GLACIER NATIONAL PARK REVISITED

We have been enjoying "Glacier" since the first Summer we arrived in Montana in 1993. We never cease to be amazed by its natural beauty. We have never stopped feeling an overwhelming sense of peace and spirituality as we drive into the park through its gates. This time, we hiked a total of 17 miles in 24 hours, not too bad for a couple of "advanced middle-agers".

 On the shores of Lake McDonald

We arrived at the park around 3 pm Saturday and decided that, after sitting in the car for 3.5 hours, we need to move around a bit. So, we decided to do one of the first hikes we did at Glacier several years ago, the 6 miles round trip to Fish Lake

 Bridge over Snyder Creek on the way to Fish Lake

 Fish Lake, small but beautiful

Sunday morning on the way to Logan Pass going up Going-to-the-Sun Road. The clouds provided a mystical aura

 The weather in Glacier is unpredictable, so we always come prepared. When we arrived at Logan Pass, elevation 6,700 feet, it was windy and 39 degrees. Do you think that was going to deter us from our 6 mile round trip hike to Hidden Lake? NOT!

 Mountain Goats, a nanny and her kid, right off the trail

 Made it to Hidden Lake, greeted by a field of blosoming Bear Grass

 Spectacular

 Yellow Columbine (above) and Blooming Sally (below)

 Bighorn Sheep just below the trail

 After a lunch break, we drove down to the Avalanche Lake trail head for a quick 5 mile round trip hike. Avalanche Creek was roaring and beautiful.

 Avalanche Lake

Next year we are planning to go into the back country and spend 2 nights at Sperry Chalet, a rustic lodging facility in one of the most beautiful settings in the park. The chalet has no electricity or running water, and it is a 6.5 mile hike from the trail head. Looking forward to it! JIR

LITTLE BLACKFOOT RIVER MEADOWS

Another great find a short drive from our home. The 10.5 mile round trip hike to the Little Blackfoot River Meadows surrounded us with beauty, peace and harmony with nature. Our canines enjoyed the hike as much as we did, dipping themselves in the frigid waters of the river whenever they could.

The view at the turnaround spot, the subalpine Little Blackfoot Meadows. Doesn't get much better than this for lunch al fresco.

XAVIER (AND DANNY'S) VISIT

 At 22 months of age, Xavi is very active, witty and smart. He has an developed an extensive language, most of which we still have to decipher on the fly. "Abu", "Abi", "Tio" and "Tia" come out loud and clear. We hiked, played lots with rocks and water, and gave him lots of love and attention. Looking forward to seeing him and his parents soon.JIR  

BIRTHDAY TESTIMONIAL

BIRTHDAY TESTIMONIAL

As we get older we tend to dwell more on our past than in what lies ahead; what formed us, and has defined who we are today. My reflections today have been focused on a great sense of gratitude for the people who have impacted my life, and who helped form the backbone on my true self:

·         My mother, who nearly died giving birth to me 63 years ago

·         My beautiful (inside and out) life companion for 35 of those years, who has balanced and nurtured me, and raised our wonderful progeny

·         My parents, who instilled in me many of the values that have guided me, and still do

·         My grandparents and other family members, caring, loving, and skilled surrogates for my parents when they were absent

·         My (younger) sister, whose butt I wiped many times, but who despite that, has appreciated my life and my family

·         My high school classmates and friends, who jointly with me, formed a unique and everlasting bond of friendship

·         My children, their spouses, and our grandson, who have brought joy to my life, and shared with me their energy and enthusiasm to live life to its fullest

·          My friends and teachers through life, who have provided support, guidance and reassurance in all matters of life

·         My co-workers, who have acknowledged my professional skills, as well as my humanity 

XAVI, ABU AND ABI

What is life but  a journey, a collage of good and bad experiences, some preserved in our memory banks, others forgotten. Hopefully, when we look back at those experiences and how we have lived our life, we will be satisfied and at peace with ourselves. Such introspection will continue to fuel our drive to live life to its fullest, always preserving the good values we have learned from our family, or developed ourselves through the example and/or mentorship of others.

This past weekend's experience is one of those not to be forgotten. Our grandson recognized us instantly, and soon gave us the names he will call us for the rest of our lives, Abu and Abi. We played, walked, laughed, and were plain old silly. Soulful fuel for lots more experiences ahead. JIR