When you travel, especially when you are outdoors, you are very dependent on the weather and natural elements. I was right to bring lots of light layers, as there were many days where I started out with 4-5 layers in the morning and wishing I had gloves then stripping down to a tank top and shorts by lunchtime. I hit some rain one day in Glacier, and some passing thunderstorms in Yellowstone. I saw a lightning strike while coming down from Grinnell Glacier, but fortunately it was far away and it didn’t rain on us there. Yellowstone also treated me to a sudden hailstorm – somewhat fittingly as I arrived at the ominous Mud Volcano area. I was able to run back to the car and wait it out. Sunscreen and bug spray were also constant companions.
I appreciated the benefits of the good gear I’ve been investing in over the past year or two, including my new hiking boots (Merrell’s), water-friendly sandals (Teva’s), raincoat/windbreaker (Columbia), and day pack/water sac (Camelbak).
The fires were a big issue throughout the trip. I’m writing this final post a few weeks later, and in that time the fires have spread throughout the entire northwest, causing large-scale park closures especially in Glacier, ash raining down on major cities, and many calling it one of the worst fire seasons of all time. Fires are a natural part of the ecosystem, caused by dry weather and lightening (as well as some human-induced causes). The parks all have sections where you can see forests of burned trees, as well as new-growth areas – all which are naturally re-seeded. But in years like this the fires can get out of control and be disastrous. In Glacier, the air seemed hazy from the fires, which you can see in my pictures. The air smelled very faintly of smoke in some areas. After it rained on the second day it totally cleared up. But then as we drove into Missoula, it got much worse again. The whole city smelled like smoke, making it difficult to go outside for long periods of time. I was lucky in that the air cleared up for the rest of the week.
The scenery was consistently awe-inspiring throughout my trip, even when I had to compete with wildfire smoke. Montana is known as Big Sky Country, and just driving around you can see why – you can see for miles. All of the parks and drives in between had the most stunning views—even the final drive through Idaho and on a busy Interstate through Utah.
It’s impossible to say what my favorite part was. I loved the grandeur of Glacier, the uniqueness of Yellowstone, and the perfection of Grand Teton. I loved the long drives and seeing new things at every turn. I loved being outside all day and the constant adrenaline rush. I felt alive and fulfilled, the way travel is supposed to make you feel! Now, on to the next one!
travels.of.tara 