For almost two years this diary has been patiently languishing in a draft diary. You see, it was sort of a joke in the immediate aftermath of that first EPIC event, that I would post the last of the Glacier meet-up diaries. There were quite a few of them at the time, if you remember, celebrating this EPIC meet-up. I think it's safe to say that I've succeeded in my goal. These photos are offered now just in case anyone would like to up their excitement level just a little bit. I am sure that Bowman Lake will offer its own outstanding beaut just as did Kintla Lake. I can only hope to spot the mama bear and her 3 cubs - at a distance - frolicking in some pristine mountain meadow.
The official dates for the grand adventure were June 28-June 30, 2013. On the last full day, a group of us chose to forgo the Going to the Sun road trip in favor of an excursion to Kintla Lake led by the intrepid Ojibwa. Let's see, an Ojibwa-led foray into the wild or something anybody can do? Easy decision.
This diary starts in the morning of June 30th. There's Our Fearless Leader, Ojibwa his very own self, in front of his orange feather boa-draped vehicle waiting for his fellow trippers to gather. I think the photos speak for themselves so I am choosing to let them do so. I will, of course, answer any questions you might pose in the comments.
Before we go, this map Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park will help you place Kintla Lake in the overall park environs. It's way, way up there and to the far left - where else? - at the very edges of the American part of the park.
So. You've made it to Polebridge which is approximately halfway to Kintla Lake, time-wise anyway. That was the part with mostly paved surfaces. The one lane roads begin in all their 15 miles per hour washboardy-ness for the rest of the way. Follow on if you dare.
Sharing in the Kintla Lake wonder were Ojibwa, state of confusion, jakedog42, Blue Jessamine, Josh Blu, Mr and Mrs Cool Traveler, and yours truly. What a trip!!!
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Now, in only two days, peregrine kate will be arriving at Chicago's Union Station where I will pick her up and bring her to spend the night at my humble abode. It will be difficult sleeping that night, no doubt. On Wednesday we will take the eL down to Mildway, board a plane for Spokane WA, get a rental car and drive up to Bonners Ferry ID for a night's sleep before proceeding on through what we hope will be some beautiful country as we follow the Kootenai River on Highway 2 right on into Coram, arriving just in time for what promises to be an EPIC Thursday night affair hosted by Thinking Fella and jakedog. This trip can't come soon enough for me: my soul requires it. Can hardly wait to see the old hands and to meet some new ones. Are YOU ready?