First Visit to Glacier National Park

Hi Blog!  Today is our first full day in Glacier National Park, otherwise know as "logistics day."  Our first stop was the West Entrance and the Apgar Visitor's Center.  We picked up maps, brochures and loads of information from a park ranger.  Next, we went to see the Backcountry Office to see about backpack permits.  The young woman ranger was slow to warm up, but she eventually gave us several good suggestions for backpacks.  

When we arrived in camp yesterday, we picked up a lot of tourist newspapers and brochures from the camp office.  One article in particular caught our attention.  It was about two high alpine chalets in the park.  One is the Granite Park Chalet, which operates like a hiker hostel (bring your own food, bedding, etc.).  The second one, Sperry Chalet operates like a full hotel.  They provide bedding, dinner, breakfast and bag lunch the next day.  We quickly checked the websites only to find that Granite Park was booked through August.  However, Sperry had limited availability on Friday night only.  We sent in our email request and found out this morning we got it.  So, we are planning our hike up to Sperry Chalet tomorrow.

The trailhead for the Sperry Trail is across the street from the Lake McDonald Lodge.  After the Visitor Center, we drove up the Going to the Sun Road. Luckily, Great White is allowed on this part of the road.  The highway is closed to large vehicles just beyond the lake.  We'll be taking shuttle buses to a number of our destinations.  After finding the trailhead and figuring out where to park Great White overnight, we retired to the Lake McDonald Lodge.  This 1914 Swiss style chalet is on the National Register of Historic Places.  That didn't impress us as much as their selection of local craft brews.  Wild Huckleberry Wheat Lager - yum!

After lunch, we strolled through the lobby and then the grounds.  Here is Kathy standing next to the Christmas tree in the lobby.  Turns out, July 25th is Christmas in July!  The story goes that on July 24, 1939, guests at the Old Faithful Inn were snowed in by an unexpected blizzard.  In order to entertain the guests, the hotel staff got out their Christmas decorations, baked cookies, sang carols and took folks on sleigh rides.  Thus was born the tradition of holding Christmas in July.

It was chilly this morning, so there was still a fire in the fireplace.  As you can see, the piano is all ready for the caroling to begin.

One of the original tour boats is still in operation and for a few dollars, you can take a spin around this beautiful alpine lake.

As we drove back, we stopped a couple of places just to enjoy the views.  The water was so clear, you could see through to the bottom.

We are really looking forward to hiking back into Sperry Chalet.  It will be a seven mile hike, mostly uphill, but we are told the views are amazing.  So, stay tuned.

Chat at you later.