HD: Our first section was terrible — terribly beautiful, terribly frustrating, terribly difficult. The landscape of the ascents and high passes were stunning. The inadequate permitting system to execute a backcountry hike in the park was frustrating and dangerous. The snow and ice of the passes was right at the edge of our abilities. Happy to be done with this first section. Ready to hike like we want in the Bob Marshall Wilderness for the next two weeks.
MC: I grew up in snow. However, I have never once walked on snow in glacier mountains. That shit is scary. But that’s exactly how our first and last day in Glacier National Park went and we are happy to put the park behind us. Walking in snow for some of the thru hikers we met is a very easy task, for others it breaks them and they turn around; for us, we fell in the middle. It requires placing micro-spikes on your shoes, which is a hard rubber exterior band that has metal spikes that run the width and length of the sole of your shoe. This helps you dig into the snow pack as you traverse the snow chutes. We probably executed 20 snow traverses, and 10 full shoe submersion creek crosses during this first section. Also, a 4 mile snow field hike after it all. I’m complaining, but it really was quite beautiful!
First stretch is done, now on to the Bob Marshall Wilderness for the next 14 days.
8 responses to “Days 1-6 (Glacier National Park)”
I blame my Louisiana education for the lack of words…
Wonderful update! Glad you were able to conquer it. I know that’s not what you planned on happening your first week of hiking. Now, onward to a better hiking experience! 😀
Wonderful update! Glad you were able to conquer it. I know that’s not what you planned on happening your first week of hiking. Now, onward to a better hiking experience! 😀
PS Beautiful pictures
What you are seeing is “spectacular”. What you are doing is “crazy”. The fact that you are doing it is “impressive”.
You guys are out exploring the world, testing your limits….I’m home trying to get my puppy to come when I call her. (Equally challenging).
Have fun, enjoy it all, and know you are prayed up!
The pictures and video sure capture the beauty of it all. Your words on the difficulty are probably understated knowing just how tough you two are. Keep smiling and take it one day at a time!
You knew the first few days would be a steep learning curve. You just didn’t know how steep it would be! I see you did manage to surprise a cute little squirrel. Thankfully, that’s the only thing furry you were close enough to take a picture of.
I’m at a loss for words to describe how reading your logs and seeing these pics leaves me feeling. Awestruck sounds dramatic and canned at the same time but it’s as close as I can get. Kudos to you both for having the fortitude to embark on this adventure and thanks for sharing it!
Thanks Susie! The pics are definitely not Nat Geo worthy, but the new phone cameras certainly help.