Day 8: East Glacier Park

We drove hwy 2 east along the bottom of the park and then took hwy 49 north. It took a good 2 hours to get around and up to the East side. 

We noticed the different landscape on this side of the park. Less trees, more open spaces. We could see evidence of previous forest fires.

We stopped for lunch and to help relieve the "woozies" from curvy roads.

We arrived at St. Mary's Visitor Center. Talked to Rangers Austin and Sarah for recommendations on what to do in one afternoon in East Glacier... They both said go to Many Glacier!

On the drive into Many Glacier we saw two Grizzly Bears on the right side of the road.

We parked at Many Glacier Hotel parking and prepared for our 1.2 mile hike to Lake Josephine. 

It was lightly raining and super windy.  At times the sun would come out and the rain would stop.

It was super windy!!

 

We ate dinner at the Many Glacier Hotel pub/lounge. Riley said "this is the best balsamic vinaigrette dress ever". We found out it was homemade. Our waitress from Wisconsin said she was impressed with how our boys behaved in the restaurant and how Riley ate the dressing and salad. It was nice to hear this compliment as minutes earlier they were on the hiking trail grabbing and poking and hitting each other. :)

 This was our best meal on vacation so far!

We headed back to St. Mary's park entrance, so Kevin could drive the 'Going to the Sun Road' back to the West side.

Good bye East Side! 

Back up to Logan's Pass and snow!

And all the way back down on the West side...

I have so many great photos on my 'real' camera. These blog pics were all taken with my iPhone.

Here's the last shot I took before climbing in the RV to unpack and get ready for bed:

Tomorrow morning we are on the road headed towards Cody, WY - the Rodeo Capitol of the World!