Step 59 Part I: Go to Glacier National Park

You better do this step within the next 15 years, though--by 2030, they predict that all the glaciers in the park will have melted. And I can believe it. I only really saw one glacier (I did hike for 3 hours out to a spot where the ranger said I should be able to see another glacier, but it didn't really look like one to me). Below are some of my favorite pictures from Glacier, but if you'd like to check out all of my vacation photos, check my Facebook Page. They're all up there under my Westward Once More Album.

These cuties weren't actually in Glacier, they were right outside of it in the Blackfeet Reservation. It was so interesting to see the difference in ranching on the reservation versus the rest of Montana--hardly any fences. Most of the animals were free reign--including the dogs!

I hiked three hours up a mountain to this "trail block." Keep it classy, Glacier.

And this was the glacier I was supposed to be able to see from that trail block (Salamander Glacier). I guess. Looks like melting snow to me. The lake was a beautiful turquoise, though.

Here's a legit glacier. Jackson Glacier is the only one that you can see from the Going-to-the-Sun Road, which is the only road that cuts completely through the park. Half the time you can't even drive all the way through because the snow's blocking the road. Mom and I almost missed out, but luckily the day we were leaving (July 3), they finally opened it up. Very beautiful drive.

Not only do you see lots of snow on Going-to-the-Sun Road, but you also see lots of waterfalls. The water runs straight down the mountains and onto the road. They have drains on to the side of the road, but there's so much water that some of it spills out. And if you drive close enough to the rock wall, you'll get a free car wash. :)

You can also see fearless little marmots on Going-to-the-Sun Road. This cutie came right out and posed for pictures.

Besides the marmot, we saw deer, a bear, and (in this picture) a mama moose and her baby. We saw these guys over in the Many Glaciers Area. It's on the north/east side of the park, and has some beautiful hiking trails.

Saying goodbye to this beautiful place was hard.