Vandrea Does America: Day 49 (Wednesday 8/8/12)- Glacier National Park, MT

Our final day at Glacier and we felt we had the whole routine down. We got up early to beat the crowds, patting ourselves on the back that we weren't one of the many fools going to Glacier on the weekend, only to be reassured that yes, we are indeed the fools. But fools with much company. We arrived at the bus terminal early enough to wait for an hour. We ended up catching a ride at the same time we had the previous two days. What's more, according to our very seasoned and delightful bus driver Wednesday is actually the busiest day in the park since everyone assumes weekends will be the worst. Plus, only on weekdays do you get the pleasure of construction crews. I guess we don't quite have it all figured out yet.
Our goal and only real intinerary for the day was to do the Highline trail. This hike is a must, even if just for a little while to say you did. The trail runs right along a cliff! A garden hose is affixed to the rock face for protection. I know, reassuring huh? We didn't need it, but it might induce paralysis if there happened to be snow. As there wasn't any on the hike we fared well, but any other time of year you would need that make shift rail. We followed along this incredible path, Isaiah's annoyance climbing too, as every few minutes I exclaimed "Can you believe this, this is unreal!" (It was charming the first few times I'm sure). (Charming like 50 "Squeasle" pics. Speaking of which...).

Along the way we were greeted and at times almost tripped up by Squeasals. Very vain and photogentic Squeasles (wish I hadn't worked so hard to get a picture yesterday). We passed several trickles of water that just weeks ago had been solid waterfalls and what I would call a real secret garden (except for the thousands of travelers who also discover it every year) all along the cliff face.

Though the drop was startling any danger was completely overshadowed by the beauty on what I would call the greatest hike we have ever done and probably one of the best ever to do. With that we bid Glacier goodbye and headed back to Walmart for our final night in Kalispell.