More Rain (Day 21)

Another rainy day. We got up early and went on a ranger-led hike to Avalanche Lake. (Going with a ranger meant going with a group, better to ward against grizzlies. Also, the rangers carry bear spray.)

Glacier is a lot like the Pacific Northwest and is distinctly different from the plains that dominate Montana.

Unfortunately, the glaciers are melting very quickly, and are expected to be gone completely by 2020. The rain and fog make it hard to see, but Surrey Glacier is on the right in this photo.

After a dearth of pie, we found some good stuff in West Glacier. Jules had strawberry rhubarb, while I had huckleberry, which is a more bitter blueberry. (I'm still not convinced it isn't a tourist-only fruit.)

Since both of us are feeling a bit under the weather, we headed back to the trailer for a nap. Of course, the sun came out then, rather then during the hike. We then drove to the next town over to a local farmers market. Not much growing yet, but we got some fresh salad greens, salsa, and homemade pitas.

Despite my protests, the screen room is quite a nice addition, giving us a lot more space. It's especially nice for hanging up wet clothes and setting up our folding table and chairs and it seals up around the contours of the trailer to keep out the big local mosquitos.

One last thought: what is it with Montana, campgrounds, and train tracks? We were awaken by the train passing through in Missoula, and the same is happening here in Glacier. A little less blowing of the train whistle would be just fine, thanks....

Tom