Milk River and then . . . Home Again

Writing on Stone Prov Pk
Site #14, p only

We said our goodbyes to Glacier National Park and headed towards Canada -- passing Chief Mountain, Montana.

We spent the last two nights of this RV trip at "Writing on Stone Provincial Park". It remains one of our favourite camping spots although we haven't been there since Fall 2006. There have been some upgrades. One of the biggest is the addition of 45 or so power sites. Nice! Previously there were only 7. Also? A beautiful new interpretive centre which was being built when we were last here.

We went on a couple of bike rides around the park. Met and enjoyed visiting with some Vancouver RV-ers. And Ron hiked the "Hoodo Trail". No rattle snakes on the trail this time.

The best part about this place was being able bring out the capri's and the shorts again. Warmer and therefore later nights at the campfire. And putting away the electrical heater. Gotta love that this is Alberta's hot spot.

Now we unpack what has been our home for 6 plus weeks. There is mega laundry to be done and a few minor RV repairs that need to happen. It is also time to think about the lake. And a lawn that will need to be mowed.  Yes . . . Home again . . .

RE: East Glacier, Montana

Last night was not a good night. The RV was a rockin'. (And we weren't participating in this.)
W I N D. Big time.

Anyway, I guess we will pack up, take it easy and try to go as far as Cardston, AB. It's only about 30 km to the border and probably another 30 km to Cardston.
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Lee Creek Campground in Cardston
Site #22 - $27.40, p/w/s, Internet leecr12543, Temp 9C

Quiet evening doing internet. Morning groceries at Extra Foods and on road by 10:15 am.

East Glacier, Montana

Johnsons of St Mary Campground
Site #44 - $39, p/w, Internet at office, Temp 11C & dropping, windy!*

Yesterday we drove to Hungry Horse Dam (another damn Dam) and along the reservoir. It was actually a beautiful drive. In some ways, prettier than the partially closed "Road to the Sun" drive. Lots of hiking trails, campgrounds and boat launches.

The reflections in the perfectly still water were awesome. I'm sure it is a very busy place during the summer. Re the name... The severe winter of 1900 left two freight horses starving and lost in the wilderness. They were found a month later and nursed back to health by their owners. "Hungry Horse" became the name of the mountain, the creek and then later the Reclamation or the Dam/Reservoir Project.

Back at home? An enjoyable evening around the fire. It was something to be able to sit out in shirt sleeves until 9:30 pm. That hasn't happened very often this trip! 

This morning we drove to St. Mary's on the East side of the Glacier. We ended up on a road that we had no business being on. Highway 49 - A steep winding climb up the side of the mountain. With a length restriction of 21 feet. Yeah. We have a 18 foot truck pulling a 27 foot RV plus bike rack with 2 bikes. Do the math. The conversation in the truck was a little testy to say the least. 

So the East side of Glacier National Park is very different than the west side. There is so much burned-out area coming in to the park. Then there is an abrupt transition from prairie to mountain.

Our campground at St. Mary's is pretty crappy. Unlevel wide open parking spots on a hill. Not even a picnic table or fire pit. Cost $39. Quite a change from our beautiful forested $27. spot that we had the last two nights.

The forecast here for tomorrow isn't looking good. Only 6C plus rain and snow. We decided we'd better drive the East route today. Chances are we will cross the border to Cardston tomorrow.

West Glacier, Montana

Glacier Campground
Site #F43 - $29, p/w, Internet office, Temp 14C

Mosquitoes. Who would have thought. I figured it would be too cold here for them. Hardy buggers. Also, they are hungry.

Anyway, we have an awesome site at Glacier Campground just outside the park. Very private, in the bush AND we even have power and water. Plus a fire pit and plenty of wood which was left in a site next door. It has been chopped and is drying as we speak. Oh, and we have wifi. At the office. We have to drive down the hill for that.  At least the sun is shining and the temperature is decent.

MONDAY: We did the Park drive as far as auto traffic is allowed yesterday (to Avalanche). I believe bike and walk-in traffic can go a further 11 miles. All the public parking lots were full. Also, one of the campgrounds that is not yet open for camping was jam packed with vehicles. 

People were out hiking. It was a pretty drive along MacDonald Lake and the River, but also a bit disappointing as we expected to see more. Obviously the big attraction, the sheer cliffs, rock railings, larger glaciers and the better view is up closer to Logan's Pass. I was looking at pictures posted on the internet and there is still lots of snow up there. This picture was taken by one of the park workers up near the pass on May 29:

Back home we started a wood fire, but as luck would have it, it started to rain. Out with the canopy and the propane fire pit. It is nice to have that option. We were able to sit out and cook dinner. Last night -- Movie Night in the RV.

Today looks promising with the sun shining once again. We will do some more touring of the area before heading to East Glacier tomorrow.

Kalispell, Montana

Spruce Park Campground
Site # H9 - $31.50, p/w/s, TV, poor Internet, Temp 15C

Kalispell is where it's at. I'm not sure what's happening this weekend, but this campground is full of BC license plates. And kids. Hmmm... Ball? Soccer? A tournament of some sort. The sad part? It rained all last night and most of today. That makes for a lot of wet tents and some pretty soggy kids. As I type (4:30 pm) the sun is just now starting to peek out. I do believe the rain has stopped. The temp remains at 12C, however, so it is not very warm.

We have toured the town, spent a bit of money and after lunch today we drove to Flathead Lake for a look about. Some nice property around there. Also some unique and cool little shops and galleries in Bigfork on the lake.

We would really like to take the "Going to the Sun" road across Glacier National Park and through Logan's Pass. We are told it is one of the most picturesque drives in North America. However, as it was last spring when we were in the area, this road is still closed from winter. We can however drive the 25km from the West Entrance up to Avalanche and that is what we will do tomorrow.

We will make the 1/2 hr drive from Kalispell and set up camp in Glacier Campground at the west entrance. We will then likely circle south to the east entrance and drive the 20 km that is open from that side. Logan's Pass will wait for another visit.

Here's hoping this sun will keep shining for the next few days!