Say What? and on to Waterton

Back to hiking....

As we hike, we form a column of determined adventurers.  This works well on narrow trails, and allows people to go by us in either direction.  It also leads to some creative bear deterrence from the guides. As we move, there are calls and responses betweeen the leaders in the front and back--- enough noise to make it clear we’re coming through. The first time I hear “Yo Yogi!”  and “Yo BooBoo!”, I think the guides are just trying to amuse themselves.  They succeed, and they keep us laughing (and keep bears away).  

There are a few other humorous moments.  When Stacey, the Glacier Park naturalist and guide, provides some information, the people closest to  her hear what she’s saying, and those of us who are either ahead or behind catch only a few syllables as we pause and gather around. At one point Stacey is pointing and I hear…   “…ol… ea…i…ating…”

I look in the direction I think she’s pointing and think, “There are  … “P ol ar …b ea rs migrating”  That sounds ridiculous.   

Behind me someone asks, “There are flying beagles hydrating???”

That sounds equally ridiculous.  Then we all see where Stacey is pointing...

Golden Eagle Migrating

Not ridiculous.  Spectacular.

The miles of hiking takes its toll on my knees, so I focus on the view...like the regal Golden Eagle or the views of Grinnell Lake from the Garden Wall.

Grinnell Lake

After leaving the Chalet, we descend about half a mile in only 4 miles. At this point, while we intrepid few have hiked, stopped for a snack at the Chalet, and moved on, Eric has run back to the starting point, brought the van around to the end of the trail, and made his way up to join us.  I am humbled by his speed and skill.

and grateful.

By the time we reach the end of the ‘loop’, everyone feels the day’s exertion.  Going downhill jams your toes into the front of your boots and demands a lot of your knees....funny how that doesn't occur to me going up.  

It is with satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment that we reach the end of our first hike, congratulate each other, and get in the van to head north to Waterton, the other part of the International Peace Park.   Our accommodations for the evening are the other end of the spectrum from the Granite Park Chalet--we’re at the Prince of Wales Hotel.

Prince of Wales Hotel in Waterton

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