St. Mary’s Glacier – (Hike starts at about 10,500)
This was our first hike as a trio, and weeks and weeks later it’s funny to look back on the hiking patterns we instantly put in place.
St.Mary’s is the perfect first Colorado hiking experience because it’s about 3/4 of a mile one way to one of the most spectacular payouts imaginable. And it’s a fact that no photos can do these places justice. Note to FL folks, though it’s a relatively short hike be aware that 3/4 of a mile at or below sea level is a WHOLE different ballgame than at 10,000 plus. The well-populated trail is really just a large rock gulch, which I sadly didn’t photograph because I was too busy trying to breathe. The rocks come in all sizes and can shift away under your feet so don’t be lulled into thinking you can coast.
It’s so weird to do something as foreign as a first-time hike at high altitude. It was almost like being struck down with the flu but not achy – just so weak! Steven is a freaking mountain goat – walks straight like he’s wandering the mall. When he has a cig in his hand it’s particularly offensive – or would be if he wasn’t so kind to me during each trek. He and Brian both do this tandem thing without planning it, where one presses ahead to lead and the other finds reasons to stop and take a break back near me. I won’t always John Wayne it and sometimes just say, “I gotta stop”. Or one favorite line is “You go on and I’ll either catch up or see you on the way back. I’ll read a book!” Of course I never bring a book, and of course they never end up leaving me – but they aren’t above pointing out the senior citizens and 5 year old children smoking my ass on the trail. I have received many nicknames from the guys, Shewhowaitsbywater, because I’m always taking picts, and Slowbutsteady have been the main keepers so far.
And here’s where words will absolutely fail me, seeing the glacier for the first time – seeing snow in July.
It’s euphoric and spiritual, and makes me so profoundly thankful to the people that helped get me there – and even the events, good and painful, that brought me to stand at that water’s edge.
Hope you make Glacier Park my friend said it’s the prettiest!
That’s the one by Canada “A”????
Scottmandu
Hey Scott, that was originally the plan – to go to Glacier and then on into the Canadian side but now it’s gotten too cold. Will have to be next year but I’m looking forward to it!