Glacier National Park definitely lived up to expectations. I know I talk about mountains a lot – but these ones truly were spectacular! I think the snow capped peaks really make them picturesque, as well as the serene lakes in front of them. Bit of a sad place though. Glacier National Park celebrated its 100 year anniversary a few years ago – however, wasn't much of a party. When the park was officially opened in 1909, it had 150 glaciers. Now it has 25, and they are pretty measly (we just saw 1 from a distance). They are melting away very rapidly, and its anticipated that there will be none left by 2030. What will the park be called then? Made us realise that we are very lucky to have Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers in NZ – although they are receding slowly too.
Glacier National Park has a spectacular drive which runs through it, called 'Road to the Sun' (skectchy and narrow in places) – which had to be done, and was definitely beautiful, but the tourists cluttered our experience, so we kept moving. Went to 'Big Mountain Ski Resort' which is just near Whitefish. Got a couple of chairlifts up the mountain along with our bikes, and whizzed back down. The 2nd run was fantastic – included a 3 mile single track which took us up to the top of the mountain, followed by a berm/jump/switchback filled descent which fully demanded 100% attention. Lush and fun for both of us!
Overnighted in a cheap campground on the shores of Flathead Lake, near BigFork. $12 a night. Bargain! Located near an Indian reservation, there were cherry stalls every ½ mile or so. Filled up on yummy cherries – seems to be a big form of income for the local Indians. Next day we travelled even further south to Butte (pronounced Bute!). Stopped on the way at Helena, which is the capital of Montana – and just about the most slow-paced and mellow capital we've come across! Did a 2 hour ride there, called Mt Helena Ridge. Not at all technical, but nice views and cruisy climbing. Brent called it 'ok' (which means it wasn't very exciting haha).
Arrived in Butte and caught up on some chores on the Net, in a motel. Haven't had much online time lately, as have been sleeping in the van a lot. Really needed to do some planning! Due to our initial visa problems (see 1st entry!) we have to leave the country by 5th Sept, which is when our 90 day ESTA visa waiver expires. Long story, but our travel agent gave us incorrect advice back when we booked our flights – but they are recitifying the situation by flying us to Quito, Ecuador (where we are staying for 8 days) and then flying us back to San Fran. This is the only way we can explore more of the States!! American customs won't let us go to Mexico or Canada, and come back.....crazy isn't it! But we have to follow the rules. Anyway, lots of planning to do....and even though we aren't doing what we originally planned (a 4.5 month road trip), hopefully it'll all fall in to place and we get to go to Sth America too!! Should be back in NZ by mid-late October.
Butte was a pretty neat town. Was booming in the late 1800s and early 1900s, as the premier mining town in Montana. Was called the 'Richest Hill on Earth'. Now it's a fascinating historical town filled with mining relics and old red-brick style buildings. Its roots and original immigrants were from Ireland and Cornwall – so the Cornish Pasty is a staple food there! I ate it in a old-style cafe we went to. Met a local historian there who wouldn't stop talking and gave us the full background on the city. A tour guide for free! Visited their Mining Museum which was actually quite interesting, and jammed with old machinery (more Brent's scene than mine). The life of a miner was pretty hard! Made us appreciate being above ground :-)Feel like it was a bit of a flying visit back through Montana, but we enjoyed the stay. Will remember it as the state of pine trees, pine trees and more pine trees! They were everywhere! After a speedy cruise control trip down the freeway (130 kph, nonstop for 3 hours on a very quiet road) we are now in 'Idaho Falls' - our 1 and only night in Idaho....before we get back in to Utah in time for Bonneville :-) Au revoir family and friends, til next time x
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