Running for the border

Another bright and early morning at the fire tower. This was different as it was my last day in the USA. Pics from this leg:

I'd love to build one in the backyard.

No fires to report during my watch.

But I did my best to keep watch.

Trying to figure out the Osborne Firefinder.

My neighboring lookout, Mount Morrell, across the valley is actually staffed but the snow is still covering the access road. A ranger told me that the lookout is itching to get up there and open it up.

I think there is a lookout on this peak off to the west but no confirmation from the ranger.

Tupper Lake looking back at the Double Arrow Lookout.

My artsy attempts.

Riding up the Swan Valley, reminded me of New Zealand.

A contender for the picture that sums up the trip. On the road through the Swan Valley towards Glacier.

Number two smoke spotted. This time east of Kalispell headed towards West Glacier.

Great little homegrown spot for lunch.

A Huckleberry BBQ Chicken sandwich, fries and huckleberry lemonade. The sandwich had swiss cheese and huckleberry BBQ sauce. So delish.

Another missed train shot. This was at the Goat Lick in southern Glacier National Park. The Going to the Sun road was closed in some spots so I had to drive US 2 around the southern side of the Park.

One of the many snow sheds on the route. Still a lot of snowmelt, one shed had a waterfall of runoff from its roof.

Finally a decent train capture.

Back over the Continental divide. This is a monument to Thomas Jefferson.

As it says, Marias Pass.

First elk ( I think, someone please correct me if I'm wrong) sighting.

Heading up the east side of GNP.

Well, I certainly hope not!

Like I said, still a lot of snow to melt yet.

One of the better photo series of the trip, if I do say so myself.

I love how they refer to them as ports.

Usually I'm not a flag waving out there kind of patriot, but I had a little trepidation when I saw this sign saying I was leaving the USA.

Well, they let me in.

Dinner that night in Calgary at NOtaBLE.

The risotto was to die for.

I'll leave it up to your imagination how good this was.

 

This wine paired nicely with the salmon.

 I'll have a separate post for the fire stuff I saw along the way.