After the Tetons I explored Yellowstone. Beautiful, tons of wildlife, but I moved on after a couple days. Driving north through Montana was a treat, awesome towns and very cool people.
Glacier was on my mind and with winter around the corner I finally pulled into a camp spot. This one was only 4 minutes from the park entrance! Right next to a public gun range. Two guys my age came up and parked, I offered to move over more if they were camping. They politely asked if it was okay to use the gun range. They asked everyone camping, and shot for about half an hour.
That kinda settled me in, knowing I was in both Black and Grizzly bear woods. Surely that’ll keep em at bay. I packed my food properly and all of that, before settling into a solid yoga routine to stretch for the hike the next morning. With my mind so calm I am abruptly taken out of routine by the van shaking side to side. Adrenaline dumps, music paused, and I stood up in fight or flight mode. I heard the bear breathing, and he walked around and rubbed his body on the van. I locked the van, so the lights flashed and it beeped. Nope, bear didn’t wanna leave. I was tweaking for about 15 mins, seriously. Hearing it walk and breathe was enough for me out there alone without service.
His curiosity passed and he carried on. I slept good. Woke up early, saw bear prints around the van, but no damage. To the hike I went. Rangers at the entrance said “Happy fat bear week”. Ah, the most active foraging week for them, last night made more sense. Sometimes I realize that I should really look more things up. I drove to Logan Pass, on Going to the Sun Road. Parked up and started the Highline trail. No matter how I word this, you can’t possibly understand the beauty of this place. You must go, you have too. This is the one to do.
Along the hike I was treated to a bunch of waterfalls, mountain goats, deer, alpine meadows, stunning views, and so much more. It’s f$@!ing insane. A lot of other trails were closed due to bear activity, you definitely want bear spray while hiking.
Walking solo here, getting past the little amount of people, I hit that state of pure presence, like riding a wave, like when the music and dancing is just right. I came back to myself, and thoroughly enjoyed every step in this place.
Much more happened that engraved my brain here, but alas here are some pictures to remind you to go get outside! Anywhere!
