I’m Off (Again) On A Rather Big Adventure
by Jenners • 07/15/2011 • Travels • 53 Comments
Although I’m not really caught up from my last blogging break yet (so sorry … I’ve made every effort to catch up with everyone but ran out of time), I’m about to depart for another long break.
On Saturday, the Little One and I are flying out to Montana for a week to visit my brother and undertake a very serious hiking experience (10 miles!!!) in Glacier National Park. Considering that I should have been training for the past few months instead of frittering away the time with reading and blogging, I hope I’m not the weak link and get outhiked by a 6-year-old (which is EXACTLY what my brother expects to happen).
Want to see where we will be staying while in the park?
Many Glacier Hotel (First Night) (click on photo for source)
St Mary Lodge (Second Night) (click on photo for source)
We will be hiking 10 miles (5 miles in and 5 miles out). I won’t lie … I’m a little nervous about this. However, my brother assures me that we’ll take it easy and if we can’t finish the whole thing, we won’t.
However, I’m very motivated to reach our goal, Iceberg Lake, because the cliffs that overlook the lake were where my dad fell to his death almost two years ago. I’ve wanted to go to the site of his accident for some time. Somehow, I think that being there and seeing where he spent his last day will bring me a sense of peace and some closure. Wish me luck on the hike … and I’ll be back in a week or so.
Iceberg Lake (the cliffs you see were where my dad fell) (click on photo for source)
This is a gorgeous park-we hiked it two years ago. Seeing a grizzly scary yet amazing.
Isn’t it just an amazing and beautiful place!? I can’t wait to go back … and I hope to see a grizzly again and get a better photo.
Sorry about your dad meeting his end here. I saw my first bear on the side of the road here. I wanted to go over to the Canadian side, however we did not bring our passports. Have you ever been to Banff?
I’ve never been to Banff, but we did visit Waterton in Canada.
As far as my dad meeting his end there, it was his favorite place on earth so it was just as well as any other place I suppose.
This is a test.
Great. did you get this reply as an e-mail?
I’m conquering my google reader and realized it’s been forever since I stopped by. This looks like a great trip-have lots of fun!
Good luck with the hike. I hope you find peace and closure at the end.
So jealous of the view and the weather. Not so much on the ten mile hike.
Hope the trip accomplishes everything you need and that you have a wonderful time with your brother and little one. God bless!
I can see why your Dad was drawn to places like this. Unbelievable! I’m hoping you find what you’re looking for Jenners! Thinking of you.
Sounds like a fantastic trip. I hope you have a sense of peace by visiting the last place your dad was alive. I’m sure you will understand why he loved climbing so much!
Looks like a beautiful place. I hope your trip turns out to be everything you want it to be.
Jenners, I know this will be a memorable trip for you for many reasons. Thinking of you. Enjoy your time with the Little One
Looks beautiful- I’m jealous! Have fun and take lots of pictures!
Montana is beautiful. I haven’t been to Glacier National Park, though but you will be awed by the views. Very different from the east coast! I hope that being where your dad was last alive will help bring you peace, although it’ll be very emotional, too.
What a spectacular view? The cliff and the iceberg lake really looks magnificent. Have a safe trip Jenner and hope you had the closure that you needed. Good luck!
hope the trip to montana offers you some peace of mind, lots of fresh air, and family time with your brother. xo
Wow – fabulous scenery! Have a wonderful time!
Those photographs are stunning. Looks like you and the little one will have a nice adventure ahead of you two. I hope you have an enjoyable time. Be safe.
OOH that looks wonderful – have fun and do not wear new hiking boots or OW OW OW!
You can do it! Take lots of pics!
This sounds like the most awesome trip. What a great memory for you all.
Those views are spectacular! I hope that you guys are able to have a good time and get some closure. I’m sure you’ll do well on the hike, but I look forward to hearing your account of it.
I hope you love your hike. I used to rock climb myself and really grew to love it. I am sorry for you loss, and also hope that by going, you will come to see and remember a part of him you never quite knew before. I hope that you find the closure you need. I have always wanted to go there too. It looks amazing.
You’ll make it. It’s too bad such a beautiful place will have devastating memories for you. I do hope you find closure.
Oh, I’m so sorry. I hope you are able to make the hike and it gives you everything you need.
[PS Those hotels almost make me rethink my NO NATURE ON VACATION policy.]
That sounds like a great trip, but I’m sure it will be emotional for you. I hope it brings you the closure you are after.
Tough to take…
…for us.
Good luck! Focus on being with your family (including your dad) and the miles will fly by!
Have a great time – I spent a week in Glacier about 10 years ago and had a wonderful time. It is just so beautiful!
Jenners, I hope you have a fantastic trip and that it brings you peace, closure, and a measure of joy to be in all that beauty! I will be thinking of you and sending positive thoughts your way!
Glacier is just an amazing place. Have a wonderful time:)
The picture of St. Mary Lodge reminds me of Switzerland. Absolutely gorgeous.
Happy healing… I just know it’ll be good for your soul
Those pics are gorgeous. Enjoy your trip and don’t worry about the hike. Just go at your own pace. I sincerely hope you find some peace and closure there.
You can do it! And I hope that it does bring you some peace. It looks like a gorgeous place.
I’m sure this will be a very emotional trip so I wish you the best. Hike safely and we’ll see you when you get back!
Have a great time. And if my some freaky chance you get stuck in Idaho, give me a shout.
How beautiful! I hope you have just an incredibly good time!
Here’s wishing all of you a happy hike. I’m afraid with all that beautiful scenery I’d just want to sit and take in the views.
wow indeed!
Hope you survive the 10 miles. Is there a fall back plan?
That is going to be SO much fun. Something you and you son will never forget.
Our family hiked and camped in Mt.Rainier National Park almost every summer. I even spent two weeks hiking in the wilderness on my honeymoon. Not even a tent to sleep in.
I still wonder if there may be pictures of us “resting” on the side of a glacier one very sunny afternoon… Hey, after all it was our honeymoon and we got “tired”. How does that song go again….
xoxo Bunny Jean
Jenners, have a fabulous trip! Don’t worry about the hike– pace yourself and you will do fine, These photos are quite remarkable. I’ve wanted to visit “big sky country” since I was a child ordering travel brochures in the mail.
Looks like a beautiful place! I hope you have a lot of fun!
I’ve always wanted to go there, it looks amazing. I hope your trip, (and hike), is wonderful!
Oh Jenners, it looks beautiful out there, and ten miles sounds doable if you have been training. I hope that you guys have a wonderful time out there and that this trip provides you the closure you need. I will look forward to seeing you back!
wow!! that sounds and looks like an incredible adventure to have! ENJOY!
Oh Jenners – I have wanted to go to Montana for a long time and this place looks absolutely perfect! I’m not sure that I would brave a 10 mile hike, but I desperately want to see the beautiful scenery.
I wish you luck on the hike, but more importantly, I hope that it brings you the closure you need – and deserve.
Oh wow! What beautiful scenery!! Good luck with the hike (I’m sure you’ll do fine) and I look forward to hearing about it when you return.
this sounds like a wonderful adventure, 10 miles is nothing. Take your keens (shoes) in case your feet get hot. You’ll do fine. You’re the mother of an active 6 year old, you’re already trained.
Everyone would be outhiked by a 6 year old. I can understand why you want to make this trip. I wish you much success!!
Wow, this looks like a major trip! And such a gorgeous place! Have a wonderful time!!! And take lots of pictures, of course!
Glacier National Park has been on our list for a long time. It is supposed to be amazing…another one of those places you have to see before you die. And yes, you will probably be out-hiked by your son, if the dynamic in my family is any indication. But you will do fine. Just bring snacks and water and wear good shoes. The beauty around you will probably distract you as well! I can’t wait to hear about it!
Oh wow. Your next destination is gorgeous! I’m so sorry that it’s also the place where you lost your father. I hope that you’ll find the closure you’re looking for when you reach Iceberg Lake. Good luck on the hike too and stay safe when you reach your goal! I want to see and hear all about your trip when you come back!
I hope you have a good time – well, a good time on the hike, and closure up on the cliffs. I have absolute faith you can hike the 10 miles.