Glacier Day 6

We slept in today, which is a rarity when we’re on vacation (sleeping in means 7:30). Mom made pancakes and bacon for breakfast and we headed down to the boat dock. We met the LeBarons as we were getting out of the car and picked up some tickets for the lake cruise. It was pretty expensive, but there is so little to do in Waterton right now due to a fire that decimated the park last year. 

The cruise was really great, though. We sat on top of the boat and listened to the tour guide talk. He was so passionate about the firefighters who saved the town while losing 70% of Waterton National Park. Even the top 8 inches of topsoil were completely scorched. They say it will be a lifetime before the park begins really to live again and hundreds of years before it returns to what it was. 

We had such a great time with the Canadians.

Mom and Dad had a fun time on the boat. Mom didn't get sick!

It was chilly on the boat even in July!

Beautiful views all along the way!

Our cruise actually crossed the International Border, which is kept clear of trees at all times. There are obelisks to mark it. We even saw a bald eagle, on the American side, off course. The boys enjoyed stopping and throwing rocks for a while before they blew the horn, signaling us to return.

It was a beautiful, clear day, and there was no wind, which was rare for Waterton. The water is deep and blue, carved out by ancient glaciers. It was really nice to sit and talk as we watched the shore roll by.

It was interesting to see the International Border is clear all the way. 

Back in the United States.

Dad is really great at selfies. 

Ghost Haunt in Glacier National Park was just as beautiful as everywhere else in Glacier.

After the cruise we went back to the LeBarons’ motorhome. For lunch we grabbed a few things, and they grabbed a few things, and we grilled hotdogs with chips and vegetables. The boys ran and played nonstop: football, Frisbee, tag, baseball, card games. It never ended. They got along so amazingly well. It seemed Tyler and Dad were gratified, too, to see that Mom and Lisa blended together so naturally, and everyone seemed to have a great time. 

We enjoyed this little BBQ many times.

Mark loves this picture of him catching the football.

The other boys taught Brock and Drake how to play baseball.

After a long, chatty lunch, we decided to take a hike. It was a few miles to a gorgeous waterfall that was running heavily. The hike started out through the burned out forest and finally entered the trees and ended in a narrow canyon at the foot of the falls. Our boys told stories to one another the whole way while Dad and Tyler reminisced about long-forgotten missionaries and Mom and Lisa talked about raising boys. 

We taught our Canadian friends about Pooh Sticks.

Mark and Seth thought this sign was so funny.

The fire burned Waterton. It was so sad, but the hike was still pretty.

Our one group photo from this trip.

We had 6 boys hiking along with us. People asked if we were some sort of camp.

We loved how well everyone got along!

Bertha Falls was beautiful. 

These two mission companions will be friends forever.

At the foot of the waterfall there was a pool, and the boys took off their shoes and splashed around for a long time, throwing rocks and cooling off in the shallow water. Then we started back down the trail.

You just can't keep boys out of water. 

After the hike we picked up some hamburger patties and buns and pulled dinner together. Again, we made it potluck and ended up with pasta, salad, burgers, and hotdogs. Then the adults sneaked out to try Saskatoon berry pie, while the boys played around the motorhome. It was 9:30 when they asked to go to the park, and we knew it was their last day together. We also knew it was ours, and none of us were too anxious to say goodbye. We picked them up around ten o’clock, but it was still plenty light, and plenty difficult to get them to say goodbye and get in the van. We were so glad that we were able to spend time together, and it certainly won’t be another twenty years before we see them again!

Dad loved the Saskatoon Berry Pie!