We arrived at Many Glacier Hotel mid-afternoon to overcast skies, rain, temperatures in the 40's and wind gusting to 30 mph...and we loved it. (pictured left, part of the hotel complex). The park is celebrating its 100th year and the people are very proud of that. We were fortunate to get a room at the MG Hotel because next summer it will be closed for renovations. Things you won't find at MG are cellular coverage, internet, TV, a workout room, swimming pool, air conditioning and elevators. Those are also the things you will not miss. Like everyone else, we were eager to hit the hiking trail around Swiftcurrent Lake. It led us through a protected forest
so we were not cold at all. The mountain air was invigorating, even at an elevation of 6800 ft. Up until then we had seen wide open spaces and beautiful skies. But now we turned our eyes and ears to the sights and sounds around us and underneath our feet. The river rushed into the lake with a swooshing sound. The forest floor was carpeted with moss and more moss as well as fallen leaves. The beautiful wildflowers (Indian Paintbrush), forest lilies, and Christmas trees were no less breathtaking than the mountains and rivers. We were so happy to be out in God's great creation. On the last leg of the hike we had to avoid, but not entirely, bear scat. Don was concerned that he needed to wipe his shoes so the bellman said, just wipe them on the carpet. Don pointed out that he had bear scat on his shoes, but the bellman assured him that everyone did that and the staff vacuums every evening. Needless to say, we removed our shoes before entering our rooms. From our balcony we could see Gem Glacier, mountain streams and Swiftcurrent Lake. After dinner in the Hotel dining room, we tried the huckleberry ice cream and liked it.
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