A Pause- East Glacier, MT

Proverbs tells me, “The mind of a person plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps”(16:9). 

We did have a spread sheet and daily plan. We always knew it was to be flexible and adaptable. We planned and trained and prepared for our adventure.  Gen Eisenhower said of D-day that the moment the boats left the docks, he threw away the plans. And, our plans have changed…but the adventure continues. 

The heat is having more of an effect on us than we had realized. Even as we ride earlier in the day, by noon the sun’s intensity drains our strength. As we looked ahead a few days, we enter central and eastern MT followed by North Dakota. Resources and services in spots extend beyond 75 miles. And the heat wave appears to be long lasting. Although not as hot as Boise and places in WA, the thin air does little to filter the sun’s rays. We need to think of our health. 

I was just googling for kicks and found Amtrak’s routes. Low and behold, they too have a Northern Tier-ish route through MT and ND. I mentioned, “hey, I’ve travelled this country for 40 years. Let’s take the train .” The more we contemplated the weather, our aching bodies and sores affirmed to us that it’s our adventure, there are no rules. We decided to give the next day (today) a break and pray and cogitate our options. 

This morning we went to the train station for a little fact finding mission.

- Yes, bikes are allowed from this station. Apparently taking your bike is a function of the departing and destination stations’ abilities and not the train itself. And yep, Fargo is a full service stop. 

-nope, you can now leave your front tire attached. Amtrak just rolls it on and hooks up to new bike racks. 

-you get two checked bags and two carry on bags. Check, four panniers are a go. 

-oops, sorry, no room for you guys tomorrow. But the next day is ok. But because it’s a weekend it’s a little more cash. No problem, we are not spending it on RV parks for two weeks. 

So we booked our train tickets. Amtrak. Coach class. A new, different adventure. We will visit family and restart our bike tour from Minnesota. 

Then I got word my dad was in the ER for chest pains! He has been admitted.  I am so thankful we booked tickets from East Glacier and did not have to figure out this alternate plan further down the road. I just talked to dad. He was so encouraging. More worried about us and the heat. So excited to see us sooner. It’s the LORD directing our steps. 

So, what do you do in East Glacier? We booked another night in the hostel. I am really enjoying the vagabond sojourner culture. Everyone has their own story. The hikers looked wrecked as they come out of the mountains. It’s hot even high up. 

The hostel staff are the hardest working young men. They cook, they serve, they clean, they house keep, and they take the time to show us pictures of their home country, Croatia or Columbia, and all with a big smile. This place is always hopping. Not just the trekkers and hostel guests , but as one of the few places that remain open all week, many folks end up here just to grab a bite of lunch, a coffee or some delicious ice cream. 

After our Amtrak station lesson and primer, we went across the street to the East Glacier Lodge. Typical “parkatecture”. Open vaulted ceilings, heavy log beams, gift shop loaded with unnecessary objects. Different clientele to be honest. More conversations about the unsightly disrepair of the pool than how you combat mosquitoes at 10,000’. But their deck has the view. Most folks taking time to get that perfect picture. Of course the restaurant was closed during lunch. 

So we went back to Brownies hostel, ate a hand made turkey sandwich served with a huge smile and Sergio letting us know he got our room ready early. I just wish they would quit calling me ‘sir’. 

Like Sharon’s in Tonasket, Brownies Hostel and Bakery is a great place to just be. Enjoying being in the presence. 

We are here another day. I’ll keep you posted. The train will just be part of our adventure, but probably not found on Strava.