Paddling on Two Medicine Lake!

Thanks for the great report, Wally! You definitely put Glacier on my list of places to visit.

Ranger

Wally:  We brought our own canoe.  It is an ultalight aluminum 14 ft by Radisson.  Only weights 41 lbs!   We camped at the Two Medicine campground and took day trips on the lake.   Another photo attached.

Furball.....
some novice thoughts on a 5-day hike, from myself....

...get in shape prior to leaving
...obtain and break-in your boots well before the trip
...have a plan to deal with blisters...moleskin, tape, padding,etc.
...consider experimenting with a liner sock that hikers use to decrease friction over their foots pressure points
...use high quality hiking socks

if you're more of a flabby, weaker hiker (like me)...consider trying out trekking poles before you go.  The experienced hikers give mixed reviews.  Some amazingly fit hikers choose to use them as well.  Here's a link to the Glacier chat page on the "trekking pole" thread/discussion for you to review.

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The bear danger is real...just use your head.  My buddy told me from his days hiking in Alaska..."if the grizz can fit your head in it's mouth, you'll probably die.  If it can't, you'll probably live".  Reassuring I thought.  He correlated death rates in Grizz atacks, to the ability of the animal to puncture or crush your skull.  You can remember that when you hear that "bump" in the night at 2AM.

One thing's for sure...Although bears are numerous...attacks are quite rare.  Search the above Glacier link for the discussions on bear sprays.

Your biggest "threat" may be the deer.  They have absolutly no fear of people...and if a dry year, will come right to your tent and take anything they can get.  If it has sweat...thay want the material to chew and get the salt you left behind.  Many who left t-shirts, socks, shoes out, found them gone.  The Lake Francis site even had a warning posted to the tree on the deer.  If you urinate on the ground....go well away from your camp...the deer and other critters will be attracted to the salt products in it.

If you're a photo hound....bracket shoot everytghing.  The place is stunning....you'll take twice as many pics as you think.

Go lightweight with all your gear if you can afford it....you'll be happy later.

The prior link to the Glacier board has all the info you could ever want and they are quite helpful.

Have fun!

Hey Daypack!

Nice pics and a story.  Seems many of us have done the young and wild thing.  Pre-Mrs. Wally and I did a similar but less intesnse hike in Glacier back in 1992.    I also got her to walk up Mt. Sheridan back at Heart Lake/Yellowstone in 1988.  We drove out in my Pinto that had a 1600cc motor with no heater core and about $50 to our name.  "Hoboed" on the backroads, on private property each nite.

Love your pics!  Those types of stories are priceless.  I hear the Cody museum is a must, if one has time to see it.

East Glacier Lodge is timeless isn't it.

Train ride from C town?....UGGHH!  That was a true feat of endurance.

Nice to meet you.