Encore

Never say never.  The best hike at Glacier, to Mike, is the Highline Trail.  Last Wednesday, Mike's hiking group was blocked by snow and couldn't get there.  Today, July 8, 2017, the trail was open, and Mike, Spencer, Naomi, and Bryce climbed its glorious reaches.  "It's as long as the Mt. Timpanogas trail, but not as strenuous," Mike reported.  Mike and his team then took the St. Mary's Falls hike Dave and I took yesterday, and they walked a mile farther, to Victoria Falls.  Heidi spent the day in Whitefish and Kalispell with Lisa, Kirsten, Alyssa, Dave, and me, visiting shops, galleries, a farmer's market, and a Victorian mansion.

 St. Mary's Falls

 Victoria Falls

Back in Whitefish, Dave, Lisa, Kirsten, Alyssa, Heidi, and I had a fun day exploring downtown Whitefish and Kalispell.

We wandered through art galleries, with works based on Western themes.  Kirsten confided that she especially likes art featuring buffalos!  There were plenty of buffalo pieces to choose from in Whitefish, and bear art, as well.

We rummaged through the Farmer's Market, with Dave and I buying a photograph of Lake Grinnel, in Many Glaciers, to remind us of the Reunion.

 We stopped at Sweet Peaks, a gourmet ice cream shop which may open a branch in SLC.

 The flavors were refreshing and unique.

 And we toured the fascinating Conrad Mansion in Kalispell.  It was built in 1895 by a Montana pioneer who made his fortune in railroads and banking.

 The mansion had 23 room, and the latest in turn-of-the-century technology--intercoms, a dishwasher (soapy and then clean water poured through a cabinet holding dirty dishes), washing machine, and even an indoor barbecue grill.

When the hikers arrived at the condo, we had one last spaghetti dinner, finished off the ice cream, and packed up for an early ride home in the morning.  It was the best reunion ever!