Glacier National Park

Before I comment about Glacier I would like to talk about our visit with the Ingalls from Townsend, Montana. Kelly is a 3rd generation sheep rancher. His grandfather bought land in the 1800’s. Several plots of acres were purchased in different locations so one must drive many miles to reach another part of the ranch. Kelly and his siblings, John and Pat own the ranch. Kelly shared with us the history of the ranch as we drove around and walked the ranch. There are even two homestead cabins from the 1800’s on their ranch. Besides the sheep, they also raise cattle and have several horses. Water is diverted from the Missouri River and makes its way to ranches by a series of cannels. They are the only remaining sheep ranch in their county. Kelly is very, very proud of his heritage.

Kelly and Kay met while serving in the Peace Corp in Africa. They have two children, Elly, age 12 and Louis, age 10. The family is a pet loving family with dogs, cats, a bunny, and a turtle. The sheep are kept on the mountain with a herder and his dogs. When they need to move the “band” of sheep everyone is involved. The sheep lead the way and traffic may need to be stopped. The arrival of spring brings lambing time with 120 lambs born every day for 3 weeks. Once born the lamb with the mom are placed in its own pen for the night and then moved to another shed to make room for the next lambs. So much work and so much reward for the family. Can you image that many new lambs each day? Kelly said the “baahing” can be heard for quite some distance. Farming in Illinois seems so “simple” when one considers all of the government involvement with a sheep ranch in Montana.

The day we drove up into the mountains to check on the band of sheep it was raining. So moving the sheep was postponed and we all went swimming in a hot spring, and then ate ice cream. We also took a tour of Helena on the train, went on a boat ride at Garden of the God’s park, and celebrated Kelly’s birthday with the family. We enjoyed our visit and learned so much.

I am including only a couple photos of Yellowstone, as it seems so long ago that we were there (the week without any internet connection really upset my routine).

So here we are at Glacier National Park, arriving this past Sunday. We have a beautiful campsite, although a bit crowded, along the side of a mountain and overlooking Lake St Mary’s. We are very close to the west entrance of the park. We have hiked all three days, with a long hike of 10 miles to Iceberg Lake. We tagged along on the ranger led hike which was fabulous. He knew so much about the blooming wildflowers that were everywhere. Everyday we see new flowers. The lunch stop was at the lake where we saw the icebergs, goats on the mountainside, and just relaxed.

I’ll have to post Glacier photos once Phil has them available (he is currently sitting in a lawn chair taking a nap). So for now, enjoy the photos from the ranch and a few from Yellowstone!

Now that summer is coming to a close and school just around the corner, I hope everyone has had a great summer. Miss everyone.

Update:  Still cannot upload photos.  I don't know why campgrounds advertise and charge more when a connection is so slow.  Oh well, that is life on the road.  You will have to imagine what we are seeing.