Autumn invading Montana

©2014 Lydia Hinshaw

Maples turning red over West Glacier

 WEST GLACIER, MT -- Sunday we finally got out on a hike, and of course paid the price.

 We set out for Apgar Lookout, a former fire lookout that offers a great view over Lake McDonald.  It's 3.6 miles uphill, followed by the required return trip.

  About 99 percent of the hike is exposed to the elements, thanks to a forest fire here about 10 years ago.  The last time we tried it, we quit very early because it was a cloudless, blazing hot day, even for Montana.

 Heat wasn't a problem this time.  It was cloudy and cool, and for the top half of the hike we watched a rainstorm bearing down on us. The spectacular views were obscured by clouds, and after a hurried snack at the top, we started downhill just as the rain hit.

 The next hour was a test of our rain-gear, which fortunately was up to the job.  Prince Charming had bought me a new rain jacket on sale in Ouray, CO, on the way home last year, and it did its job well.  Our hiking boots also lived up to their "waterproof" billing.

 Still, our backpacks, gloves and pants (from the knees down) remain damp a day later, as we got no sunshine to help dry them Sunday afternoon.

 On the mountain, we noticed the inevitable signs of fall, as maple trees are tinged with yellow and red, and some ground-cover plants whose name I don't know are bright yellow already.

 The good news is that it's Labor Day.  There's a parade of motor homes and travel trailers headed out of the campground.  Children here will be headed back to school tomorrow, and quiet will be easier to find both here, and on our continued travels.