Kananaskis Fire Lookout
The uphill was long and steep.
The views at the top were amazing.
The downhill was fast.
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Jun 28
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Jun 27
Whitefish Bike Retreat
It was love at first site. I was smitten for the Whitefish Bike Retreat – they had me at Cold Beer.
Never-mind the fantastic network of local biking trails surrounding the venue, there is onsite communal lodging and RV/tent camping available, enabling quick and easy access to flow trails, pump tracks, and skills courses.
What’s not to love about this place?
Maybe my visit – a Tuesday afternoon – was not an accurate representation of the place? I highly doubt that. The overall vibe is very laidback which suited me just fine.
Oh, I almost forgot – the variety of cold beer available (bottles and cans) is quite stellar.
Enjoying Differences
Originally our travel route had us departing Glacier National Park and arriving to Calgary (Canada) on Sunday. However, once we saw extended rain in the forecast we ditched that plan and instead decided to take retreat in nearby Kalispell (Montana).
Exploring options we located a retired couple who allow temporary free camping on their beautiful, six-acre property conveniently located close to town.
The homeowners are great and we’ve also met a few other full-timing travelers – all of us momentarily centering our travels around the national park, but ultimately coming and going in various directions and purpose across the country.
These past fourth-eight hours have been a reminder that despite all the cable news noise highlighting the many differences that too often divide and isolate, Kelly and I are fortunate to live as we do. The diversity of people we regularly meet on the road – regardless of differing ages, social, political, or financial situations – are generally gracious, open, and welcoming.
Free from the noise, Kelly and I are lucky to cross paths and socialize with these fellow travelers, even if only briefly.
Jun 23
Glacier Snow
Initially, the trails were dry and free of snow as we ascended the mountain. As we continued onward, small patches of snow and ice were easily avoided, until they were not.
At higher elevations, only the few trails with virtually no tree cover were free from snow, mud, and spring melt water crossings.
While we had a GPS device aiding our navigation, the steep slopes and deep snow complicated things. When it was time to navigate a descent through the dense network of trees, we were wet, regularly postholing to our knees, and were forced to backtrack multiple times before a final glissade to dry land.
All of this slowed our travels, but absolutely increased the fun factor. And for a few hours, a group of us – all in our mid/upper 40’s, momentarily put our adult realities aside while childlessly reliving the joys of our youth.
Wandering With Purpose 