Odds 'n' Ends

The interior of the McDonald Lodge, which is very close to our cabin and I get my messages there from the park staff and new friends. It's the most intimate lodge in Glacier. Later, when Wi Fi is running a tad faster (this took 13 minutes to download), I will post a photo of the biggest and most rustically opulent lodge. I think Mike might already have it on his gallery page, so check that out. I have written 6 tunes for the park, so far and will perform one tomorrow night at the campfire amphitheater in Apgar, a tiny village on the west side of Glacier, about 10 miles from our cabin. The plan is to make a DVD of me performing all these songs and putting it in a teacher packet for incoming field trips in the future. This is to accent Glacier's new policy of "No Child Left Inside." We have two weeks in which to do this.....stay tuned......By the way, I'm learning tons and the people here are most helpful and friendly. Did I mention that everyone has a story? Lots of unique folks here. Guess that includes me!

Several of you have asked how the dogs are doing. Here is a photo of Buddy & Tilley squaring off. As we stated before, we are not sure of her intentions, so Mike usually picks him up when she trots up and follow us on our walkies. They are keeping a low profile and spending most of their time in their crate, but they get many walks every day. Due to bears and protective does, no dogs are allowed on trails, but we walk them four times a day to the Lodge and back, where I check my messages. They seem fine and it beats kenneling them for two months! The skeeters, now, well, that's a whole 'nother story! Since it's gotten hot (upper 80's low 90's, no kidding) the skeeters have exploded on to the scene. Never a problem out on the kayaks, though.

75th Anniversary Event for GTTS Rd.

The 'band' - caught in a moment of relaxation and chatting, right before the color guard presentation. Notice the classic vintage Red Jammer Bus in the background. Mike has photos of the modern 'vintage-style' jammer buses on his gallery. We took the West Alpine Tour on one. They're very cool! More later. Each photo takes about 8 minutes to load. No hi-speed here. Barely an internet here in the wilderness, so we're thankful for what we've got!

This federal event was held at McDonald Lodge, a 5 minute walk from the AIR cabin and where I pick up my messages. GTTS is the only American Road that is not only a National Historic Landmark, but also a National Civic engineering Landmark. Since the Blackfeet once lived on the total Glacier site and still have a reservation that abuts it, they generously donated the color guard. Wish you could have heard it.....a color guard entering with that Indian two step, to drums and chanting....very moving. The other flags are tribal, Blackfeet Nation, Flathead, not sure about the other two, but Salish and Kootenai are also local tribes. It was another gorgeous day in the 80's. GTTS still not open at the heights, but we needed to get the ceremony done and move on!

FLASH: Mike has created a photo gallery for everyone. You can find it at:

http://gallery.mac.com/mgturnip/100008

Back in Glacier, USA....

Coming around the bend and discovering the beauty of Two Medicine, where we met the world's oldest Junior Ranger, Evelyn, who works for Glacier Park, Inc. When I asked her how she managed to convince the admin. that she should be a Jr. Ranger, she told me she simply asked him if he thought she was old enough to try out! She wears her badge around the gift shop and encourages kids to try out for Jr. Ranger-ship. She's a hoot and a good soul. Everyone at Glacier has a story....

This is a shot from one of the sections of Going-to-the-Sun Rd. that's open. Rumor has it that the rest will open any day now....but the webcams show a pile of snow in the Logan Pass parking lot....

On the return trip from Waterton-Glacier in Canada, we put the yaks in at Many Glacier for a fabulous hour of paddling. Felt like we were in the Alps! Unlike paddling in Ga. or Fl., falling out is not an option. This is seriously cold water!!!!

Maple Leaf Land, Con't.

There is just no end to the beauty of Waterton-Glacier. A noble cause in a gorgeous setting. This was the first peace park, but now there are many others. Perhaps the sentiment will catch on, as well.

Red Rock Canyon Falls....gorgeous...quiet......wonderful trail......Oh Canada!!!

Oh Canada!

And of course, after our cruise, we had high tea at the Prince of Wales Hotel.....

We took the boat from Canada to Goat Haunt, USA and enroute, the guide pointed out this extremely rare A-shaped fold in the rock face where the rock actually bent. Geologists come from all over the world to see this. Also, this is the only place where you can cross the Canada/USA border as though it did not exist....if you are a Canadian or US citizen, that is.

Waterton-Glacier Peace Park is an interesting 'first.' The two countries share amazing natural territory and so decided, with the push of their mutual Rotarians, to share this area in the name of peace, with two pavilions dedicated to this idea, one in each country.

Land of the Midnight Sun

It's late but still the same day as the previous posts, and somehow, we still have wi fi out here in the camper, so I'll take advantage of it. This is the rock with the stone design that stood between the prayer cloths and the two crosses.

Here are the two crosses I described earlier. All for now. Big day tomorrow at Waterton-Glacier Peace Park in Canada. Details later.