Beemer Nation: July 2013

We decided to break our vacation into two rides instead of one big one for logistical reasons. We wanted to do Glacier National Park in reverse and hit the Washington/Oregon Coast so we decided to do the Glacier run first.

Day one was a lot of roads we have taken in the past, and a few new ones for us as a couple. Hwy 2 from Wenatchee to Wilber was the usual "they need this to be a 90 MPH Speed Limit" run and we had breakfast in Wilber where we discovered they were replacing the Keller Ferry with a new ferry (It had been in service since 1948 and they can't get parts for it anymore) and it won't be in commission until after mid-August, so we elected to go on a route I had ridden with the guys once before. Coming off the 2 onto the Miles-Creston Road to Hwy 25, then North to the Cedonia-Addy-Gifford Rds landing on Hwy 395 N to Colville, East on Hwy 20 to the 31 North and on up to the Nelway Border Crossing. It was warm riding until we followed Canada Hwy 6 to the 3 (Crowsnest Highway) East and enjoyed crossing the mountains in the cooler air coming into Creston for the night.

24 July 2013 -Day 1

Day 2 was much more pleasant as we stayed high in the mountains for the most part. Once we were out of Cranbrook traffic settled a bit and we worked out way East.

The Crowsnest was beautiful as always and passing Frankslide once again keeps one humble to the power of Mother Earth (boulder landslide that wiped out a mining town).

Following the 3 East we cut South on the 6 at Pincher Creek and then continued past Waterford Park down to the US Border. From the point where Hwy 5 and Hwy 6 meet down to the border is one of the most visually pleasant meanders one can experience. From the fields to Aspen, pines to mountains, this road rolls up and around and is best enjoyed at medium speeds. When you hit Hwy 89, South takes you to tourist central and St. Mary.

St. Mary is the East entrance of the Going to the Sun Road and $129+ lodging. So we decided to head back 30 miles or so into Canada and $69 lodging at Cardston, Alberta a really small town with a decent Greek restaurant and a humongous LDS temple.

25 July 2013 -Day 2

Day 3 brought us to the border back into the US and a backup 25 vehicles deep. Once through the border and into the park the beauty came to life. Joan and I both agreed that the trip from the West to the East has more visual opportunities to enjoy the splendor that is Glacier, but it is such a nice place either way.