Day 5: When Feeling Lost in Grizzly Territory... (July 9, 2014)

When feeling lost in Grizzly territory, on an overgrown trail, all alone and unable to get cell reception, there is only one thing you can do- take a deep breath, look at your hiking partner and be glad you aren't alone, readjust your pack, and keep on walking. 

That's one of the lessons I learned while hiking the Quartz Lake trail. Other lessons I learned while climbing over fallen trees and fighting through the brush that was attempting to reclaim the trail were as follows:

1) You can push your body farther than pain and exhaustion may make you believe. 
2) The "Ants Go Marching" song is a great song to sing while hiking, and you get bonus points for making up the verses on the spot.
3) A good sense of humor is incredibly helpful when you are suffering from self-inflicted pain. 

Exhibit A

4) THE HIKING GUIDE IS NOT ALWAYS RIGHT! The authors are most likely intelligent and experienced hikers, but they may have written their review of a trail years earlier, so (especially on the less popular trails) take their reviews with a small grain of salt.  
5) Take the beauty and the few quiet moments on the trail and store them in your heart to carry you through the unpleasant ones. The ability to do so may turn the hike from total hell to a beautiful, painful hike that made a great learning experience (and a great story) later. 






It wasn't that the trail wasn't beautiful, or that the lakes disappointing, it was more a question of two relatively new hikers letting their inexperience show by attempting a hike they hadn't really researched and didn't schedule enough time for. It was also an example of someone (who may or may not be writing this blog now) "knowing" that they could do the full trail even though they were running late, and while that ended up being correct, the time limits forced us to hurry through a trail that was already rather difficult and limited our ability to appreciate the true wilderness we were stumbling through (whoops!). As I have said, the Quartz Lake Trail has become a great story and a great learning experience. I don't think I'd hike it again, but for me, it was worth the pain and fear to learn I had greater limits than I previously knew and what NOT to do when tackling an unfamiliar trail. 

 






Adieu and Safe Travels,

AK 

If you missed the other Glacier adventures, never fear! Links are below!

 Day 1   Day 2   Day 3    Day 4

    
 

Glacier National Park Day 4: River Gorges, Clear Lakes, and Waterfalls (July 8, 2014)

The trail to Avalanche Lake is one of the most popular, and hence the busiest, in the park. Part of its draw is likely due to the Trail of Cedars, a lovely short jaunt that is entirely wheelchair accessible and is the introductory trail to get to Avalanche Lake. However, after walking the paths myself, I think it is safe to say that the relative ease and accessibility of the hike are not the main reasons for its popularity.  No, in my mind the trail's popularity can be attributed more to the following: 

1) Avalanche Gorge- within minutes of beginning the hike, the trail opens up and follows Avalanche Gorge.  An absolutely breathtaking sight, the Gorge is composed of dark rocks covered in blankets of soft green moss, which contrast with the frothing light blue river that constantly rushes past. Words can't do it justice- let's suffice to say that I spent probably well over a half an hour shooting the gorge on the way up to the lake and quite a few more on the way back. 

2) The Trail itself- A relatively easy hike, the trail weaves up and down through beautiful woods, opening up occasionally to allow views of towering cliffs and temporary waterfalls fed by the snow-melt above. 

 

3) Avalanche Lake- this seems obvious, since the lake is your destination, but goodness let me tell you, if Avalanche Gorge takes one's breath away than I don't know how to accurately describe the beauty that is Avalanche Lake. Crystal clear, relatively shallow in most areas, but turning a brilliant rich blue as it plunges to unknown depths, Avalanche Lake is a vision in its own right. Yet its beauty is not limited to its waters, for it is surrounded on three sides by towering cliffs adorned with waterfalls and clad in a rich blanket of evergreens. 
A scene from a Romantic era painting, the lake has only one downfall- it is so gosh darn popular that peaceful reflection upon its loveliness is only possible if one finds a way to block out the screams of children and the chattering of your many (many) fellow hikers. We went after the noontime hour, and the shore was packed, but I think that perhaps a morning trip would allow for more peaceful viewing. 

Clear lakes, stunning gorges, crystal waterfalls, and beautiful forest views. How can one not love Avalanche Lake? 

Happy Trails,

AK

If you missed the other Glacier adventures, never fear! Links are below!

 Day 1   Day 2   Day 3

Glacier National Park 2014 Day 1: Badlands, Natural Springs, and Ice Cream (July 5, 2014)

Hey guys and gals!

I'm on the road again, this time heading to Glacier National Park with my man friend Bob! The car has been stuffed full of food, camping supplies, and hiking equipment and we have just completed the first leg of journey! The drive was much the same as it was on the first day of my trip to Seattle (see here), but with some notable differences.

1) Bob has been out West only a few times, and as such it was really different sharing the drive with someone to whom it is new. Bob swears he will have a sore neck from whipping his head around so often trying to absorb in the changing scenery. :) It is really adorable to see the excitement and amazement on his face, and it forces me to reevaluate the way in which I view the drive.

2) Bob let me stop to see SUE THE WORLD'S LARGEST COW*!!! :D :D :D :D Guys, I was so excited and I felt so touristy and cliche, but it was so AWESOME! 

 *How do they know these things? Does someone actually check and measure all the cow statues in the world?

3) Sue (the wondrous woman who was like a second mother to me growing up, not the giant cow) took us down to Giant Springs State Park, a place that I remember through the eyes of a child. It was wonderful being able to wander down the paths and to realize how much I had forgotten or simply not seen as a young girl. Luckily for us the weather was perfect for such a meander, and it gave Sue and Bob time to get to know each other- it was like Bob was meeting my parents all over again, he was so nervous, shy and sweet!

 

4)  Sue had made fudge and brownies for the Fourth of July, so (being the gracious guests that we are *cheesy wink*) we helped her finish off the brownies by making Hot Fudge Sundays.

Needless to say it has been a wonderful trip, and I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings! Next stop is Glacier! :D

Ta ta for now! 

-AK

If you missed the other Glacier adventures, never fear! Links are below!

Day 2      Day 3