with out water, in flip flops and no food. The most common cause of death in Glacier  is drowning.  We  are well prepared as you never know what circumstances you will encounter. 

Our guests continue to arrive.  Scott and Evelyn, friends from Pgh came for a few days as well as Craig.   So happy to have friends and family share the experience.  Craig went with us on one of our patrols  to East Glacier.  Wind whipping and rain came and went.  Good rain gear is important and makes the trip comfortable.  We talk to everyone on the trail, checking for permits and safety.   This was our longest trip which ended up at 15 miles.   Still no bear encounters thank goodness.

I did finally get my new kayak with a rack that I can do by myself. It is wonderful skating along the water looking for loons and other wild life.  This is a nice addition to the outdoor equipment arsenal.  I think we are finally looking like we belong in Montana.

 Bear scratching on Aspen Trees

                                            Hike at Two Medicine with Scott and Evelyn

Bear Grass Blossoms or is that Bosom?  

Craig and Walter enjoying the view

Old Man Lake. Our destination

A car full of gear, dust and dirt covering the car and pick up truck.   Walter was growing a beard and he put on his cowboy hat and he transformed from a NYC consultant to mountain man.  Amazing what a few months will do.

Next post will include the shot heard in Glacier.

Our adventures with Monica and Peter

Float trip down the Middle Fork of the Flathead with our fly rods perched at the ready.  Walter was the number one in fish caught, who would know his expertise.  We all caught about 20 cut throat trout in total.  It was a sunny, beautiful day with fun guides.  Definitely not easy to fish from a boat.  The next day off to hike and travel The Going To The Sun Rd now that it opened on July 3rd.  The scenery is just spectacular.  What a nice time enjoying our family.  The last day was filled with a zip line tour down Big Mountain. There were 7 lines we managed to execute with feet forward and stream lined.  The thrill of speed was in the air.  It was really quite fun even with my fear of heights.
Give it a try some time.  Golf at our local Wesr Glacier course ended the trip and a camp fire to keep the camping mojo running until bed.  Our feet don't seem to stop moving.

First Back Country Experience

Off to buy big back packs to carry all our freeze dried food. Heard that the food was pretty good. You just need a jar of  Tabasco sauce to spice it up. We acquired a jet boil stove to heat water in 2 minutes. Presto H2O and a package and you have chicken, mash potatoes, pasta primavera, turkey tetrazzini and even apple crisp for dessert. I forgot to mention they have ice cream sandwiches in a bag. Decided to skip that one.   Loaded up and ready to hit the road. The packs were so heavy even without a tent , pads, and sleeping bags that it almost buckled Wally's knees so we ended up canoeing 6 miles up the lake to the patrol cabin. I was worried about the hantavirus from mice poop but all seemed fine. We are not sick yet. We sailed down the lake with the wind at our backs. Waves pushing us forward. Quick trip and beautiful scenery.

The front door of the cabin had nails hammered into the entire face of it to protect I assume the people inside from the grizzly bears. Wow. The bunk bed worked and I did not fall out on my face which I have done in the past. The 1930's vintage cabin sat at the head of the lake so perfectly set to view the surroundings.   We are so lucky to have this opportunity.

The ranger in charge of this area is 94 years old and just had a knee replacement. He is an inspiration. I want to bring dinner one night and hear all his stories.  Good living goes a long way.

All campers had a permit and followed all the rules. Hung the food bags on the pole and kept the area in pristine condition.  We are learning so much about camping in the back country.

Hiked 5 miles up to Upper Kintla Lake and needed to ford a stream. We are hilarious. It took at least a half hour to decide to just cross at the trail and go for it. All our angst was undeserved  after the successful crossing.   Part of our job is bathroom cleaning and I mean a pit toilet.  Walter is getting very good at the process.  We replaced hinges on the door, checked permits, hanging trees over camp sites, litter, and cut trees off the trail. Also dead heading invasive plants along the way.   Hot weather and we looked forward to a quick wash up in the lake on our return.


Up early to canoe back to the car. Flat water going back with  the vision of the best sticky buns ever dancing in our head.   Walter was moving that canoe so fast I have never seen that before. The freeze dried food was not the hit we were hoping for. Home sweet home with hot showers and a good glass
of wine.

The beginning

Thank goodness for the canoe

Our little cabin in the woods

At the foot of the lake

Our tiny stove and freeze dried meals 

The view from the patio

Walter the outdoors man. 

Back Country Ranger Program/ First Guests

What a week. Walter off to multiple board meetings and I was in charge of the training for back country ranger program.  Three days of  learning what is required in the back country, for example my favorite was the invasive plant ID and how to deal with them.  There were very specific instructions on when and how to use the radio to communicate with dispatch. All I remember from my early days is breaker one nine it's a smoky at mile post 10. "Over and out!  Our names are now 222wjones and 222kjones  What a handle.

We have our first back country patrol over the 4th of July. Two nights monitoring the campsites, and staying in the patrol cabin.  The weather looks good for our first adventure into the back country.  It is a 7 mile hike into the cabin the first day then another 5 miles to check on campsite number 2. Wally will have to keep his fireworks to a minimum.

Phil and Sally Franzel, Walter's business partner, were our first guests. It was great to have a touch of friends. We do miss everyone. The cabins here are very nice for those coming to MT. The rain did not stop us from hiking, playing some cards, rummy cube, and having some nice dinners out. There was even a wooden boat show on Whitefish Lake which reminded us of Lake Placid.

Worked in the nursery this week potting up some native Spirea, and pruning Cinquefoil. I do like spending time with the plants. I might get to do some planting at the Visitors Center next week.

Tip: The Eastside of Glacier is 2000 feet higher then the West.  Hiking plans need to consider elevation before heading out.  Be prepared with all weather gear, flip flops not included.

The magnificent sky

Chris catches his first fish at Placid Lake

Katie and her cousins all ready to have babies together

5 Weeks In

Time is rushing by as we are settling in with a routine and learning everyday about the park and the surrounding areas.   This weeks highlight was the siting of a mountain lion crossing a bridge in the park. It was Carmel color, very healthy, black on the tail and powerful looking.  I was thrilled to be in a car for the observation. What a chicken I am.  The women I was with has lived here 25 years and has never seen one. They are very elusive but not this week.  My fishing area is near the stream where we saw this beautiful animal.  I think I might change my destination. I want to see you all in the fall.

We had 3 solids days of rain.  Not to worry, the native plant nursery had a wonderful warm greenhouse with lots of plants to prune and take care of. It felt so good to touch and work with plants and meet the volunteers. I will enjoy this job as well as I like the visitors center.

Walter and I went to a brown bag lunch with a presentation of the artist in residence here in Glacier. He writes symphonies based on National Parks.  His presentation showed how his inspiration came from the nature around him. We wrote rhythms based on the mountain heights. The centennial of the parks is 2016 so these amazing pieces will be presented   Inspiration is all around us.

Weekend trip to Placid Lake where Katie's Grandmother has a home. Chris and Katie were visiting so we had the opportunity to share in the Burgress family get together.  Lots of family, pancakes, fishing, and socializing.  I even felt the baby kick. Wow. She is into her last trimester.  Time is flying by.

Tip of the day:  Don't  run from a mountain lion.  Fight back!!!  Look big!!!

Wally the nature photographer. Fiddle heads 

Glacier orchids peeking out from the resent snow storm

Amazing sky's