Monday
‘Let’s get going early this morning,’ we said to our delightful editor. ‘What about work?’ she replied. “Monday is not a day for work—certainly not when Glacier Park is close by,” we answered.
We were disappointed because once again there were large crowds at the park. Unfortunately, most people drive around viewing the sights and this makes for congestion. Parking becomes difficult and the crowding detracts from the natural elements. For the record, our whining is now complete. From the trailhead, we hiked 9.4 miles (return), gained 2,250 feet in elevation and ended reasonably strong. The point is that over the four hours on the trail, we came across less than twenty people. The reasonably difficult trails are always quiet. The contrast between the traffic on roads and trails is striking. Our philosophy has always been—the satisfaction we receive from something is correlated directly to the effort we exert. The more sweat, the more enjoyment. There is nothing startling about this but it’s what drives us. What is strange is why we added this last part. We think we know the reason but that is for another time.
During June, we mentioned that in one or two places we imagined we were in Eden. Today, arguably we were in the most beautiful, natural place we can remember. Truth be told, there was always a threat present in the form of grizzlies. In fact, we passed close by one that was cooling off in the river. However, we opted not to pay our respects. Besides, he or she was not appropriately dressed and one should never cause embarrassment. One may joke but there is a real threat out there. However, I commend Jenni, who has been a little concerned, and is overcoming her fear with determination and courage. After all, one can only display courage if one has fear. The writer is not without some concern, too but he hides it nicely behind the editor. We also saw a grey wolf below the summit. It is another of Hashem’s wonderful creatures that we are happy to see from a great distance or more.
Back to the splendor of the Park. For 2.7 miles, we walked through a deep forest with glimpses of the many glaciers. We also came across an antelope on our path. We walked through meadows filled with colorful flowers, clusters of trees, brooks and streams. Bushes of different shades of green made for a wonderful foreground. On and on we moved, always on the lookout for predators but enjoying the surroundings in relative tranquility. It is so beautiful that one thinks nothing can disturb this piece of paradise. Then we broke above the tree line and gasped as we saw the glaciers up close, rushing white and silver waters, unusual waterfalls and small, crystal-clear lakes. The trail comprises parts that would make a wonderful backyard garden while other sections are as rugged as one would expect in the wild. The two mesh together so naturally—it is stunning.
The remaining two miles were in the open including ascending to the saddle of the mountains, and then above and beyond. We surpassed the snow and ice as we climbed the rocky trail. It was steep but not uncomfortable. At the top, the view was outstanding or as we frequently state, breathtaking. What is difficult to explain, is the inner feelings of a person. This should be left to each individual—it is personal, affecting each in a different manner. For the writer, it is a sense of tranquility and if I may state, provides a better understanding of how the Master has arranged the world. Who knows? However, we feel blessed to enjoy the wonders.
We leave Glacier Park in the morning as we head west to join our son, Gavin, in Bellevue, Washington. Having spent twelve nights in the State of Montana, we have been uplifted, fascinated, educated, faced our fears and strengthened our muscles. We have great admiration for the beauty of this state, especially the western part that we witnessed and enjoyed. B’H.
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