GLACIER NATIONAL PARK

we are still unpacking all of our clothes, and cleaning the crumbs out of the car after our trip to two gorgeous national parks- glacier (montana) and banff (alberta, canada). we had such an amazing time- i don't know where to begin!

it was an incredibly refreshing opportunity to enjoy the mountains and wildlife, but i do have to say it was also abnormally warm with the highs even reaching the mid 90s. in the early 20th century, glacier national park had 150 glaciers, 150 has now dwindle down to 25 which will likely disappear completely in the next few decades due to climate change. if you are going to see these beautiful views, now is the time to get out there before they melt away.

glacier was our first stop along the long drive through the rockies. once we got there, we were lucky enough to find a camping spot right on a clear glacier lake at sprague campgrounds. after we pitched our tent, we were free to slip and slide down glaciers, hike through beautiful mountain meadows, float on icebergs at iceberg lake, and drink from natural springs (one of jared's favorite activities was pulling out his lifestraw and drinking from every river, lake, and stream). there is so much beauty in this world- so so grateful we were able to see more of it this week.

iceberg lake was unreal. what better way to cool off on a hot summer day, than dipping your feet into a pristine mountain lake, filled with glacier water and icebergs? we hadn't heard anything about this trail before we started walking, and sorta picked it based on the length, difficulty, and how it fit into our plans. so glad we did, because this trail into the "heart of glacier" ended up being one of our favorites of the entire trip. 

did i mention we got to watch baby mountain goats hop along the trails while we hiked? they were all over the logan pass area and cute enough to kiss. 

i've probably shared this before, but i am ridiculously afraid of heights...which might seem odd because i love to hike. i can handle roller coasters, probably because i'm strapped in, but i get so nervous on steep cliffs. i always think i'd be one of the few klutzy people who trips or stumbles on a little stone and falls over the edge. i try not to let it stop me from doing things i want to do, but while i 'm clutching the metal chain (see above) and trying to avoid looking down, jared's wandering around checking out the view and hanging his feet off the edge (see below). while part of me is just plain jealous, his lack of fear is actually really comforting for me. it helps me see my nervousness as fear, not danger. plus, he goes slow, holds my hand, and and tells me it'll be okay. 

and in the end, the views are always worth it.