The day started and ended WINDY. So we figured we'd start by trying out a shorter trail at the Two Medicine area in the southeast part of the park, since we had never visited that part before. The Aster Park trail seemed to be an easier choice at a total of 3.8 miles roundtrip and rising 670 feet in that distance. what we didn't know was that the 670 feet was all in the last 1/2 mile or less. Even so, the trail took us through some lovely meadows filled with wildflowers, and the payoff after the steep ascent was an almost 360 degree view of the mountains. Breathtaking. On the way back, we were startled by the sight of a muledeer on the trail. It was obvious that he was quite used to seeing hikers, because he didn't bolt at our approach. He just kept on munching vegetation. Better there than in my back yard.
Since it was only about 1:30 by the time we had finished that hike, we decided to try another short hike--1.2 miles round trip to Appistoki Falls, a short part of a longer hike of 6.2 miles called Scenic Point. We had considered doing the Scenic Trail earlier, but we had been told to expect winds of 30+mph, and maybe some snow on the trail. The Scenic Trail rises 2350 feet. So, we started out for the Falls. A short jaunt later we were at the falls, and a gate blocked the trail. I, in my infinite wisdom, said, "No, the trail continues around to the top of the falls, and you have to go around the gate." So, we went...up to the Scenic Trail, via a cutoff that had evidence of slides. Probably not the safest route, but...
The view from the Scenic Trail was incredible, as we were above the tree line. Enticed, we continued on--just for a little bit, or so we thought at the time. Windy---HELL Yeah. But the views... So we continued on...Switchback after switchback, we went up and up and up, with the views becoming even more spectacular. But man, after a few hours, your calves start to tell you "no mas". But, we continued on, til we arrived at a point on the trail where the switchback had come to an edge looking directly out on the lake and the mountains beyond. But the trail along the edge looked VERY narrow, and the wind was gusting to at least 35-40 mph here. All of a sudden, Ray's vertigo kicked in. We had to have been up at least 2200 feet above the valley floor. We both decided that we had seen the views we came for, and turned back. 3 1/2 hours after we had started our little jaunt to the falls, we were back at the parking lot.
Back at Two Medicine Lake, we witnessed the EMTs bring a woman who had fallen back from somewhere along the lake trails . We weren't sure of her injuries, but they brought her back by boat.
The ride back to St. Mary was rich with views of the mountains and valleys as well. The word of the day is WOW.
We've decided to stay at Glacier for one more night on the other side of the park in West Glacier. Our experience at this KOA cabin has convinced us to try another over there.
Til tomorrow...
See photos of the day here.
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