THE FAMILY: After leaving west Glacier on July 15, we went around the south end of Glacier NP and contemplated staying in the Lewis and Clarke National Forest, so that Kenai could do some trail hikes with us. We figured she doesn't really care where she walks, and she's been enjoying the wooded campgrounds, so we entered Two Medicine in the southeast corner of Glacier. It's a smaller valley with some fantastic features and accessible hikes. Plus there are far fewer people there!
Some highlights of our time there included evening talks by Ranger Pat Hagen, including one about the amazing mountain goat and the native Blackfeet (Pakuni) people, as well as a boat trip across Two Medicine Lake in an 85-year-old boat and a nature hike up to Upper Two Medicine Lake with Ranger Pat. The lake is at the base of a cirque right against the edge of the Continental Divide.
Other highlights included a hike to and scramble up Rockwell Falls with an Indiana Jones-style suspension bridge on the way, kayaking on the lake (Gabe's first paddle in Patti's Pyranha river kayak), eating huckleberry ice-cream at the historic general store (site of FDR's first fireside chat from a national park), and Grant's hike up to a scenic overlook of the whole valley as well as the high planes to the east.
The valley was indeed good medicine. The valley was named after two rival Pakuni bands who set up medicine lodges on either side of the main lake. Kenai was especially fond of the lake water, which she gulped up every day. Patti thinks Two Medicine is a "soul-centering" place, peaceful with awe-inspiring beauty. Gabe thinks it's an incredible place to hang out, play in the water (with other kids), and get a feel for nature. He had a great time riding his bike around his campground. After scrambling up to the top of Rockwell Falls, he turned to us with a big smile on his face and exclaimed, "This is better than video games!" Wow.
On the way out of the valley on July 20 we stopped off at Running Eagle Falls, a unique, wide falls coming out of a rock face, named after a famous Pakuni female warrior. (Many place names were for important native people.) Gabe scrambled up the side and got a good look at it. Then we bid our farewell to this magical place and made our way up to St. Mary further up the east side of the park. We made a reservation at an RV park because we heard the area was filling up fast. The tent trailer continues to be a sweet little home.
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