Goats, sheep and killer views 7/13/2018

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We made the correct decision today about getting to Logan Pass for our hike on the Highline trail. We drove to the St. Mary Visitor Center, parked the car, and took the park shuttle up to Logan Pass. Again, we lucked out on weather, starting in the high 60s and warming to the low 70s, with a refreshing, but not overpowering breeze.

The Highline trail is a relatively easy trail, that gains only 825 feet over 3.6 miles (total 7.2 miles round trip). At every step, and every turn, you have absolutely spectacular scenery as the Highline follows along the Continental Divide, also known as the Garden Wall in this area. The exceptionally beautiful views, the excellent opportunities for spotting wildlife, and the wildflowers, all combine to

That's Ray on the trail

make this an awesome hike. At roughly one-quarter of a mile from the trailhead you get to the famous ledge with the reputation for terrifying those with a fear of heights, us. In most places the ledge, hanging like a shelf along the Garden Wall, is only six to eight feet in width, and has drop-offs of roughly one hundred feet or more down to the Going-to-the-Sun Road below. This segment lasts for only three-tenths of a mile, though. Fortunately the National Park Service has installed a hand cable along this stretch of the trail.

The rest of the trail offers spectacular views as the trail continues to hug the cliffs. We may have a new favorite trail here...We did encounter a mountain goat that ambled along the trail, munching vegetation as he proceeded. He came so close, we could have pet him. We couldn't get out of his way

as the trail was barely wide enough to accommodate us. Then, towards the end of our hike, we came upon a small herd of bighorn sheep grazing in the meadow. The pictures tell the story:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/DsY2ciUQzDys2y3AA
The capper of the day happened during dinner at a local restaurant. They keep doors and windows open, which was an invitation to a bat that was cruising the neighborhood. It went fluttering around the dining room and then scooted out the door.