An Almost Perfect Day in Grizzly Country

Wednesday, August 27th, 2008

Howard celebrated his birthday last month amidst hoary marmots, mountain goats, and big horn sheep on the rocky talus slopes of Glacier National Park in Montana. Every year since meeting in 1993, Karen and Howard have made it a tradition to hike in the park and even spent their honeymoon in the Glacier backcountry. Unfortunately, Karen came down with a nasty flu just before the planned celebratory excursion this summer and was not able to go hence the “almost” perfect day. Howard and his three Montana friends – Jeff, Chris, and Natasha, held their own on the 10.5 mile blister burner and had an amazing day. Plus they were lucky to see tons of big game wildlife while not having to use their bear spray. Get your nature fix for the day and check out all the pictures.

Scanning the slopes for big game.

Mt. Siyeh at 10,000 feet and what’s left of the glacier that carved the valley.

If you were a wolverine you’d call this rocky windswept slope home.

Looking down to Preston Park, a favorite Grizzly bear hang out.

At 9,000 ft it’s hard to believe it was once the ocean floor.

Looking east toward the prairie and the Blackfeet Nation.

End of July and all the wildflowers are in bloom.

Lunch spot at 9,000 ft in a favorite mountain goat haunt.

Horton Hears a Who flowers and Matahpi Peak in the distant.

The birthday boy finishing a celebratory cup of wine in a 50 mph wind gust.

Always inspired by nature’s designs.

Looking toward Sexton Glacier which will be gone in 10 years.

Picture perfect scenery and girl-goes-first-in-bear-country bravery.

The low saddle in the background is the highest trail point in the park at 8,500 feet.