Montana, maybe my new favourite state?

Leaving Gardiner we were headed north toward Glacier National Park, a journey of about 400 miles through what proved to be more spectacular scenery.

Montana is ranked 4th in size, but 48th in population density of the 50 United States and totally earns its nickname of ‘Big Sky Country.’

None of the photos I took do this area justice but I did manage to startle this little lady when we randomly pulled over for a pic and I almost trod on her – not sure who got the biggest shock? She was guarding a couple of furry yellow chicks.

Lunch en route was at Wolf Creek….. Another massive but satisfying burger and no, we didn’t meet Mick πŸ˜‰

With our final destination not too far distant we were considerably delayed by extensive roadworks just out of Browning and we were starting to get anxious about a later than expected arrival into Many Glacier Hotel. My (extensive) research had led us to believe that a small lake near Many Glacier would be our best chance to spot the somewhat elusive (til now) moose. We had seen one from a distance in YNP but dusk at Fishercap Lake was our objective.

Finally the 100 year old Many Glacier Hotel loomed into view and we quickly checked in (even more Dirty Dancingish) and checked instructions for moose spotting and we’re off again to a parking area about 10 minutes away. As we hurried along the path people were photographing a big deer (?white tail) but excitedly told us there were FIVE moose at the lake!

Barely able to conceal our excitement, and to be honest, not really trying, we rounded the corner and there they were! Well, two of them anyway… One calf was just disappearing into the forest and two others had obviously gone but Mr and Mrs Moose were chest deep feeding in the lake, absolutely sensational viewing.

We spoke to some of the others watching on shore and apparently the night before a female had charged someone who was too close for comfort so we sat quietly and enjoyed the privilege of watching these massive creatures – definitely a tick off the bucket list.

Eventually we tore ourselves away and headed back to the historic Many Glacier Hotel, once again vowing not to do single night stays next time!

The second to last dinner was spent in the scenic dining room overlooking the lake and celebrating our moose sighting!

The next morning under beautiful blue skies we headed off to tackle the famous Going To The Sun Road (GTTS) – not for the faint hearted we were told.

Facts about GTTS – the road is one of the most difficult roads in North America to snowplow in the spring. Up to 24 m of snow can lie on top of Logan Pass. The road takes about ten weeks to plow, even with equipment that can move 4000 tons of snow in an hour. The snowplow crew can clear as little as 150 m of the road per day. On the east side of the continental divide, there are few guardrails due to heavy snows and the resultant late winter avalanches that have repeatedly destroyed every protective barrier ever constructed.

Wow!

Unfortunately, despite great weather at the outset, cloud and rain swept in at the highest point and visibility was not the greatest but we did get great vistas elsewhere. It was white knuckle driving at times though πŸ˜‰

Eventually dropping down into the valley again, the weather cleared and we stopped for lunch after exploring some lovely river views on the way.

Mid afternoon we reached the southern end of Lake MacDonald and Apgar Village, our last night together with Zo. I had fortuitously snagged cabin number 8 – absolutely quaint, rustic and perfectly situated right on a little inlet of the lake. Picnic table out the front crying out for sunset wine me thinks πŸ˜‰

And last mother daughter chats…..

And, we saw a beaver

On our last day we visited Whitefish where Zo caught up with an old friend, we shopped a bit and then eventually headed to Kalispell airport to fly on to Portland again. Russell and I to overnight before flying home the next day and Zo to continue on to Vancouver, meet Rach in the airport and together to set off to Halifax and check out what Nova Scotia has to offer.

Tearful farewells were expected but unexpectedly short when we landed to find Zoe’s flight had been cancelled and she was very lucky to be reassigned through Seattle, a flight that was leaving immediately. Tears from us girls, Russell missed out altogether as he had gone on to get our luggage, unaware of the drama unfolding πŸ™

Anyway, as I write this in Melbourne airport ( with us having missed our Adelaide connection ) Zoe and Rach are happily ensconced in new digs in Halifax NS and I am thinking ahead to 2016……

This trip has really been three trips in one and has been absolutely amazing – in no small part due to our fellow travellers on each and every leg! May there be many happy reunions and laughs in the future as we recount our adventures πŸ™‚

The End

Ps. Apologies for typos/auto corrects, I’m tired and haven’t proof read!

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