Happy Birthday, Carol!
HAPPY 64th BIRTHDAY CAROL! She celebrated today with Huckleberry Pie and Cliff Bars. I got to sing her the Beatles Tune "When I'm 64". Carol said what a great job I did. Beggars can't be choosers, I'm thinking. But, her real gift was getting to cross the Continental Divide on her birthday. We crossed the Rocky Mountains at Maria's Pass 5,286 Feet.
We left at 5:15 AM under threatening skies. As we climbed we were presented with clear green creeks on the right side of the road, merging with the muddy, swift, wide Flathead River on the left side of the road. We also enjoyed the many different types of waterfalls alongside the route.
We had many restaurants listed on our map, but every one was closed on Monday. We were finally able to pull into the Half-Way House just before a deluge of water. We had a rollicking good time with Ron and Myrna Sullens, our hosts. They also had hot spicy chili which I tried to eat slowly to avoid being out in the elemtnes. But, since we laughed so hard at Ron's non stop monologue he was glad to let us stay as long as we wished. When we mentioned we were carrying sleeping bags he offered his crawl space under the house.
We had many restaurants listed on our map, but every one was closed on Monday. We were finally able to pull into the Half-Way House just before a deluge of water. We had a rollicking good time with Ron and Myrna Sullens, our hosts. They also had hot spicy chili which I tried to eat slowly to avoid being out in the elemtnes. But, since we laughed so hard at Ron's non stop monologue he was glad to let us stay as long as we wished. When we mentioned we were carrying sleeping bags he offered his crawl space under the house.
Half-Way Cafe Pam, Ron and Myrna Sullens, Essex, MT
The rain let up and we climbed the 17 miles to Maria's Pass. We must be a lot stronger because we all three felt like the ride was easier than expected. We were donated a free night at the Mountain Pine Motel in East Glacier. Pam had made contact with a park ranger, Sam Thornton, through the Internet. He came to the motel to meet us and gave us a stunning tour of East Glacier, by car.
Park Ranger Sam Thornton
We loved Two Medicine Lake surrounded by Rocky Peaks. We even got to see a bear close by grazing by the road. He was big and healthy, but didn't stick around long when the car stopped.
Black Bear in Two Medicine Lake
We also saw three mountain goats, a real bonus.
2 comments:
Great video of the rushing water. Is that Pam's handiwork? It reminded me of my little video from Costa Rica of the flood waters. And a bear! What a treat. And did you end up in the elements as a result of the chili? Hopefully, if you did, another trucker didn't spot you.
By the way, great picture of Pam; she's sure a cute 64!
It's so assuring to me how many people keep popping up who want to help you guys. Americans aren't so bad after all, eh? And I'm sure most of them are even republicans!
I wanted to let everyone know that I mis-spoke when identifying the animals on the hillside. After a clearer view the next day they were bighorn sheep ewes and not goats. Early in the season sheep look very white as they lose their winter coat and the ewes also have short pointed horns like the goats. My bad!
--Sam Thornton, Glacier Park Ranger
Post a Comment