Bear Surf'in Safari: Glacier National Park

I spent the day riding around in Glacier National Park.  Unfortunately, the Go to the Sun Road was closed due to about 80 feet of snow fall - the rain storms that I encountered a few days ago had dumped tons of snow on the pass.  I went up the west side entrance as far as I could, past Lake McDonald, to where the road was blocked off.  I met Patrick and Reg from BC, Canada.  They were biking around Glacier - we compared notes and their trip from BC.

I the went around the southern end of the park looking for the east side entrance - a little over 50 miles of an amazing ride.  Entered East Glacier when the ranger informed me that it was another 50 miles to go to St. Mary and the Go to the Sun Road (which was blocked).  It was 2 pm - and was a long ride back to Whitefish - so went down to Two Medicine Lake and Campground.   The ranger said be careful, there were bear everywhere.  I went on the 7 mile journey to Two Medicine from East Glacier.  What a lake - so gorgeous!  A family from north of Minneapolis, MN were camping there next to the lake.  My visor was black with bugs - so many bugs.  There was a lake cruise boat that took folks around the lake - which extended through the mountains.

I did not see any bears - thank goodness.  This is bear country.  Some wander around the streets of Whitefish.  Deer and bear on the roads - was watching every inch of the way.  The truth is, I could see them at any time for the rest of my ride.  So, my fear meter is up: people first, deer second, and bear third - any one of them could get me.

I headed back to Whitefish.  Stopped at the West Glacier entrance off of US 2.  I needed a break.  Met about 15 motorcyclists from England and the US.  This gang takes rides every summer together - they have been friends for decades.  The Brits were from the northwestern side of England.  US and English flags were attached to their respective bikes.  Talked with Ray, a US member of this group who gave me the low-down on the people and their adventures.

Arrived back in the Chalet Hotel where I was staying.  I had to decide whether to leave tomorrow for either Banff, Canada or Seattle, WA.  The decision rested upon the weather forecasts.  I saw that there was rain in both directions, so I decided to extend my stay here in Whitefish another night and leave on Friday.  The weather looked cold (42 degrees) and possible rain for the days ahead.  It looked much better if I went to Coeur D Alene, ID or Spokane, WA starting on Friday.  Went for drinks and dinner at Tupelo Grill, suggested by Scott Culp.

Home and tired from having too much fun in Glacier.  It was only 7 pm.

Tomorrow will be clean-up time.

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