Nose Creek the goats

Every now and then I pay a visit to the Birth Place Forest at Confluence Park.  It's a peaceful place and holds lots of meaning.  The past couple of weeks the Park was host to special visitors.  I dropped in to see how they were doing.  First I had to find where they were hanging out.  I found a side trail that lead me away from the main paved trail.

Then I followed along a longer trail that seemed it could be heading in the right direction.

the notice

(as it turns out, these are placed throughout the Park)

Beyond the bushes, there they were,  the home away from home for the crew, horses, dogs and the famous goats.  The goats were penned in, a fellow was doing dishes, the dogs were napping, the herder was speaking with a few children and the horses were idle in the trailer.  

It appeared to me that the crew were just finishing their lunch break and were getting ready to get back to work for the afternoon.  While the goats were in the pen, every now and then the odd one would some how get loose.  Two young girls were responsible for herding them back in.  The goats, big & little, were working on the grass and thistles in this area while they waited to be set free.  I went about my day while they waited to go about theirs.

I found another long trail to meader down.

...taking time to appreciate nature...

The bench was perfectly located to just sit and while away some time.  

The bench was on the edge of the Birth Forest and I strolled through it before heading home.  

There were lots of newly planted little trees.

The goats will soon be moving on to greener pastures!

Glacier National Park Montana Day 5

GOODBYE    HELLO

I woke to what is to be another absolutely gorgeous day in Glacier National Park.  But, this is go day for me, go home day.  Reluctantly I loaded up my vehicle, took one last look at the view in front of me this time, and slowly drove down the winding narrow road.

It was early, and Many Glacier was just waking up.  

At the intersection, instead of heading towards St Mary, I aimed for north.  I pulled over to have one last look at St Mary Lake and the mountains open for hiking and thought what a grand time all the folks will have there today while I say GOODBYE to you!

 HELLO!

On the drive home, I relived how fortunate I was with how these past days played out.  I had expectations for my early season visit, but these expectations were exceeded way beyond.  This National Park is so close to home but I felt like I was worlds away.  If you read my previous posts, you will know that I happened upon a long Ranger out there and spent about two hours with him.  We talked about everything and shared our feelings with regards to being "out & about".  While he lives his dream daily at work, I lived my dream these past few days.

Glacier National Park Montana Day 4

Oh how I scored with the room I ended up in at Swift Current in Many Glaciers.  A minute walk from my front door and I'm at the triail head for the hike to Iceberg Lake.  I knew for sure this early in the season, the lake would contain icebergs. That's what makes this destination so unique, so you want to make sure you are on with your timing.  It can vary year to year how long the icebergs stitch around.  Not only was the timing right for icebergs, it was for wildflowers too.  

This destination would be busy today so as usual I went for the early start to beat the rush.  The views were immediately, and this is the first, only a minute right outside my door.  

The early morning colors are my favourite.

Around every corner, I was greeted by some kind of bouquet or another.

Early season also meant there were many waterfalls of all sizes.

Like the Ranger told me yesterday, beargrass is plentiful this year.

The beargrass was big and tall.

                                

The bowl where Iceberg Lake sits came into clear view yet there was still about two kilometres of beauty to go.  I was excited to see what the lake looked like.  I hoped for not totally frozen.  I wanted partial melt with many icebergs.

Just before arriving at Iceberg Lake there is another small lake to the right.

Then!  There it is!  I see water!  I see icebergs!

There are three others here, all solo males.  They were scattered around the arrival area. I scooted off to the left side to claim my spot for what turned out being an hour.  First things first, I secured my destination shot.

reflections & colors

                                        

 icebergs

After having a snack I took time to play.  I found a small berg close to shore, my very own iceberg.  It was small but my goodness was it heavy.  I could only lift it a couple of inches.

more reflecting icebergs

After an hour and with more and more folks beginning to arrive, I hit the trail again for a leisurely eight kilometer hike back.  The views heading back were just as spectacular. 

                                   

seeing forever

I must have met at least a hundred folks heading up to the Lake.  It is one of the most popular hikes in the Many Glaciers area.  From looking at my photos you can see why they flock to there.  I swear more wild flowers blossomed while I was at Iceberg Lake.  They lined the trail the entire way once I got through the thick forest and back to the open.

After the final descent section, I was home!

This is my fourth day here in Glacier National Park, and the fourth day of sunshine, warmth and beauty.   I am surprised at the lack of snow and the number of trails that are already open for business so early in the season.  I did much more hiking than I expected to be able to do.  My intentions for this trip were a little hiking and lots of just sight-seeing and photography.  I feel fortunate that I ended experiencing lots of all three components.

Glacier National Park Montana Day 3

I debated whether to drive to the Far East side to hike Scenic Point which I knew was in perfect condition or take a chance that the snow slopes were not too bad for the hike to Piegan Pass.  That road to Scenic Point scares me as do snow slopes.  Which is worse?  The drive for Piegan Pass is short, I could wait and go a bit later when I know folks are ahead of me, don't care to be first and alone  to clear the bears away along the early on long forested stretch.  I opted to give Piegen Pass a try knowing I could turn around if the snow slopes got the better of me.

     

I made the final decision while having coffee on my veranda and taking in the view.

I came to the trail head for Piegan a Pass and there were no vehicles there so I drove the few minutes more up to Logan Pass to hang out for a short bit.  This is what it looks like at 7:45 am before the crazy starts. 

    I checked the view below to see the fog still hanging in there.

The Visitor Center did not open until 9:00am so I ate a banana at my car then went into the washroom.  While I came out there was shouting and running about going on.  Parks People appeared from where I don't know and held everyone back from the grizzly Mom and her cub. I watched for a little while then drove down hill to begin my hike.

There were now four vehicles here and I was happy for that.  The trail starts along the creek.  Then it takes a sharpe turn to the right and the climb through the forest begins.  I was purposely and obviously loud as I made my way.

At the first intersection after about two kilometres, I came upon a Ranger.  His job for the day was checking trail conditions for Piegan Pass and Siyeh Pass and to put up a warning sign.  We ended up hiking together the entire way to Piegan Pass.  This was perfect, he was great company.  

passing through Preston Park which is carpeted with glacier lilies

He had loads of gear to carry, including this red sign and a drill. The sign warns that in fire damaged areas trees can fall, rocks can fall, ground can give way, flash floods can occur.  This was posted at the second intersection where the trail veers off to Siyeh Pass.

                                 

Then everything opens up and I could see the trail forever as it traverses the slope.  At this point we already crossed three snow slopes. One is not worth mentioning, the other two I was OK with although I did hold my breath until I got to the other side.  

We arrived at Piegan Pass.  The Ranger stopped here to have a snack and then he was heading back to hike up to Siyeh Pass.   I carried on a bit further....    

   .....to where I could see more and to capture my destination shot.

   looking down into the valley on the other side of Piegan Pass

    the local marmot 

    The Pass was covered in wild flowers.

Once the marmot had his visit with the cairn then I took my turn.  I also made this spot my dining location.  You can see the snow slopes below my elbow. Keep in mind they are a few kilometres away from where I am. 

    another view of the valley I came up and the slope I traversed

I had Piegan Pass to myself after the Ranger left.  Then it was time for me to leave.  I could see off in the distance people ascending and the Ranger stopping to talk to them.  I am parked center photo at the end of that long thin beige line.

    passing through Preston Park

    Preston Park

I met lots of people coming up now and once again so I thankful for my early start.  Also it was very hot with this being the hottest one yet at 31 Celsius.  I got through the forest section and back to the open part aiming for the creek.

                                           

The Ranger told me the beargrass was plentiful this year.     

                                  

What a day this was.  It was an experience to share the trail for two hours one in one with the Ranger. We chatted the entire time.  There is so much involved in his day.  He needed to pay attention to announcements in his radio and I felt like I was privy to insider information as I listened also.  This man is living his dream! There is too much info we talked about to share here but I will document it for myself.  What I experienced today will make this a memorable Canada Day celebration!