Checking out Glacier

Friday we decided to head out and explore more of Glacier. We first went to the north end of McDonald Lake and the Lodge. It was a little breezy so we didn't go on the boat ride instead we just checked things out and skipped rock's across the lake. We then headed up to the Trail to the Cedars and Avalanche Gorge. Along the way we saw a huge Moose hanging out in a little pond on the side of the ride and several beautiful waterfalls. The Trail to the Cedars was a fun hike and gave us a chance to get out and have lunch and stretch our legs. I couldn't believe how big some of these trees were they were huge. While on our hike Kevin spotted some Mountain goats up on the cliffs and we were able to zoom in with the binoculars for a closer look. It was amazing how such big animals could walk along these jagged cliffs. Avalanche Gorge was another amazing sight,the color of the water was so blue. It was a beautiful hike. After the hike we headed back to the cabin so the boys could do some more fishing. Ryan , the girls, my parents and I checked out some of the gift shops around town and had dinner at the local diner ( buffalo burgers).

The North end of McDonald Lake

The guys showing the girls how to skip rocks

McKenzie showing me how she skips rocks

Brooklyn and Dino

Brooklyn was glued to Dino the whole trip

This totem pole was in front of the Lodge at Lake McDonald

It's hard to see, but there are several waterfalls coming down this Mountain

One of the waterfalls we saw along the way

McKenzie and her buddy Kevin

Grandma and Grandpa enjoying the scenery

We saw this Moose just off the road as we were heading to Trail of the Cedars

When he walked out into the pond we could see how big her really was. He was huge.

McKenzie ready to hike. She was such a trooper. Brooklyn usually hitched a ride from someone, but McKenzie hiked all the hikes we went on and some were pretty long.

The girls by the tree with the nose at least that's what we thought it looked like

The hole in this tree was huge. Ryan and the girls were able to fit inside it. Avalanche Gorge

These are some of the Mountain Goats we saw on our hike. They were pretty far away so the picture is a little blurry.

If you look close you can see a little white goat next to the waterfall.

The hike was beautiful this is just a little taste of what we saw.

Brooklyn hitching a ride from Dino

Ryan and I next to roots of one of the trees that had fallen downWe saw these deer on our way back to the car. McKenzie was brave and she got with in feet of the deer. They could have cared less that we were there.

McDonald Lake

The clouds finally cleared off the Mountains.

Our last day at Glacier

Saturday was our last day in Glacier. The guys decided to get up early and head out fishing before we packed up and headed to the east side of Glacier. Kevin was lucky and was able to catch a fish before we left. The fish were hard to catch, but the scenery made it worth it. After leaving McDonald Lake we headed for the east side of Glacier. The east side looked totally different from the west side. The west side was very green, trees everywhere and the ground was covered in ferns and tons of different green plants and the east side was mountains with huge cliffs and glaciers. On our way over we saw the silver stairs waterfall, goat lick, East Glacier Park, Two Medicine Lake, St. Mary Lake and St Mary Falls.  Unfortunately not the whole going to the sun road was open, so we were not able to go to Logan's Pass.  When we got to St. Mary's Lake we were able to see some amazing glaciers and went on a beautiful hike to St. Mary Falls.  Later that night we headed back to Great Falls.  We had a great trip and I hope to make it back again. 

The boys took this picture while they were fishing that morning.   I love Glacier it is so beautiful every where you go. 

Kevin was very excited to finally catch a fish.  The fishing was really tricky, so it took the guys a while to figure out what flies they need to use.  What a beautiful fish.

Our last picture at are fun cabin. 

The Hansen Crew

One last picture at McDonald Lake.  Breath taking!

The girls throwing a few more rocks in the lake.

Silver Stair Falls

Two Medicine Lake

Some of the Last Glaciers left in Glacier National Park.  By the time our kids our adults there wont be any left.  That's pretty sad.

We saw this bird on our way to St. Mary Falls

Everyone heading out on the hike.  We didn't really think we would make it to the top, but we did all 4 miles of it.  McKenzie was quit the trooper.  Brooklyn managed to hitch a ride from dad or the boys, but McKenzie hiked almost the whole way,she got tired on the way back and grandpa carried her. 
There were several beautiful waterfalls along the way. 

The Cooker's

St. Mary Falls.  This waterfall was huge.  It was beautiful.  Ryan, Dino, Kevin and the girls were up top checking it out.

Ryan the girls and I at the top.  The force of the water was so strong that if you got to close it would blow you over.  The water was spaying all over.  It was amazing. 

This is the view from the top.

The girls playing in one of the little runoffs on the trail. 

If you look close at this mountain you can see the St. Mary Waterfall we hiked to. 

St. Mary Lake

Around Great Falls with the Family

After a long week at Glacier we decided to relax today and check out a few places around Great Falls. After church we took everyone to Rainbow dam, Giant Springs, Black Eagle and Ryan's Damn. The river was really high because of the spring run off, so all the damns were open. I couldn't beleive how much water was coming through some of them it was pretty cool. We took all the girls baseball stuff, so we could hang out for a little bit at Ryan's damn. The girls loved showing their skills to the family. After hanging out at Ryan's damn we headed back to the house for a BBQ and some relaxation and to play with Cinch.

Uncle Dino got a new dog, so the girls were very excited to meet him and play with him while they were visiting. What a cute puppy.

Everyone checking out the fish at Giant Springs
Black Eagle Damn

Ryan's Damn

McKenzie ready to hit a home run

Everyone hanging out. It was a beautiful day.

Brooklyn showing off her skills

McKenzie just chillin!

Brookie Boo

Glacier Picture's Coming Soon!

My Dad, Mom, Dino, Kevin and Philip recently came up here for a visit and we all headed up to Glacier National Park together. We spent 31/2 days in this great cabin on Lake McDonald. Glacier was amazing I have never seen such beautiful scenery in my life. I can't wait to share more pictures, but between both families we took about 600 pictures and I'm still picking through all of them. I hope to have a complete Glacier post soon. We had a great time and I'm so glad that my family was able to spend some time in Montana with us. Thanks for the visit. We miss you guys and can't wait to see everyone when we come visit in July. Love you all!

This is the cabin we stayed in.

Lake McDonald

This is what we woke up to every morning.