Day 17, September 5, 2018 Glacier National Park



First things first, had to gas up the Cube.  At the gas station (appropriate name since they are no longer service stations), saw our first Red Jammer Tour Bus.  These were originally built by White Motor Company between 1936 and 1939.  Oldest continously operated sight seeing tour operation in the US and perhaps in the world!  The 17 passenger busses were restored by Ford Motor Company in 2000.  They got updated fuel injection engines, updated ABS brake systems, etc.  We seriously considered taking the tour (on my part I just wanted to ride in them), but at $42 each thought it was a bit steep so decided to forego the Jammer tour.  Called the Jammer because of the sound of the driver jamming the vehicle into gear on the steep roads in Yellowstone were they were first used.  BTW drivers of them are called Jammers as well.

 Glacier National Park - Weather was perfect.  70 75 degrees, blue skies no smoke, only a bit hazy in certain places, no smoke smell.

Entered the park at the St. Mary entrance.  Drove up the Going to the Sun road to Logan Pass Visitor Center and trail head - road was closed from there west due to the forest fires.  Apparently the fires are as close as 150 yards from the road.

Breathe taking views of the mountains and glaciers.  Many of the glaciers are inactive now - all part of the climatic cycling.  Always on the lookout for wildlife and bang, what's that?  A fox?  A dog? No dogs aren't allowed in.  It's a Grizzly Bear cub - crossed the road right in front of us, not 20 feet away.  Where's the mama?  Never saw her, but know she was close....

Since we had time, decided to go up to Many Glacier at Swiftcurrent Trail Head.  Found a fairly nice rapids - loved just standing there listening to the water rush by.  So peaceful.

A little further up, saw another Grizzly Bear - daddy bear this time.  Pretty far away.  Apparently he lives in the close by forests and frequents the shore regularly.

All in all a great day with beautiful weather.

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