6/20 Going to the Sun?!

We woke and began riding east on the Going to the Sun road not knowing if we would be able to get over Logan Pass.  We had heard rumors over the previous days that the crews were working all day at clearing the pass and we hoped that we would be some of the first riders across.  The ride was epic along Lake McDonald before stopping at Avalanche Lake Campsite for some food, frisbee and sweet grass.  We locked up the bikes and climbed the 1.5 miles up Avalanche Creek to Avalanche Lake.  The well travelled trail was stunning and we found a place on the beach at the snow fed Avalanche Lake.  We took turns jumping into the refreshing near freezing water and then took a nap on the shores.  Staring up at the glacier carved rock cathedral was truly awesome.   We hiked back down to the bikes and started are way up the pass. We rode past the weeping wall until we finally reached a sign that told us to turn back.  We debated for a bit on weather to throw caution to the wind and attempt the illegal pass but we feared the potential fines and thought of maybe riding on icy roads and turned back.  We knew a meal awaited us at the McDonald Lodge, which we had visited on the way up.  It started raining and we pushed the pace to get back to the lodge before dinner service ended. We feasted after a long and exciting day.  We were pretty sure we would have to ride back to Apgar Campground in the dark but were overjoyed to find a spot close by at Sprague Creek. 

We chill by Lake MacDonald early in the day

We hiked up Avalanche Creek

Man reflects on Water

Mule Deer love urine

Avalanche Lake

Dan jumps in

Will soars into the frigid water

Goody porpoises

Aidan

Pete

Maps are good

Hey look its nature!

The last forested section before the climb

Near the Loop

We climbed

Glaciers were here

The road was closed just past Big Bend.  We were sure we could get to the top of Logan Pass but we heard the other side had snow drifts and we didn't want to get fined.