Gliding into Glacier

St. Mary Campground, Glacier National Park, MT

The Prince of Wales Lodge, looking majestic and enchanting perched high on the bluff, was calling out to us this morning. We succumbed. Ned had a mountain man omelet and I had a cheese omelet. Meh, once again we were paying for the ambiance and not for the culinary perfection. Back home, Ned and I meet my Dad and Uncle Bud once a week for breakfast. So far, nothing has come close to Penny's Diner for quality, quantity, friendliness and price. We salute you Penny.
The storm had broken, but the wind was fierce, close to 50 mph. Seemed like a good choice to do the Red Rock Drive thru Waterton Park, rather than bike, and see if we could spot any wild animals. We were in luck! Not far into the drive we came upon a mama bear and her two cubs. The cubs were beyond adorable rolling over each other, looking like puppies, and jumping around in the wildflowers. It so reminded me of the book I used to read the kids when they were little "Blueberries for Sal". We were mesmerized by their playfulness and watched them for quite awhile. A little farther into the drive we came upon another bear, much bigger, and much more interested in eating. So far this trip we've seen 7 bears!
In this area of the park there are wildflowers, blue, yellow, purple, red and white, brightly displayed and blowing in the wind as far as the eye can see. (Neise, it so reminded me of our trip last year to Mt. Rainer). The many waterfalls running off the mountains could easily give Yosemite Falls a run for its money. After two weeks spent with our northern neighbors it was finally time to say goodbye. Thank you Canada for your warm hospitality, beautiful parks, majestic glaciers and abundant wildlife.
Hello USA! We entered Montana thru the small town of Chief Mountain and were welcomed into Big Sky country. Next destination Glacier National Park. The rest of the day was spent exploring the east side of the park, securing a campground for the night and visiting a couple of the lodges. By the time we arrived at Many Glacier Lodge it was a little after 3 and we were hungry again. Once more into the breach trying out another lodge. We each had a bowl of soup and split a sandwich. It was delicious and a third of the cost of the Canadian lodges. Point USA. While this lodge is much more rustic and not nearly as fancy as the Canadian Park lodges, it also seemed that more people were actually using and enjoying the space. At the Canadian lodges it seemed people, mainly tourists, were treating them as museums and art galleries looking at the architecture and in awe of the majestic decor. At this lodge people were actually hanging out by the fire reading and working at jigsaw puzzles in various nooks and crannies. It also had a much more relaxed vibe. All the lodges in this park are Swiss themed. Apparently, the railroad built them in the early 20th century to entice tourists to the area. The advertising said something along the lines of "feels like the Old Country in your new home." The staff today is still wearing the very fashionable lederhosen.
It's dry, but cold and windy here. The forecast calls for one more day of cool weather and then it's supposed to be in the mid to high 80's! I say bring it on. Tomorrow we drive from the east side to the west side of the park over the Going to The Sun Road. We're really looking forward to it.