Blog 5 - Northern Montana

The travelers have parted with Phil and Linda heading north to Calgary while Dave, Jeannine, Bruce and I continue west to Anaconda, MT. A beautiful golf course built atop the Anaconda copper smelter is beckoning. But first a campsite for  the night must be found. Traveling down a small county road we cross to a dirt road and find 2 campsites situated on Lost Creek. The ranger immediately helped us settle in while telling us about his mama black bear and cub, Golden Eagles and doe and fawn who reside nearby. There was a great hike to a roaring waterfall. Firewood was free(what a treat) and the bear cub was spotted early the next morning.
The next day we headed straight to the golfcourse, hoping tee times were available. They were and the fousome did. Beautiful vistas from every fairway. With a thunderstorm bearing down and the last hole having gimme putts we barely got wet.
Leaving Anaconda we headed north to Flathead Lake. Again we were met with gorgeous scenery and rugged terrain. As we settled into the best KOA we have ever seen a brief thunderstorm presented us with a sparkling rainbow over the lake. Our stay in Polson was too short but Glacier NP was waiting.
Glacier is almost 104 years old and like many parks in this region, the railroads were great promoters and major players in their establishment.  The park was barely opened and not at all crowded. Glacier Park is well known for breathtaking mountain peaks and clear, high mountain lakes.  We even attended an evening church service on the Lake McDonald shoreline.

Later that evening we enjoyed steaks and a roaring fire. Our wood wasn't great but scavenger Dave kept us warm. We think the next morning he read the regs about removing any natural elements We didn't really remove them we change them into ashes.

On Monday we prepared to cross the border into Canada with the goal of reuniting with the Drapers in Banff, Alberta.  With bear spray, alcohol, and meat in tow we are ready for the next leg of our 10k mile journey.