Day 099 - East Glacier to West Glacier - Two Far 2023 - Oranges to Apples

July 23, 2023

Day 099 - East Glacier to West Glacier

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I'm finally in the mountains. Physically, today's ride was easy. In fact, I dropped almost 2000 feet in elevation - what took me days to achieve, disappeared in a few hours. In addition, the wind died down to almost nothing, which made things even easier.

The scenery was spectacular but, unfortunately, I could not get many photos due to road conditions. US-2 was very busy, with lots of RV's and pickups pulling boats, and there were long stretches where there was no shoulder. There were many places that I would have liked to stop for a photo, but it just wasn't safe to do so.

The drivers also seemed impatient today, in that I had a few people yell at me and many more blew their horns. I probably encountered more rude drivers today than in all other days of the trip combined. However, I kept my cool and did not offer any 1-fingered salutes, as I am wont to do.

Marias Pass Obelisk at the Summit Rest Area / Campground

John F Stevens Memorial. He was the Great Northern engineer who found the route across the Continental Divide.

I saw several trains snaking through the mountains. In a couple of places, I saw trains going through snow sheds, but could not stop to get a photo. However, it was a very cool sight.

To the south of US-2 most of the mountain peaks are below the tree line. North of US-2 most of the peaks are above the tree line.

The Silver Staircase Waterfall. Not much water was flowing at this time of year.

Middle Fork Flathead River, just west of Essex.

Today's ride: 56 miles (90 km)
Total: 4,712 miles (7,583 km)

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Rich FrasierIt’s such a drag that you have to put up with rude drivers. Congratulations on keeping your cool. I probably would not have!
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