Glacier National Park (7 page)
Read Glacier National Park Online
Authors: Mike Graf
“We thought you were another marmot,” James replied. Then he explained what had happened a few minutes earlier.
Soon the rain abated and the sun began to peek through the clouds. All six hikers stepped outside. They worked their way down a series of steep switchbacks and past a gushing waterfall on the other side of the pass.
The trail now paralleled Lake Ellen Wilson. It started climbing again. The weary but content hikers trekked on.
Finally, after another long climb, the trail topped out at Lincoln Pass. The group gathered there and gazed at large Lake McDonald in the hazy distance. Morgan scanned the area directly below. “There’s the chalet!” she exclaimed.
“Boy, that’s a sight for sore eyes,” Corinne added.
Everyone clambered down and reached their hotel in the wilderness a short time later. The Parkers quickly checked in.
Morgan opened the door to their room and peered inside. She turned to her family. “There’s no place like home!”
The Parkers had three beds in their rustic quarters. Morgan, James, Mom, and Dad quickly pulled off their shoes and wet clothes, hopped into their beds, and got under the covers. “I’m exhausted,” Mom exclaimed.
“And cold,” James added through chattering teeth.
The dinner bell rang an hour later. Dad quickly sat up. “I’m suddenly hungry,” he announced.
Mom laughed. “That’s no surprise.”
The family walked toward the dining hall and found their assigned table. Greg and Corinne were already there.
The staff from the chalet stood in front of the
dining hall. They introduced themselves and gave guests tips for their visit.
The kitchen manager spoke last. “This is my fifth summer here at the chalet. I came years ago as a guest, like you, and decided this is where I wanted to spend my summers. One thing I’ve learned is not to leave any wet clothes hanging outside. The mountain goats may end up eating them.”
I’M GOING TO SWITZERLAND!
When Glacier was first encountered by European explorers, they called it the Swiss Alps of America. Sperry Chalet and its nine sister chalets were built starting in 1911. The chalets were modeled after Swiss architecture, and an Italian stonemason used local rocks to construct the stonework. Sperry Chalet opened as a hotel in 1914. In their prime, these chalets often hosted more than 100 people a night. All the chalets closed during World War II. They were run by the railroads, which at that time diverted their resources to the war rather than tourism. Most of the chalets were eventually torn down. Only Sperry and Granite chalets are still in operation today, and one other in the Two Medicine area has been converted into a store.
“Before we eat, let’s go around and have a person from your party introduce your group,” said the manager.
People from each table stood up, told where they were from, and shared some thoughts about Glacier National Park. Guests came from
Minnesota, Texas, Spain, Washington, Montana, and Florida, among other places.
Finally, everyone turned to the Parkers’ table and Greg stood. “My name is Greg and this is my wife, Corinne. I’m an airline pilot, so we get to travel often. We’re from Chicago, but we used to live in Montana. It’s no exaggeration to say that Glacier is our favorite place on the planet.”
Greg sat down and looked at the Parkers. Morgan got up and introduced her family, then continued. “We hiked over Gunsight Pass today. My parents said it’s one of the best hikes they’ve ever done. James and I agree. But we might all change our minds tomorrow when we hike to the glacier!”
The manager smiled at the guests. “Our food is brought up regularly all summer by horse train, and we had a shipment delivered today. You must all be famished. Dinner is now served!”
After a meal of pasta, green beans, soup, and bread, Morgan, James, Mom, and Dad played cards with Greg and Corinne. Eventually they wandered outside to the deck to enjoy the sunset under now-clear skies. Far below, Lake McDonald glistened in the sun.
“What time are you heading up to the glacier tomorrow?” Corinne asked the Parkers.
“Right after an early breakfast,” Mom answered, “so we can take our time on the long trek down to our car.”
“We’ll see you somewhere on the trail, then,” Greg replied. “We’re going to sleep in and start later. We’re staying two nights here at the chalet.”
The late Montana sunset lit up the sky as the evening began to chill. Morgan and James zipped up their jackets just as the sun finally dipped below the mountains.
The wolf pair trotted out to Two Dog Flats. They scanned the open plain and spotted a herd of elk
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The wolves casually trotted toward the herd. The gray wolf still limped, but he managed to keep up with his new companion
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The predators crept closer and studied the elk. They noticed a small calf on the fringe of the group
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The wolves charged straight at the calf
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The elk perked their ears up and saw the rapidly approaching predators. They immediately dashed away, disappearing into the nearby trees
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The two wolves ran in and out of the forest, searching for the elk. They found them all bunched together with the calves in the middle of the pack. Eventually the wolves regrouped, worked their way down the slope, and crossed the road. Finally the pair left the Two Dog Flats area and St. Mary Lake altogether, heading toward the southern part of the park
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The chalet visitors headed inside. The wooden guest quarters were cool and dark. Morgan, James, Mom, and Dad each turned on a flashlight, changed into pajamas, and climbed into their beds.
