Landed minutes before midnight, signed for my rental, then nabbed a few hours sleep before heading north.

Missoula, site of my 9^th marathon on Sunday, was chosen because of its relatively close proximity to Glacier National Park – a bucket list destination for 10+ years.  Instantly fell in love.

Montana’s landscape is reminiscent of Colorado – but with far less people.

Stopped for an early lunch outside Flathead Lake, one hour further the Park.

Day One goal – drive to the Continental Divide at Logan Pass via Going-to-the-Sun Road (half-way across the Park), then back to West Glacier before 9pm to secure accommodations – tenting 2 days just outside the Park.

Purchased an annual Park pass.  Plan to hike Grand Teton, Yellowstone, Wind Cave (SD) & RMNP before the snow flies later this year. Living B-I-G again after Ironman — life is good.

Stopped at Lake McDonald – in awe how mountains seemingly spire straight up from its depth.  Put my feet in the water – cold, despite the day’s high temp (almost 90 degrees).

(On the drive return, I’d stop & swim in these chilly waters.  Perfect, after a day on the road.)

Next stop Avalanche Falls, fast moving water fueled by McDonald Creek.  Tourist stop – but understandably so.

The road now climbed – my car hugging rock cliffs or maneuvering hairpin turns over exposed terrain mounted hundreds of feet above river-forged canyons.  Impromptu waterfalls created by melting snow bathed dust off the car.  AMAZING day!

Rugged glacier fields perched high on Montana’s high peaks – that’s why we visit.  Irreversible; these glaciers are receding exponentially, 2030 extinction targeted as our Earth bakes under Man’s watch 🙁

Parked with scores of travelers at Logan Pass & watched kids play in snow behind the Visitors Center.

While folks strained to view 3 bighorn sheep dance on a rock terrace high above, I near walked into a large ram just off Highline Trail. Unnerved & slow-moving from a willow thicket, he crossed directly in front [of me].  So fast, so unexpected — I captured its image on my iPhone (camera tucked tight in my backpack – that won’t happen again).

Checked into Glacier Under Canvas & located my tent – my home for the next 2 days.  Scored hummus, chips & bottled water at a local fish & tackle – dinner, check done.  Quick shower, now snug in my sleeping bag, couldn’t sleep – too excited.

Glacier hiking tomorrow.

Avalanche Falls