Since Denver is out of town, Erica was the one who kindly made us some delicious pour over coffee this morning.  We didn’t have time to sit on the couch and enjoy the view, so we put the coffee in thermoses and enjoyed it (along with the company and conversation) on the way back to the trail.

Erica didn’t have to work today like we thought, which meant we had time to stop back at the backcountry office to see about getting permits (again).  The ranger we worked with was awesome and she was able to map out a delightful little schedule that has us ending on our anniversary, as we hoped.  Our longest day is just 20 miles, but most are around 16.  One day is just a mere 8!  To say I’m delighted is an understatement - we really hoped to be able to take our time through Glacier and it seems like we will be able to do just that.  We had heard some horror stories about getting permits so I am much relieved.

Erica was extremely patient and kind while we were in the backcountry office (they made us watch a 15 min hiking safety video which was full of information we didn’t need to hear).  Have I mentioned how grateful I am to know someone like her?  

Before leaving the park and heading back to Marias Pass, we stopped for a quick breakfast.  And then, before I knew it, we were at the pass and ready to start hiking again.  It was sad saying goodbye to Erica and her dogs, Kool Aid and Sharkleberry Fin.   

The hike was most excellent - the weather was top notch, the terrain was ‘easy’, and the trail wasn’t too overgrown.  We were in the trees a lot but that’s ok - I was so happy about being able to take our time through the park and about being able to finish on our anniversary that nothing could bring me down. 

To make the day even better, I bumped into Mishap and we hiked and chatted for about 5 miles - those miles just flew by!  We probably would have hiked together the entire way to East Glacier, but I had plans to meet Nick and so had to stop and let her hike on without me.

The last 7 miles to East Glacier without Mishap weren’t as entertaining, but they seemed nearly as fast.  Just before we got to town we bumped into two trail runners, Charlie and Greg, who had passed us just an hour before and were waiting for their friends.  They offered Nick a beer and I happily accepted a LaCroix.  We chatted with them for a while, enjoying our drinks.  It turns out that it is Charlie’s 40th birthday - trail running is a great way to celebrate! Of course they got some figures.  

Now we are at the Big Tree Lodge in East Glacier - we could have stayed at the hostel in town but decided to treat ourselves.  We’re in fantastic moods and, while it’s too soon to celebrate a finish, we can certainly celebrate being able to take our time through the park.  

There is an air of happy contentment all around us.  All the hikers in town are either about to finish or have finished, there is a wedding reception at the hotel, and we only have about 100 miles to go until we hit the border!  

Along the trail: