In 2004 I made a 3 week tour on my motorcycle from Colorado to the West Coast. I rode 4200 miles and camped along the road during those 3 weeks. I saw some beautiful country and loved the experience. I spent two days in Glacier National Park, which is not enough time, camping along the southern edge of Lake McDonald. After setting up camp I wandered down to the lake. The most striking memory of that lake was the crystal clear water. Standing on shore I could see the bottom of the lake as far as ten to fifteen feet.
My visit was after the devastating fire in the summer of 2003. That was the most significant fire season in the history of Glacier National Park. After a normal winter snowpack, precipitation was below average from April through June (66% of normal), but more importantly, July, August, and early September brought almost no precipitation. This came on the heels of the 5th year of drought in northwest Montana. Approximately 136,000 acres burned within the park boundary, which was more than during the previous benchmark fire-year of 1910. Most of the forest on the opposite side of the above image were burned out. Yet, as the sun set, the majestic beauty of nature was offering a breath taking display. I really did not take that many images but sat there in a state of awe and wonder. I need to make another visit!
Thankfully, around the turn of the century, people started to look at Glacier National Park differently. For some, this place held more than minerals to mine or land to farm…they began to recognize that the area had a unique scenic beauty all to its own. I personally call it a life of its own. By the late 1800s, influential leaders like George Bird Grinnell, pushed for the creation of a national park. Fifteen years later, Grinnell and others saw their efforts rewarded when President Taft signed the bill establishing Glacier as the country’s 10th national park. Because of their efforts I had the chance to sit on that shore and was moved to tears.
8 Comments
Ken Bello
Great photo, Monte, and thanks for the background info on Glacier. I remember the devastating fires at Yellowstone in 1988 but, years later, there was phenomenal growth in flora and fauna. I expect we’ll see the same results at Glacier. Nature has a way of reclaiming the earth.
What cameras were you shooting with in 2004?
Monte Stevens
I agree, the new growth in Yellowstone is awesome. I was using a Nikon D100 with a Nikon 24-85mm lens for this image.
David Leland Hyde
I like this landscape photograph that is not your usual fare. Your story and gratitude are excellent examples for recent generations to look toward for a sense of awe and respect for those who helped save our wilderness the first time around. This is particularly important because every generation in the future will have to re-save it, even in national parks in many cases as resources grow more scarce.
Monte Stevens
In years past I spent a lot of time in the Rocky Mountains from Colorado up to Canada. The mountains always will call my name as does the wide open prairie. And, I agree it is important to work towards sustaining our world.
Earl
Motorcycles were an important part of my youth so when I hear wonderful stories of your cross country adventures I feel a slight pang of envy. I can tell from how you write of it that those journey’s are treasured memories of yours.
A most beautiful photo, Monte…I would have sit and soaked it in as well. Some moments go beyond “getting the shot.”
Monte Stevens
Oddly enough, they were not a part of my youth. I did not start riding until my late 40’s. It turned out to be an awesome experience for me. Not sure I’m going to ever venture back into that life style but, as you, I do have some wonderful memories from those times.
Wayne
I thought I remembered this lake with the beauty firmly in my mind – but this photo is better. You captured this great site and revealed its beauty so well . . . Thanks Brother for the memories.
Monte Stevens
Thanks, my friend! We all have those beautiful memories firmly in our minds. It’s just good to see someone else’s perspective.