Sun Point to St. Mary's Falls Glacier National Park August 6, 2010

This was my last day in Glacier National Park in Montana!  I wanted one more hike, an opportunity to get closer to the St Mary Lake vistas I saw yesterday.  There was an 8 km hike that started at Sun Point just down the road from Rising Sun Motor Inn where I was staying.  I  packed up and checked out by 8:15 then headed on my way.  Not home, but to the trailhead!  One more hike! It started here!

For a couple of kilometers the trail followed the lake high above.  The morning light was perfect for beautiful pictures.  I could see dark clouds forming in the distance so made this a quick hike.

The trail headed down near the lake and became more tree lined and also followed a creek.  

At Baring Falls, I took a short detour to this dock.  I walked out to the end and took a few photos in each direction.  What a pretty area!

Such pretty colors!

I arrived at St Mary's Falls which was my destination. 

I climbed around on the rocks.

I wasn't ready to pack it in, so hiked another kilometer to see Virginia Falls and then returned to St Mary's Falls to catch the shuttle bus back to my car.  I had a quick bite to eat then prepared for the drive back to Calgary, Alberta, Canada.  Once again, I had the road to myself, the Boarder crossing to  myself and most of the drive from there was sparse of traffic and I sailed home easily.

It was a fun and amazing trip.  It felt like I was away forever!  It is so close and easily can be done as a longer long weekend.  It was a growing experience and a learning experience. I know I can do it on my own.   I know I am allowed to take bear spray into the United States and I am allowed to return to Canada with it.  I know that three 1.5 liter bottles of frozen water work as my ice source for four days and water source for three (under the weather conditions that I experienced).   I know I am fine being the driver on the Going-To-The-Sun-Road.  The biggest thing I learned and know is that I will go back!