Avalanche Lake, Aug. 7, 2014: Lazy, long day with beauty but hordes of people
Nine gals plus two exchange students, one from Sweden and one from Austria, got up early to head to the West side for a day of forested fun!.
After a stop at the goat lick--with no goats, alas--the GiG hit the trail to Avalanche lake. The trail was very crowded but the Avalanche gorge with teal-green creek still impressed with its beauty. Luckily, there were a few parking spots for the two cars.
After a beautiful, forested hike in the lush greenery of the west-side temperate rain forest, we arrived at Avalanche lake. The gals enjoyed lunch at the foot of the lake but were prevented from hiking to the head as the trail was closed due to bear activity. Some wondered if the Park Service was being overly cautious after the guy climbing Mount Brown shot and wounded one.
After the hike, and since we couldn't hike to the head of the lake and had some extra time, we went to Apgar and enjoyed the views of Lake McDonald. A couple still had time on their paddle-board rental, so some of the gals and an exchange student tried their hand at it, one falling in, but having a great time.
Dinner at the West Glacier Villager Cafe provided huge portions to feed everyone's hungry appetite after the hike.
Then it was back home by 10.45, a gorgeous, but long day. We did realize that we have it good on the east side of the park: not nearly so many crowds and tourists.
On a side note, we learned that Ruth Johnson, the founder of Johnson's of St. Mary, passed away Sunday, Aug. 15th at the age of 95. What a wonderful restaurant and campground she has by which to be remembered.
Who went: Kathy D, Toni, Gail, Bonnie, Anita, Brianna, Michelle, Susan, Jean plus exchange students Sara and Teresa
After a stop at the goat lick--with no goats, alas--the GiG hit the trail to Avalanche lake. The trail was very crowded but the Avalanche gorge with teal-green creek still impressed with its beauty. Luckily, there were a few parking spots for the two cars.
After a beautiful, forested hike in the lush greenery of the west-side temperate rain forest, we arrived at Avalanche lake. The gals enjoyed lunch at the foot of the lake but were prevented from hiking to the head as the trail was closed due to bear activity. Some wondered if the Park Service was being overly cautious after the guy climbing Mount Brown shot and wounded one.
After the hike, and since we couldn't hike to the head of the lake and had some extra time, we went to Apgar and enjoyed the views of Lake McDonald. A couple still had time on their paddle-board rental, so some of the gals and an exchange student tried their hand at it, one falling in, but having a great time.
Dinner at the West Glacier Villager Cafe provided huge portions to feed everyone's hungry appetite after the hike.
Then it was back home by 10.45, a gorgeous, but long day. We did realize that we have it good on the east side of the park: not nearly so many crowds and tourists.
On a side note, we learned that Ruth Johnson, the founder of Johnson's of St. Mary, passed away Sunday, Aug. 15th at the age of 95. What a wonderful restaurant and campground she has by which to be remembered.
Who went: Kathy D, Toni, Gail, Bonnie, Anita, Brianna, Michelle, Susan, Jean plus exchange students Sara and Teresa