Majesty
DETAILS
When — May 30th, 2O22
Where — West Glacier, MT - Spokane, WA
Mileage — 266
Compliments on my motorcycle - 2
Majestic lunch company
Maybe I was exhausted or maybe it was the mountain air, but I slept very well at the Glacier KOA. It was the best night sleep I had in weeks. I woke up in the morning unzipped my tent and could see the sun just starting to peek over the mountain behind my campsite. I quickly picked up my phone and saw that I had a decent forecast for the day. I made my camp breakfast, broke down my campsite (by the way there was no moisture on the rain fly so everything packed up dry!) and loaded the motorcycle.
The plan was to go back to Glacier National Park and take the Going to the Sun Road to the Avalanche Lake trail head. Learn more about the road here—> Going to the Sun Road. Unfortunately, The road is not fully open so instead, I planned a hike. This trail a 5 mile round-trip that goes to a lake that is fed by the Sperry glacier. The goal was to hit that trail have lunch at the lake, hike back, and then leave to Spokane, WA.
I entered the park and was instantly seized by the amazing view of the northern Rocky Mountains as I progressed down the road . I started thinking this is going to be a problem because I kept stopping to take photos! I do have a GoPro that I’ve been running on the motorcycle, but I’ve been having trouble getting the videos on to my iPad. I think I cUGHT a mama black bear and her cub on video. I need to get these videos posted!
The temperature was 53° I had my layers on and I had been pretty warm, but for some reason when I started seeing the snow in the mountains I started feeling a little cold! I pulled into the overflow parking area, put on my hiking shoes and packed a knap sack with water and lunch. The trail was very muddy and started at an altitude of about 3800 feet and then climbed up to about 4,100 feet. The trail was heavily covered with trees only a few open spots to allow some warm sun. The brisk walk up the mountain warmed me up pretty quickly. So in summary cold, muddy, and 2.5 miles up hill - Who wants to go?
The trail followed what I will call a creek but is actually the water that’s flowing off of the mountains from glacier or snow pack. The water moved quickly like a flash flood. The trail was rocky and many times came very close to the edge of the water. This hike was no joke.
Finally, I came around a bend and I could see Avalanche Lake and in the background the mountain covered with snow. The quiet stillness only interrupted by the waterfall at the extreme far end of the lake. I was there early so it was not crowded. I found a trail spur that cut down to a place where there were log benches rolled alongside the shore but surrounded by water. I was able to use a few of stepping stones over to one of those and sat by myself to enjoy my little lunch and look over the lake.
I kept thinking of the word majestic. The darkness makes the mountains look somewhat purple. They are regal, king sized, and forceful with jutting rocks and cliffs. I ate my lunch in silent respect to the mighty king mountains that allowed my presence.
After lunch I packed up and began my hike down the mountain. The trail became crowded and I was observing everyone’s faces and attitudes. As people were finishing the first 2.5 leg, many would ask how much further do I have? I was tracking on my GPS and could give them an estimate. These folks had serious expressions. They were focused on breathing and not slipping in the mud. No talking with others. For some in the middle of the journey they were talkative, but there seemed to be more strife. I wold hear little disputes between significant others about the best route to avoid the mud. At the beginning of the trail head people are laughing and talking with the excitement of seeing an amazing wonder. It was very interesting to just see the mood change as everyone’s 2.5 mile hike concluded. I started thinking about my big trip. How will I make sure my enthusiasm does not wane? Can I finish like I started? Am I pushing too hard? All food for thought as I descended the mountain.
I loaded the motorcycle and I started the 266 miles to Spokane Washington, where I will spend the evening. I followed US route 2 and then Montana route 2 towards Spokane. These two roads provided outstanding scenery and mountain lakes along with some very nice curves. The ride was very entertaining. It was so nice to ride dry with the sun on my back and the beautiful vistas to admire. About 60 miles outside of Spokane some very ominous thunderheads were forming. I jumped into my rain gear and plowed through. When I thought the worst was over, I had some small hail hit me. I’m beginning to think if you’re going to ride 300-400 miles a day in the mid-West in June, you are likely to see some rain, somewhere. I think am just going to plan for rain everyday, and then will be presently surprised when it does not show up.
I wrapped up my day in Spokane in a fantastic Mexican restaurant with street tacos and a few beers. Tomorrow I visit the Grand Coulee Dam and ride only 211 miles. I will then have a short trip to enter Seattle and a rendezvous with Steph!
I appreciate everyone’s supportive comments on Facebook and in the emails. When I cross into Pacific Time I will be three hours behind. It will be hard for me to get the blog out by the end of the day Eastern Standard. My plan is to use Facebook to make sure that people know I’ve gotten where I want to be and then I’ll get the blog in sometime late that night or first thing in the morning. I appreciate all the support and encouragement.
