the joy is in the journey: Montana Rest and Relaxation

After successfully crossing the Cascade Mountains, as well as, the Rocky Mountains, I think it is time for a little bit of rest and relaxation. And low and behold, we are at Glacier National Park and it’s my birthday! Double whammy!

Glacier National Park is beautiful! Super beautiful! We drove the Going-to-the-Sun Road, read ALL of the signs (Mom’s choice), had lunch by Lake McDonald, wandered around the Visitor’s Center and shops, and went for a nice hike near Logan’s Pass. It was a wonderful way to spend a few days of R&R!

Glacier National Park was one of four pre-planned side excursions of the cross-country journey, also including Mackinaw Island (Michigan), Niagara Falls (New York), and Acadia National Park (Maine). But an unexpected blessing of these two days was meeting, dining, and staying with Chuck and Jinny Ludden—parents of Brad Ludden, founder of First Descents. They were such gracious and welcoming hosts to virtual strangers. There are really are no words to describe how wonderful, fabulous, adventurous, down-to-earth, and hospitable they are and how welcome they made us feel. “I learned that people will forget what you said, they will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” (Maya Angelou) THANK YOU immensely for being a part of this journey and for opening your hearts and your home to us! Also, a huge thank you for your assistance in arranging for new bike tires and an oil change. And finally yet importantly, thanks for the birthday cake. I know, right?!? Homemade birthday cake with candles and singing…who are these people? Awesome birthday in a beautiful place with wonderful people! Perfect!

So, before leaving Kalispell, MT, we hit up the bike shop for new bike tires (cross your fingers for no more flats) and got an oil change. At Toyota, we met Chris McKenzie—friend of the Luddens and FD supporter—who managed to squeeze us in and hook us up. Thanks, buddy, and best of luck in the mountain bike ride/race this weekend! Okay, I think Kalispell breeds great people and/or somehow attracts the nicest people. Chris has a bit of an advantage…he married a girl from Iowa. That’s a no brainer. :) But seriously, after talking for like 20-30 minutes, I was ready to pack my bags and move to Montana—the biking, the skiing, the hiking, the golf, the mountains/rivers/lakes, the weather, the people. From an oil change to the drawing board of life…Happy 29th Birthday! Thanks everyone…until we meet again!