Lake McDonald

Our first stop in the park was Lake McDonald where we stayed for two nights. We fell in love with the lake and the beautiful mountains. We went on a beautiful hike at the Sperry Trailhead.

Can you say WOW!!!

Lions and Tigers and Bears OH MY!!

My family and Sara's family took our summer vacation to Glacier National Park and Waterton Lakes National Park. We had a wonderful time enjoying the beautiful scenery and playing/hiking with cousins. On our visit to Two Medicine I broke a few hiking rules and had quite the little adventure.

The rules were:
1- Never Hike Alone
2- Tell someone where you are going
3- When entering Grizzly/Black bear territory

MAKE LOUD NOISES.

My family started the hike to Appistoki Falls and I decided to check out the lodge and do a little reading while I rested my foot from an earlier hike. That got a little boring, so I decided to join them. The walk was gorgeous and peaceful so I soaked it all in. As I turned a bend in the path, I was surprised by this walking down the path and enjoying itself.
I fortunately was about 125 feet from it and was able to get my wits about me to grab a stick and start hitting it as I said hello and backed away from Mr Black Bear. When I was a safe distance, I hightailed it back to the car. As I was walking I met a nice couple from Texas. I informed them of the bear and being separated from my family. They invited me to join them which I gratefully accepted. About 50 feet from where I saw the bear, there he was again. After my heart calmed down, I took a picture and went to join my family.

We made tons of noise as we returned to the trail head and I was SO GRATEFUL Mr Black Bear and I left on our separate ways.

Just in case you can't see the bear, I've circled it for you.

Apgar and Two Medicine

Wednesday, we headed south to Apgar and Two Medicine. The National Park Services has a wonderful program for children called the Junior Rangers. They give the children books that they can learn about conservation and unique things about the park as they drive around the park. They also ask the children to participate in a Ranger Lead Activity (Discovery Center, Ranger Stations, Hikes or talks given by the rangers). Once they complete everything, the children make a promise with the ranger to take care of the park and nature in their communities. We took Ms A to the Discovery Center where she told the ranger about "mommy's bear experience" at Appistoki Falls. She and Ms E had a great time making a beautiful park with the giant felt board. When it came time for her to take her pledge, she looked so serious. Ranger Heather gave her her Junior Ranger badge and Ms A couldn't have looked more pleased.

Ms A also enjoyed a little wading in the lake, until she realized HOW COLD the water was. We loved the view of the lake. I still can't get over the amazing view!!

Our next stop was Goat Lick, where the goats will come and lick the minerals from the rocks after the spring run-off. We didn't see any goats here, but Reed, Sara and the kids hiked up a little and saw a little goat and it's momma under the bridge.

At Two Medicine near East Glacier, we had a nice little hike around a portion of the lake out to Paradise Point. It was beautiful and windy. Sara and her kids taught us about Bear Grass, which receive it's name from Lewis and Clark. They came to a meadow full of these flowers and also bears. They thought the bears ate them.

It was fun watching Ms A hiking with her cousins. They loved spending time with each other and would make up stories as they walked.

Archery and Four-Wheeling

On our way to Glacier National Park We stopped in to visit with Reed's mom. Sara and her children joined us the next day. The kids were SUPER EXCITED about Grandma Gayla's four-wheelers and our archery. Ms A couldn't wait 'til they came and she could show off the fun ride.

I have a couple of movies that will be added once I figure out how to edit them.

Happy Fourth of July

We love the Fourth of July! There's something about it that brings such pride and stirs up wonderful childhood memories. I also love creating new memories with our little one. Ms A has been counting the days down to this wonderful day. She loves fireworks, sparklers and talking about the firework show that "was on the river and woke her up. " (our trip to Thailand) Ms A especially enjoys spending time with our friends. It was so sweet watching her calm Ms E and hold her hands during some of the fireworks. She kept saying "It's ok, we are safe." (what a great big sister she will be!)

We learned from our past Fourth of July celebrations that Ms A doesn't like the loud fireworks, neither do I, so we steer away from those and put Reed's headphones on her ears (ear plugs don't work.) As the evening wore on, it got a little chilly, so Ms A put on her jacket and out came the gloves. I think, besides the feelings of patriotism and watching the fireworks, my favorite part was watching Ms A and Mr A holding on to one another when the loud aerial was lit right above them.

Happy 234th Birthday America!!!

Ingenuity

Reed purchased a torch for laying down roofing. His logic was he could use it at the rental for the roof, as weed controller and to light fireworks. He's used it for the first two, and last night he was able to use it with the Glo-worms. We tried the lighter with no success, so Reed adapted.

Check out his smile!
We also had a few smiles and curious glances from our neighbors.

FYI: The kids were a safe distance when the lighting occurred and the Snakes performed perfectly! We'll stick with matches or lighters for the fireworks. :)