Glatiated

What a start to the day. Our first night of camping at Glacier was surprisingly comfortable compared to the freezing temperatures at Yellowstone, 300 miles south. Yogurt parfaits are still tasting great for breakfast. Information about Glacier hikes is scarce other than where they are, the distance and elevation changes. We decided to talk to the RaAanger on our way out. Had a slightly amusing conversation with an overly cheery park ranger at Fishcreek Campgrounds. He had an uncanny resemblance to Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story. RaAanger Buzz, who could be the poster child for National Parks PR, gave us some advice about swimming, "If you jump in at Apgar Pier, you won't immediately go into cardiac arrest. The water temperature hovers around 50 degrees, but because of the sun, Apgar is slightly warmer. Of course I shouldn't be telling you this because there are signs posted not to go swimming off the pier". It was a genuinely unique but cheery start to the day. Swimming was definitely out.

Relying on electronica has it's limitations. We stopped in at Eddies Restaurant in Apgar Village to charge cell phones and get a cup of coffee while we waited. Of course we had to have breakfast and split eggs, hash browns and thick cut bacon. It all sat well with the yogurt parfait we had at the campgrounds. 

Took a drive to Logan Pass on the Going to the Sun Road. Except for the roadwork, which had us stop at multiple points, it was interesting driving up steep switchbacks, with sweeping views of giant mountains just over the very narrow shoulder. The road actually hung off in some places, cantilevering off the mountain. It is understandable the need for road repair after seeing evidence of avalanches, with snapped off trees at peculiar heights and a tangle of them and other mountain debris partially down the slopes. There was a good view of the 50,000+ acres fire storm that hit Glacier in 2003. Going to the Sun Run Road is aptly name, based on the whining Compass was doing. But she had no problems going down. It's amazing how many people don't know how to use low gear going down long, steep grades, the smell of hot brakes was in the air, often, but not from us.

Meandered around McDonald Lodge, bought some interesting jewelry and browsed the tourist trinkets. Then headed to McDonald Creek Falls, for some art making. No one would believe the color of the water, if we would't put pictures up to prove it. The deepest teal, maybe cerulean…. look at the pictures. So much water pours through some narrow passages, it reminds me of the Hydraulics in Smoky Mountains. Definitely not going down these.

A good deal of the late afternoon was spent trying to get wifi. We learned that the sign on the map for Fishcreek Campgrounds was not for wifi, but in fact for an amphitheater. Could it be that the sign designer is unaware of what a wifi marker looks like?????  Nooo, couldn't be. Finally got a signal at West Glacier, a small town out of the west entrance to the park, and took care of some business.

Dinner was chili and rice, this time with sharp cheddar. Ah, to die for. With our stowaway gone, we had no newspapers to start the evening fire. Camille did a great job figuring it all out, and we roasted what appears to be our last marshmallows of the trip. There is a technique for roasting the perfect marshmallow. Close to the embers, rotating slowly, so the insides have a chance to melt. When the marshmallow expands and threatens to fall off, you know you've reached marshmallow nirvana. Eat carefully, it will be hot.