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:

Our first stop was at Lake McDonald Lodge:

Isn’t it beautiful!

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.

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

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

The west side tunnel – 192 feet long:

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

More Falls:

The weeping wall:

The triple arches:

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

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):

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

Looking west:

Looking east:

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

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

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

Our lunch table view:

The main lobby area:

The Many Glacier Lodge:

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

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

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

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: