After a night of blistering wind, rain, fog and temperatures close to Tomie's age, we awaken in a warm lake-view room at sunrise. Fall has arrived.... this is our story.
Leading Characters
Tomie and Karen
Supporting Characters
Scott, Rich, and Troy
Guest Appearances
Bighorn Sheep 1,2, & 3
Mountain Goat 1,2, & 3
Moose Mom
Moose Calf
Grizzly Mom
Grizzly Cub 1 & 2
Extras
Cows, Horses, Deer, Rabbit, Ground Squirrel, Dog, and Other Hikers
Lead Grip
Rodney
1st Scene: Many Glacier Lodge - Glacier National Park
I(Tomie) am awake at sunrise to photograph the morning light on the Lake. Karen, the wonderful assistant that she is, fetches the first cup of (weak) morning coffee. As I walk out of the lodge the wind coming off the lake nearly blows my hat off. The light is golden and the air is brisk. The snow-covered mountain tops beckon. The big blue Montana sky is etched with playful clouds. Following the morning shoot, coffee and egg sandwiches are enjoyed. We then meet 3 guys who also are planning the 5 1/2 mile hike to Grinell Glacier. They accept our request that we tag along. We drive to the trailhead, don our layers and begin this day's adventure.
Scene 2: Hike to Grinell Glacier
After climbing for about 1 hour on the trail, Karen and I simultaneously proclaim the most profound thing we could utter at that very moment - "WOW!!!" We experience our first look at Grinell Lake! The water is the most breathtaking turquoise color we have ever seen. We stop in our tracks to take it all in for more than a moment. Soon after the first sight of the lake, we have our first BIG wildlife sighting of the trip. Bighorn Sheep 1, 2, and 3 are relaxing on a cliffside just below the trail. They, too, are mesmerized by the lake below. As we continue our journey we encounter melted snow, fresh packed snow, mountain streams and gusty winds. By now our many layers of clothing are all on including winter hats, gloves, and vests. Upon arriving at the summit we are again taken aback by the snow, peaks, and semi-frozen lakes that we see around Grinell Glacier where it sits in a pocket in the side of the mountain. The National Park Service predicts that this and all the glaciers in the park will be no more come 2030. We are well aware that we are witnessing a part of geological history.
We eat our snack and hydrate as I take lots of photos in this arctic wonderland. A strong wind almost blows me over. We begin our descent. We continue to look for wildlife in their natural environment and find Mountain Goat 1, 2, and 3 on a cliff just above our heads. They look very soft and cuddly. WHO KNEW! They obviously have a different modeling contract than the bighorn sheep as they up and leave the scene after only 4 pictures have been taken.
We then literally join paths with Mom Moose and Moose Calf. Their modeling agent doesn't allow head shots. Just from the rear! They finally decide to share the trail and let us pass so we can finish our trek back to the trailhead and ultimately to the lodge. Not so fast... The Bears!!!
Grizzly Mom and Grizzly Cub 1 and 2 graze their huckleberries on the hillside just opposite the lodge. Cars are stopping this way and that. Perfect.
Closing Scene:The Swiss Lodge
We meet our new hiking friends for a cold beer or 2 or Diet Coke (no ice) and relive our fun from the day.
And so it is.. the end to a perfect fall day.
THE END
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