Snow in August?

 

We arrived yesterday in Kalispell, a 30 minute drive to Glacier National.  We chose Spruce Park (tons to choose from here) as it was on the Flathead River, inexpensive yet had full hook ups including cable, wifi, and 50 amp. 

 

I spotted this in the RV Park (below).  Next time I complain about our mechanical misfortunes, remind me that Mike could have opted to bring the Harley on this adventure instead!

 

Arriving to cool 65 temps was initially a welcome reprieve from some of the recent heat.  However, waking up this morning to rain and 40 degrees was not in the plan.  Unfortunately this weather is called for until Thursday and we can't wait around until then to sightsee so off we went to Glacier National.

I was glad we opted to camp outside of the national park.  Not sure I could maintain my composure if we were taking these roads in the 40 foot monster.

 

 

 

 

Now that I have a shiny new camera we have been dealt terrible weather that blocked what we understand to be mind blowing views.  We got an inkling of the beauty, but nothing compared to what a clear day might be like.

 

 

 

 

 

Even if the weather more amenable for a rafting trip down the river, I think these granite kitchen counters interlaced through the river might make for a bumpy ride!

 

So beautiful though...

 

 

 

 

We were told to stop into the Lake McDonald Lodge along the Sun Road.  It was pouring down rain but we ran in to take a few pictures of this lodge that has been operating since 1914.  Especially loved the Indian story telling on the large inviting fireplace.

 

 

We caught just a bit of the wildlife...

 

 

OK, I confess that the Hoary Marmot comes to you courtesy of the local taxedermist.  Hell, no one wanted to come out in this unusual August weather!

Like morons we continued to climb the mountain pass in hopes that when we reached Logan's Pass (the highest point) the clouds would suddenly clear and we'd have the views we were promised.  We got this instead...

 

 

 

Peanut stayed in the car most of the day so Mike brought him a souvenir for his water dish.  The little guy would have no part of it.

 

Here's what we might have seen at this spot if we'd arrived yesterday or just about any day in July or August...

 

One of the rangers was kind enough to take our picture as we'd hoped to have it.

 

We learned that there are only a few glaciers left in the park and should you want to see them, come within the next ten years and wait for the clouds to clear. 

The temperatures are expected to be back in the 60's tomorrow but more rain is coming.  We're willing to golf in this rain, but no more sightseeing and car rock climbing.  We'll find the most highly recommended course locally for tomorrow and then we're on our way to Coeur D'Alene, Idaho.  My mom is flying up to meet us there and we have a tee time at the Lake Coeur D'Alene Resort.  Should be a great photo op with the famous floating green on the lake.  I'll let you know if they make us row our own boat out to the green.

Good luck to all of our friends playing in the World Am this week in Myrtle Beach.  As well, good luck Andrew, in the Pacific Amateur in Oregon, also taking place this week.  Most of all, have fun!  This really is a great game!

 

Comments

[Andrew]

the horror, the horror...

me no likie the snow or cold.

the park looks beautiful though. please DRIVE SAFE on the slickery stuff.

thanks for the good wishes. my swing seems to be coming around so maybe this time i play better at this wonderful tournament in beautiful Bend OR.

all the best to everyone in Myrtle at the World Am - I'll probably be there next year.

BTW, the last photo of you and Mike is a really good one.

If you end up in Walla Walla WA check out the Wine Valley Golf club and the local winery scene.

If you come to Bend OR I have another course to add to your list: Bend Golf and Country Club. I'm playing it in the tournament tomorrow and it has a ton of old fashioned charm.

Seriously, drive safe.

[Pami Pires]

Sorry you didn't get the full impact of Glacier! However, you got snow and it is getting to be that time of the year! Hope you have better luck in Coeur d'Alene...don't forget to grab a hamburger at Hudson's across from the marina/hotel! We are freezing in Yellowstone until Thursday! The south entrance was even closed today because of snow...we came into West Yellowstone from Bozeman...great scenic drive!
Happy Trails and Hit em Straight...especially on that floating green!!

[Susan Erway]

We loved Glacier but had better weather when we were there. There was an avalanche on the road to the sun the day after we hiked in that area. Still spectacular national parks. Where to next. We are in Santa Fe NM on our way to Phoenix then Las Vegas. Will be touring Utah, Colorado and Arizona NPs. See you soon Safe travels.