[TR] Selkirks, Glacier - Life after School 9/18/2014

[kevino]

Trip: Selkirks, Glacier - Life after School

 

Date: 9/18/2014

 

Trip Report:

David was on vacation and I just graduated from PA school and took my boards; perfect timing for our fifth annual September climbing trip. Similar to previous trips, this trip wouldn't be the same as the last. I was still in Spokane, suffering from the the mental fog that is post national certifying exam, when David arrived. Thankfully we were minutes away from the "Leavenworth of Spokane" also known as Tum Tum. Granite domes, questionable bolting and no guidebooks. David got on the sharp end and realized he wasn't driving I-90 anymore.

 

 

The next morning we got our first "alpine start" of the trip and drove into North Idaho, seeking the fabled alpine granite that no one climbs.

 

 

It was one of those days were everything took longer than it should have. Nonetheless, David got the money pitch, and climbed it in style.

 

[img:left]https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nF3UublibtU/VBufCQWfAxI/AAAAAAAAMyI/QxvAmXhN-58/s800/P1070222.JPG[/img]

 

 

We eventually made our way to Montana, my new place of residence. A recent winter storm had deposited enough snow to shut down the Going to Sun road. Rumors circulated, but no one could really say what conditions were like up high. No problem though. We'll find out for ourselves.

 

 

 

We found a little of everything. Bare ground. Two foot snow drifts. Ice. Slush.

 

 

David was able to experience the high quality of rock in Glacier National Park as well.

 

 

Hard to beat this, regardless of rock quality or snow conditions.

 

 

We continued on to the eastside of the park to find a drier experience.

 

 

 

Makes for scenic breaks.

 

 

David took a rest day and attended to real life responsibilities. I answered to the sirens of the Park and ventured out for another day.

 

 

Fall days in the Park are spectacular. Especially when the rock is solid.

 

 

Whether its school, rock climbing, or mountaineering, the challenges along the way makes the accomplishment that much more special.

 

Edited September 19, 2014 by kevino

[JasonG]

Thanks for that, I love Glacier! I spent a summer scrambling and rambling around the park when I worked nearby for the USFS, and it remains one of my best summers. My copy of the Edwards guide is well worn.

[mountainsandsound]

Montana!? Lucky. The mountains to people ratio in that state is unreal.

 

Nice pics.

[denalidave]

Nice! I was working near there for a couple months this past May-June. Did some trails runs, whitewater rafting and scrambled a few peaks. Heli tour was well worth the $150 too. Cheers!

[kevino]

The Park is great. Very excited to be living here permanently. The helicopters though...I'd prefer they were for rescue only, not tourists buzzing the mountains all the time.

[JasonG]

Interesting on the helis, I don't remember any back in 1998. That would be really annoying. All over the park? There isn't anywhere off limits?

[kevino]

I don't know the answers to your question, but I've been doing most of climbing and running around the core area, and they are always there.

 

Per their website: "We offer one hour tours and half hour tours. The one hour tour encompasses the entire Park. The tour begins by taking you up the east side of the Continental Divide to the Canadian border to Waterton Park, then down the west side of the Continental Divide back to West Glacier. The half hour tour gives you a very good cross section of Glacier Park enabling you to view the Parks major glaciers and lakes. "

 

At least the winter time is nice and quiet!

[pup_on_the_mountain]

Reminded me of the trip I did with you two (in NCascades) back in, oh, 2008? Seems so long ago now...

 

Very excited to be living here permanently.

Looks like you've found a great place to build your nest for now. Keep the awesome pics and TRs coming please!