Glacier National Park is located in Montana, on the Canada–United States border with the Canadian provinces of Alberta and British Columbia. The park encompasses over 1,000,000 acres and includes parts of two mountain ranges (sub-ranges of the Rocky Mountains), over 130 named lakes, more than 1,000 different species of plants and hundreds of species of animals. Soon after the establishment of the park on May 11, 1910, a number of hotels and chalets were constructed by the Great Northern Railway. These historic hotels and chalets are listed as National Historic Landmarks, and a total of 350 locations are on the National Register of Historic Places. By 1932, work was completed on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, which provided greater accessibility for automobiles into the heart of the park. Two hundred waterfalls are scattered throughout the park. In the middle of the 19th century there were over 150 glaciers present.Currently there are only 25 left.It is expected that these will disappear in the next 7 years by 2020. For information about this beautiful but relatively unknown and unvisited park go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glacier_National_Park_(U.S.)
One of the many views in Glacier
the few remaining ones that can
be seen from the road.
Some waterfalls are up close and personal
The Highway to the Sun. The only way to get to East Glacier from West Glacier without going all the way around Glacier.
road . This is the only section of the
Going to the Sun road that is built
out from the mountains.
All the rest is cut into the mountain.
the distance
.
When water does not fall straight down it is technically known as a cascade; but regardless, they are beautiful
sunny locations but then there is Uncle Gus who always was a bit
strange. He is coldfooting it up the snowpack for reasons only know to
himself.
This mountain goat mom and her kid were just hangin’ out, enjoying the sun when we went by.
popular tourist stop, even back in the 1030’s when the railroad brought tourists
from the East here. The photo below is a result of several photos joined
in a panorama using Photoshop Elements 11.
Everything is downhill, both ways from this point on the Going to the Sun
Highway. These trekkers are crossing the snowfield to see a glacier that is on
the other side of the point. If you look closely you will see black spots
circling around the left of the point. Those specks are people.
Red and green argillite stone used in a wall. Argillite is a stone created from clay. Similar to slate. It is also called mudstone. The bright red or green colors are caused by iron deposits that got mixed into the clay. If the mix was exposed to oxygen it turn the iron red (iron oxide or rust). The green ones were formed if the iron was not exposed to oxygen. I initially guessed a copper base for them but research indicates unoxidized iron.
water with a slight turquoise tint. Water coming off a glacier has this
color. Something to do with the oxygen content and light
refraction. Note the red arrow. The rock under several feet of water but it is still clearly visible.
Lake McDonald. It is located downstream from the above photos.
rolled back giving a great open air ride for our tour. Great until the
driver decided to driver UNDER one of the roadside waterfalls. Not bad
thought as it was hot and no one got too wet.
Key changes made to the Red Buses include:
Powertrain/Fuel System – The original 318 cubic inch 6 cylinder carbureted gasoline engine was removed and replaced with a new fuel-injected 5.4L bi-fuel engine, capable of running on either gasoline or LPG (propane) coupled to an automatic transmission. I noticed that the driver switched to gas when pulling a grade as it provides more power than LP. An all-new exhaust system also was provided.
Chassis – The original chassis was removed and replaced with an E-450 chassis modified to fit the Red Bus body.
Brakes – The brake system was replaced with a production 4-wheel disc ABS system.
Windows and Lights – All windows were replaced with safety glass and external lights were replaced or repaired and brought up to current standards.
Body – The original body of the Red Bus was carefully removed from the chassis. Damaged areas were repaired, cleaned and repainted in the original color scheme. New sheet metal or fiberglass components were blended into the vehicle where needed, such as the fender wells and the rear door. In addition, all the door latches were replaced and the plywood floors were replaced with composite aluminum sheeting.
Seating – All passenger and driver seats were refurbished with new comfortable fire-retardant material. New padding was added to the handrails on the seat backs.
Running Boards – Running boards were replaced, but remain consistent with the original design.
Ornamentation – When possible, original ornamentation was refurbished. When replacement was needed, it was done with component designs consistent with the original.
Glacier National Park tour. Time to settle back with a nice cold
brew. Wait a minute! Huckleberry? Yep, a light wheat beer with huckleberry
hints. Actually was quite nice and refreshing.
Click below to move on
to Yellowstone.