Tonelli's Travels

We spent two more days at Glacier National Park before a bittersweet goodbye.  This park makes me feel alive. It brings me giddy happiness. I don’t think I will ever get enough of it. I can see why the Blackfeet, Salish, Pend d’Orielle, and Kootenai tribes hold such reverence for this land. It is healing. More awaits ahead too. Our country is full of beautiful places, we’ve just got to get out there. 

Our final days at Glacier NP were spent in the Two Medicine area. Before we headed over, I stopped at the visitors’ center to learn about the tribes who are connected to this land. 

The Kootenai have called this land home for as long as memory serves. They traditionally follow a lifestyle that moves with the seasons, relocating as animals migrate. They are especially connected to Lake McDonald, a place where a special ceremonial dance transpired during the first winter.  The Kootenai use many of the plants in the area for sustenance and medicine. 

The Blackfeet people are especially connected to the east side of Glacier National Park.  They call the Rocky Mountains the “Backbone of the World.”  The mountains are home to animals, birds, and plant spirits. They also use the roots, herbs, and plants for medicine and spiritual vision quests. 

The Salish and Pend d’Orielle were originally one nation and split as the tribe grew. Hunters, fishers, and gatherers, the Flathead drainage system holds importance significance to hold.  They care deeply about keeping the highest peaks pristine.  

All of these tribes, these people, have had their land taken from them throughout history. A great deal of work continues to be needed. The parks system seems to be making strides towards collaborating with the tribes and honoring their cultures. I hope it continues and grows. 

After increasing my knowledge, I joined my parents for some unexciting but important errands. Groceries, gas, all things requiring internet. It was a chilly and rainy day, so I guess it was a good time to catch up on “adulting.” 

Then we drove over to Two Medicine, through the small town of East Glacier, and down a long forest road to the campsite. A much quieter section of the park, I welcomed the peacefulness. Sometimes you need a good rainy day, a spot away from the hustle and bustle, to calm down. 

We took a short jaunt around the lake just to stretch our legs. The gray clouds added a moodiness I felt in my soul.  It brought a calmness I welcomed. 

That night we gathered in the van for dinner, the heat from cooking warming the space. The three of us together in the smallness adding a coziness. Then it was early to bed before one last hike in the park. 

For our last hike, we awoke to crisp air and sunny skies. We parked at the boat launch for Aster Falls and Aster Park.  The wind was fierce coming off the lake. You would think it was early winter the way we were bundled up – winter hats, puffy coats, pants, gloves! But once we got into the woods, the wind diminished and the sun warmed us. 

We strolled past several ponds, hoping for animal sightings but settling for beautiful mountain views.  We traversed a few switchbacks up to Aster Park and had the summit all to ourselves for a while. We watched the clouds dance on the peaks, slowly revealing one after another until just one remained covered. I waited eagerly for it to reveal itself, but it was stubborn! We stayed until the mosquitos became too bothersome and left as other hikers arrived. 

On our way down, we stopped briefly at the waterfall. Another dazzling display of water cascading down from the melting snowfields. 

And then we were back at the vehicles, ready to move on. After lunch and a visit to the general store, we headed out. Well, almost. My parents didn’t see me pull out from the parking lot and got stuck trying to circle back looking for me. Oops! A lesson in communication learned. Once reunited, we journeyed to our campsite for the night, somewhere on the Idaho/Montana border. The adventure continues.