Day 5: July 6, 2012 by Jenn

The day after yesterday.  This morning we slept in and took our time doing much of anything since we had designated today as a "rest day".  Another beautiful day with clear skies.  


We decided to head to Logan Pass again today and do an "easy" hike to Hidden Lake Lookout.  We first had lunch in the parking lot and got on our way around 12:30.  The whole trail, basically, was covered in snow.  After yesterday, we figured "piece of Norske Nook pie" - it was only 1.5 miles one way and 700 ft or so of climbing.  Up we went through a bunch of snow.  


Soon, though, our "piece of Norske Nook pie" became difficult when we had to pass the side of the mountain.  I was terrified but, of course, Geoff passed it easily.  I was near tears and ready to turn around...if only I could figure out how.  Then, a very nice man shared a trekking pole with me till the end.  WHEW.  It took a bit of mental recovery but then I was able to enjoy the views.  In all, we were at about 7,000 ft elevation and could see for many, many miles.  The way back was slightly easier and I was happy to be back on pavement.  

Classic photo op at Logan Pass off of the Going to the Sun Road

Hey look, the boardwalk we were supposedly walking on the whole time to Hidden Lake Overlook!

Hidden Lake

Mountain Goat Mom and Baby

After this, we decided to be touristy and hit the gift shops.  We also spoke to another ranger to narrow down our hikes and we're glad we did.  While many trails are open, they are still very dangerous ones that cross snow fields and avalanche paths.  We have chosen our final hikes - Scenic Point in Two Medicine, Grinnel Lake and - depending on how tired our legs are - Apgar or Huckleberry Lookouts on the West side of the park.  We decided to stick to the East side camps and trails.  While we know we're missing out on "variety", we're seeing spectacular sights and we have been very pleased with our choices!

Tonight we splurged and showered, with plans to eat at Many Glacier Hotel as they just opened up their dining room after one year of renovations.  Walking into the hotel was already great - big log poles and in true "Swiss" style.  There were great photos lining the walls of the glaciers "then and now".  Most of the first photos taken were between 1910-1915, the most recent in the 2000's.  Shocking, to say the least.  Also, the hotel itself has beautiful views of Swiftcurrent Lake with the mountains and glaciers behind.  

When we finally got to the dining room, we were not disappointed.  Modern, but still with a "lodge" fell.  The food was delicious, too.  I had Rocky Mountain trout and Geoff had bison chili and duck with huckleberries for dinner.  For desert, we had huckleberry ice cream.  YUM!  It's been great to camp, but it's nice to treat ourselves here and there, too.  

A pretty darn good attempt at a panoramic of St. Mary's Lake

The dining hall inside of Many Glacier.  Look for Jenn in the photo!

After dinner, we came back to camp.  Let it be known that on this date at about 9:00pm, Geoff has officially handed over all fire starting to me, the Girl Scout (over the Indian Guide :) ).  Boxed wine by the fire before tucking in for the night.  Another great end to another great day!