The Trail to Rowes Lake

The  day dawns miserably cold and rainy.   Erik goes with the suggestion of Waterton guide, Carey, that we take an easier route than originally planned, partly because of the weather and partly because the people who’d hiked yesterday are more than a little tired. I empathize with those feeling the strain.   I also confess I am relieved that I’m not the only person who needs to ease my way back into full activity.

Our revised plan takes us on the trail to Rowe’s Lake.  My photo records may not be 100% accurate (I blame this level of activity --all new to me--12 miles in a day without a helicopter to pick me up when I’m tired? ). Using the Internet and checking with my travel-mates, I’m trying to verify that the locations I attribute to pictures are accurate, but I once again urge you to comment or correct if appropriate.  

Trail to Rowe’s Lake

The Writer Crosses a Stream

The above was obviously taken by someone else  because I’m the one crossing the log.  Please bear in mind the woman crossing that plank-like bridge was, not too long ago, afraid of heights; would never have crossed something that narrow for fear of falling (even though it would not have been a huge fall).   

Rowe’s meadow

In the course of the three-and-a-half mile hike to Rowes Lake, we had rain, snow, hail, and sun, each on more than one occasion.  I and a few others choose the short version of the hike, coming back after lunch in the meadow.  Moderately working my way back into the full activity level seems the wiser move, and I am not alone on my ‘short’ hike (of 7 miles, round trip).

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Waterton and Goat Haunt

The weary group that gathers for dinner in the elegant Waterton Hotel is feeling the day’s 11-mile hike.  All of us, not just me.  But my knee is telling me that I might not be doing any climbing tomorrow.  I think again, I didn’t come all this way to turn around,‘  I wonder what my options are....

Then Erik tells us.  The next day’s adventure will be a 12 mile hike on the Carthew Pass trail, a gain about 2,200 feet in elevation, go through old growth forest and lead to fields of wildflowers and bear grass.  After dinner, I tell Erik I don’t think I can do it. 

Here’s one of the best things about traveling with a guide on a well-planned tour.  Erik agrees that if my knee is bothering me in the morning, an easier day is in order.  He arranges for me to visit Goat Haunt, a location back in the Montana side of the park, accessible from Waterton by boat.  With tickets and directions in hand I retire to ice my knee and rest.

I join the group for breakfast, then retreat for an easy morning while the others are climbing the Carthew Pass Trail.  At mid-morning,  I head to the boat (with tickets Erik provided) to Goat Haunt, Montana.

Boat trip to Goat Haunt

The largest peak as we approach is Mt. Olson, --- I *think* this is a view of it

I have not yet found out why it's called 'Goat Haunt';  I do know that it's the main connection of Glacier and Waterton Parks is at the southern end of the Upper Waterton Lake (hence the boat).   It is the first ranger station a hiker on the Continental Divide Trail will reach. Here you can see the International Peace Park agreement that created the Waterton-Glacier International Park.  

Since we’re crossing national boundaries, visitors have to clear customs and immigration, showing appropriate documentation (i.e. a passport) or they'll be staying in the area near the station and dock.   Once I am cleared,  I choose a short, fairly flat hike toward Rainbow Falls.  Even this tamed-down version for today brings me to beauty that still strikes me.

Ranger Station

Rainbow Falls, Goat Haunt

Between the late start (I was a little too busy pampering myself) and the time I took to enjoy the view,  I almost missed the last boat back to Waterton.  I don’t know if you can imagine my surprise when one of the rangers told me the last boat was ready to leave, and then I learned it was not the boat I was supposed to take.  They kindly let me board and took me back ‘home’.  

At dinner that night the guides reminded people who wanted ‘foot work’ to be in the lobby early the next morning, before the hike.  I was confused… I thought maybe there was a pre-hike exercise program, or stretching or …dancing?  

Turns out ‘foot work’ means bandaging feet, popping blisters, addressing injuries…  People on this trip were not novices and had worked to prepare for the adventure.  But hiking takes its toll....Even Gumby had some issues.

Gumby at GNP- knapsack (sorta), bandaged knee, and a hiking pole.

Gumby?

My friend and her office mates used to take Gumby traveling and photograph him in new places.  I saw her doing it in Versailles, and I thought Gumby would bring some humor to my classroom--and give me an opening for geography lessons.  So my own Gumby travels with me now (yes, even now).  At this moment,  he’s perched on my world map with the pins marking where I’ve been, awaiting his next adventure.

*  I have to confess at this point that, whether because of the strenuousness of the activity, my excitement at the beauty around me, or the discomfort that was sometimes hindering me (or a combination) some of the information in my journal, including photo data and descriptions may be ...off.  Dear Reader, if you have corrections or additions, please feel free to comment.  Or if you're in my email list, feel free to respond to me directly and I'll incorporate your info with or without credit, as you choose.  Thanks.  DG 

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