Icebergs

2023-07-06
Glacier National Park, MT

Contrary to the forecast weather, it was even colder last night getting down to 43 F at one point. There wasn't much practical difference between that and the temperature on the previous night; our gear was up to the task and we slept well. Annoyingly, we did have a dew-wet tent in the morning which we had to pack into a plastic bag for later.

Last trip we mentioned when it rained because it was noteworthy. This trip we have encountered rain every day. It hasn't slowed us much, beyond some goopy mud on a hike. So today is noteworthy because (spoiler alert) it didn't rain.

We had an entry pass for Many Glaciers Road that I reserved on March 1. You can plan your whole vacation in October but if you don't get that pass in March it's a big problem. They sold out in about 30 minutes, although they do release some the one day before that you can try to get as well, or you can go in before 6:00 AM. Of course if you have a pass then your experience is much better with fewer people. It's a reasonable compromise.

Today's hike was up to Iceberg Lake, 9 miles round trip. The lake itself is in a caldera that doesn't get a lot of sun so there are icebergs floating on the lake most of the year. No Titanics allowed. Thunder punctuated our return trip, but the careful reader knows that we did not get rained upon.

The route up went past Ptarmigan Falls, but it turns out there is no decent viewing place for the falls. You end up at the top but without even a way to look down the falls. You'll just have to trust me that it was nice. Or better yet, hike out. However, the lake was more photogenic.

After yesterday's plethora of wildlife, the bar was a bit higher as to what we would see. However, the only common animal was the ubiquitous ground squirrel. Today's wildlife included a black bear, a moose, and a grizzly bear.

After the hike we headed west to get a jump start on our relocation tomorrow. We drove across Going to the Sun Road because we could (we had a pass to drive through the pass). The western side of the road was closed due to fires the last time I visited so it was all new to me. We stopped a couple times for the views, and then on to Kalispell for the night. After dinner at a local pub, we found a small neighborhood park which - coupled with a strong breeze - allowed us to dry the tent in about 15 minutes. I'm glad they aren't made of cotton.