This week we decided to hike two hikes that were favorites from when we were here two years ago. First, we did the Ptarmigan Tunnel trail. Glen had hiked it with Kyle last time, but it was new for Terry. The photo above is Ptarmigan Lake where we stopped to rest and enjoy some Clif bars before continuing to climb up to the tunnel.
Just past the lake we saw the biggest marmot we have ever seen. Glen says it was the "king" marmot! He was the size of a small beagle. (Watch out, Rosebud!)
Above, you can see Terry going through the tunnel. It was carved out here and was used by people and horses in the early days in the park. It still can be be accessed by horses, and we actually saw one girl on her horse on the trail the day we hiked it. There are big metal doors to close off the tunnel in the winter. Unlike most tunnels where cars or trains go through near the bottom of the mountain, this tunnel is near the top.
Here is the view you see when you go through the tunnel. It is a valley and lakes that of course is hidden the entire time you are climbing the other side of the mountain.
Glen is posing in front of the great view. We stayed for a few minutes and admired the view, saw the local marmot, and then went back through the tunnel to head down. We saw a bighorn sheep on our way down.
There were several beautiful waterfalls on the hike. In fact, there were many photographic opportunities. We saw one couple with big backpacks and asked where they were camping overnight. It turns out that the packs were full of photography equipment! We decided they were tough cookies!! Can't even imagine hauling all that to the top of mountains.
The wildflowers are still in bloom, and the devils' paintbrush are coming out. We like this rose colored version of that.
When we got back to the trailhead, we were greeted with a note on our car. It was actually the second time we have had this happen this summer. This one was from a couple from Aroostook County. They saw our license plates and put a note telling us their campsite number and that if we were around in the evening, they would be back and would love to visit. Previously, in Banff, we had a note on our car that just said, "Go, Black Bears!!" We did try to look that couple up, but they were not in their campsite when we went by. Small world!
After a rest day, we were ready to tackle the Highline Trail. This was one we did before on a cloudy, misty day. This time we were treated to brilliant sunshine, and it was a beautiful hike.
When we arrived this summer, the trail sign was just barely sticking out of the snow. You can see that isn't the case now, but there are still traces around.
Mountain goats love this trail, and once again we were treated to many sightings. This one tried to chase Glen a bit, but mostly just wanted to eat!
We also decided to take a side trail to Grinnell Glacier Overlook. It climbs 1000 feet in 8 tenths of a mile. (Steep!) Partway up, Terry was questioning the wisdom and wondering if the payoff was worth it. Answer....yep!
Glen once again showing the scale of the view. Then, we descended back down to the Highline Trail and hiked to the Granite Park Chalet. This was our lunch spot.
After the chalet, we hiked downhill to the Loop. This is a location on the Going to the Sun Road where we had left our car that morning. It was an interesting ending as we hiked down with a gentleman from Massachusetts, and we talked all the way.
This ending was different for us, as two years ago we had taken another trail after the chalet.
So, while the two trails this week were somewhat repeats, each had something new about them and we enjoyed them immensely.
Until next time,
Terry and Glen
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