Glacier National Park

Okay!  Normally the second week in August is quite warm, but not so during our visit to Glacier National Park.  Bev and Debbie were "not happy campers," as we wound our way up the Road to the Sun.  

We boarded our reserved Red Bus at the ranger station in Apgar, just a little distance away from the town of West Glacier.

Before leaving, our tour guide took time to explain safety procedures.  During the ride, which ended atop of Logan Pass, he gave us interesting facts, via the vehicle's intercom, about the park.  I was impressed that he didn't wear a coat at anytime during the ride, but I'm sure he had the driver's heater on full blast.  

The bus was equipped with wool blankets which were used by all.  Finally, at the visitor's center on top of the pass, the guide pulled a canvas top over the bus, and a good thing he did, as buckets of rain fell on us during the return trip.  

We were only able to stand up when the bus was safely not moving.  Only myself and a few others made the effort to grab the crossbars and raise ourselves in order to get better views of the magnificent scenery.  While standing I got this glorious pic of trees pointing to clouds.  

The Road to the Sun has an interesting history which can be read about online.  I was interested specifically in the geology of the area.  The strata actually was  lain down by an ancient sea millions of years ago, and having since gone through metamorphism, is now limestone.  I'm sure I could have found sea shells embedded in the rock if I would have looked.  The strata looks like the massive outcropping in Provo Canyon.  

Now, the elevation of Logan Pass is only 6646 feet, yet the perception of the park is one of that of being more massive.  

I was sort of glad that a cold front was moving through because the clouds added a certain mystical beauty to the landscape.  The glacier that carved this valley must have been at least 4,000 feet thick.

The storm front moved swiftly across Logan Pass.  Even I was shivering as the bus began its descent down the Road to the Sun, and we were all grateful the bus was buttoned up.

This little chipmunk was right at my feet as I took his picture.

After a couple days, we arrived home only to be surprised to find that the toilet fairy (Noorda) had paid a visit.  Surprise!!!

New toilet.