G L A C I E R   N A T I O N A L   P A R K

Wednesday, July 28, 2004

I arrive at the Park's toll gate. I decide to ante up $50 for the yearly pass that's valid at all National Parks, a wise choice considering I'll be visiting many National Parks as I progress through my road trip adventure. I make a quick visit to the Apgar Visitor Center and get the skinny on biking opportunities in the park as well as if car camping is allowed. I'm told car camping is allowed at any of the campgrounds.

From Apgar I drive northward on the "Going to the Sun Road" (say that 5 times fast). To my left is Lake McDonald, a huge lake, 9 miles long and 1.5 miles wide.

Along the lake you can pull off the road and hike down to the shoreline. Dotted along the eastern shore are little beaches that allowed one to get up-close-and-personal with the lake, it is a really nice setup. Once on the beach the crystal clear water beckons me to jump in for a swim. Unfortunately it's late in the afternoon and I have loftier goals; to get a bike ride in before nightfall.