The morning after mosquito park, we broke camp at record speed and were off to one of America's greatest natural wonders--Glacier National Park, MT. The park has become so popular that even after submitting a backcountry itinerary six months earlier did not get a spot. Nevertheless, we did get to do a few multi-day loops in the park. Glacier is one of those places where the landscape keeps you asking, "Is this real life?" over and over, as it is hard to fathom that such natural beauty exists.
Since it was harder to get overnight hikes in Glacier than Paul McCartney tickets in Winnipeg, we got to see the less popular parts of the park. But it actually worked in our favor because we got to see great spots like Lake Otokomi.
We also got to do the Quartz Lake Loop, a less popular destination on the west side of the park. There we met some awesome people from Chicago that gave us, just because they were nice, homemade gourmet dehydrated dinners. If you guys read this, go into business--it was top notch!!!
On the the final backcountry trip, the landscape was very multi-faceted. We went from a forest, to prairies amidst mountains, and of course walked along several rivers and lakes. But here we found a gem off the trail that most people don't know about, which is Margaret Falls.
While driving on "the most beautiful road in the US," Going-to-the-Sun Road, to get to our trailheads, we found the most amazing little town. With a population of no less than 50, Polebridge only has a bakery and a bar. But the greatest bakery with the greatest huckleberry bear claw ever...ever!
We also happened to run into a family friend from Chicago in this tiny town.The odds!
After ten days in the backcountry, three pounds of huckleberries, $100 worth of baked goods, four burgers, three-six packs of local brews, two stays at the luxurious campground with a hot tub, we finally parted with Glacier National Park. Then we were off to Sandpoint, Idaho under the pretenses that it was the most beautiful small town in America (according to our atlas). And it sure was.
We checked out the beach--yes a beach in Idaho--the farmers market, and went to a happy hour hotspot where a local radio station was hosting a raffle. With the stars aligned, we won two tickets to a to a rodeo! There we also met the nicest people, who let us just pitch a tent in their lovey backyard for the night. We even woke up to a note on a French press saying to help ourselves! You guys rock.
What's next? Why the home of apples, evergreens and 90's grunge!
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