8/27/2014

August 26, 2014 Going to the Sun Road on the Historic Red Bus

We were up early this morning and at the transit center by 7:45 – yes, we were early.  Today’s tour consisted of 5 Red Buses (lots of people).  There were 14 on our bus so it was pretty comfortable and not “squishy”.

By8:30 AM, we were loaded up and on our way.

I was going to give you lots of info on the Going to the Sun Road and on the Historic Red Buses but I am giving you some links instead because I have LOTS of pictures!

Here are the links and there is much other info out there on the web:

http://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/gtsrtop10.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Going-to-the-Sun_Road

http://glaciernationalpark.mobi/going-sun-road/

http://www.glaciernationalparklodges.com/activities-red-bus-tours

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Jammers

Our tour guide and driver was Susan and we were treated to so much history and stories and geology along the way – she was great.

So here we go…

Lake McDonald:

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Our first stop was at Lake McDonald Lodge:

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Isn’t it beautiful!

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There was even a roaring fire in the fire place – which was great because the temps were only in the 40’s and the bus had no heat.

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McDonald Creek – notice the color of the water- it means that this creek water is coming from the glaciers:

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Here is the avalanche chutes – there are many in the park:

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The west side tunnel – 192 feet long:

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One of the longest falls in the park – the Going to the Sun Road is right in the middle:

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More Falls:

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The weeping wall:

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The triple arches:

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At the top – the line across those mountains is the road:

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Logan’s Pass has a visitor center, museum, hiking trails and so much more.  It is also a great place to see desert sheep – and we were not disappointed (although they were in the distance):

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This little guy and his partner went to everyone – he must get handouts:

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Looking west:

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Looking east:

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After the break, we headed to the east side of the park where the scenery was still jaw-dropping:

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08-25-14 C Apgar Area (8)a

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We traveled out of the park and headed to Many Glacier area where we went back into the park.  Lake Sherburne:

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We made out way to the Many Glacier Lodge where we had lunch.  This lodge is beautiful:

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Our lunch table view:

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The main lobby area:

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The Many Glacier Lodge:

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WOW!  Then we started our journey back over the Going to the Sun Road to the west side of the park:

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At Logan Pass, we saw this mama near the road:

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If you look real close, you can see her baby behind her:

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We got back about 5:15 PM.  What a wonderful trip.

Would I recommend it?  Yes for the history but I also recommend taking the day and doing the road on your own.  Both are worth it!

Back home, we finished the evening with a nice campfire.

Another wonderful day!

Enjoy today and I will leave you with one more picture of the day:

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4 comments:

IdahoRV said...

You got some beautiful photos Diane!

DNPC said...

Great pics - thanks for helping us remember how beautiful Glacier NP is. If you want to get out in the woods to a quirky place with great bakery, try Polebridge - the best "bear claws" we've ever had! Here's the link: http://www.polebridgemercantile.com/

Diane said...

Thanks Jan and Ken. :-)

Diane said...

Thanks DNCP. We are heading that way tomorrow. :-)