Glacier National Park - Friday, June 25, 2010

Today we went to the KOA camp office as the clerk last night suggested. We hoped we could get seats on the Red Bus Tour leaving at 9:45 for the "Crown of the Continent" tour of Glacier National Park. At the office the clerk was doubtful but said she would call the Red Bus office for us. No luck. The tour had already left and even there were seats open the driver couldn't take our fares.
When I asked the KOA clerk about booking for tomorrow, she again called and then handed me and then Ernie the phone for our info and credit card nos. Well we're on for Saturday's tour on the "Going to the Sun Road", which just opened Thursday.
Looking over the map of the park we decided to drive up Rt. 89 to Babb, MT where there is a park entrance to "Many Glaciers".
This area is only 12 miles from Babb and the road winds around following the Swiftcurrent River. Again there are many turnouts with scenic views and signs warning about "Bear Country". We passed by an earthen dam on the river and behind the dam was Lake Shelburne. The road followed the shore of this lake for a few miles and we came to "Many Glacier Hotel" off on a side road at the head of Swiftcurrent Lake. Continuing on the road we arrived at the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn (and gift shop). We parked there and stretched our legs while admiring the towering rock cliffs on either side.