West Glacier

The weather the next day called for clouds & showers.  We decided to explore the west side of the park and drove up Going to the Sun Road until we reached the barricade, then tried to park.

And since it was Saturday....it seems everyone else had the same idea.

So after circling the parking area a few times, we headed back down the road and  pulled over for a different hike.  This one wound through the trees and next to the river with several spots to admire the roaring water.

Then we crossed the river & climbed higher into the trees.  

And reached this lovely little lake.  Plenty of animal tracks, but no moose.

(We had seen a mom & baby the day before.)

 Or maybe it was because I was whistling, snapping, clapping A LOT.
Especially after seeing several marks on some pine trees.
I mean, we were hiking here....

 After we had lunch, and turned in Keenan's Junior Ranger packet, we decided to take the road less traveled and avoid some of the crowds.
I had read about Camas Road, and Kevin had never been to that side of the park so off we went.
And the views were huge!

 Much of the area along Camas Road had been burned by a large forest fire several years ago, but it's encouraging to see the new growth.

 Then we reached the end of the road, and the pavement.
But we continued on the old logging road enjoying the wide open views, and looking for wildlife.  I knew that on ahead was another Ranger station, several other trails & campsites, and the possibility of fresh baked pastries.
Yes, way out in the middle of Montana.
And we found it...in Polebridge.
The road wound & bounced & opened up to this huge, wide open valley.  With a few houses, buildings scattered along it.  And right in the middle was this:

 Polebridge, Montana Mercantile.
While Kevin & Kieran walked around, Keenan and I hustled to the restroom facilities behind the Merc.  And while we were waiting, we caught the smell of fresh baked pastries.
Delightful goodies were inside....along with plenty of other odds & ends.
Everything we sampled was delicious.
Delicious.

 And after another round in the tub, we went back to this lovely local restaurant to cap off our time in Montana.  Bacon wrapped meatloaf, and roasted brussel sprouts, and fresh huckleberry pie was the perfect end to a lovely day.

Thanks Montana.