Day 20/16 : July 28, 2011

Ferndale, MT to Saint Mary, MT

Today's destination was Glacier National Park.

And, of course, the ride leading up was beautiful.

(A daily re-occurring scenario.)

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Large garden farm.

love.

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The camera doesn't capture the same bright yellow field as my eyes did.

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I don't know how necessary this stop was.

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Going To The Sun Road is closed to bikers from 11AM to 4PM.

I had 1.5 hours before I would be able to begin my climb.

So, I ate lunch while looking over Lake MacDonald.

 in Awe.

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As soon as the clock hit 4PM, I was on the road.

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Unreal.

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My original intention was to make it to Avalanche Campground at bottom of where the climb began over Logan Pass.

When I reached the campground, I decided to continue on because I was making

good time, I felt great, and I had 4 hours of sunlight left.

It was 5:30PM with 16 miles of climbing and 20 more miles until a campground.

 Ran out of water...so I filled at these falls.

A risk (maybe) worth taking.

Delicious.

(Fast forward...no sickness followed.)

 After rough roads and 3 construction stops I made it to the summit a little after 8PM.

:)!!

The highest summit of the trip.

 The sun was setting as I was descending.

My phone ran out of battery and I was unable to capture a beautiful sun set.

Saw 2 black bear

and

3 long horn sheep.   (From afar)

I hit 42mph ... and passed a car (That was a pretty cool feeling:)

The last 11 miles were rolling hills.

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All campgrounds were full.

I rode around the last campground of the park, and found an area

designated for non-vehicle travellers.

There were 4 hikers (Men : 2 and 2), an older couple (day hikes), and another solo-woman cycle traveller ( 2 week ride.. grew up in Troy, MI) !

Fun, nice, and interesting people.