Deer, squirrels, rabbits. I live out of a truck.

Original Post 7/05/21

I didn’t know there was a Fire Lookout tower on Apgar Mt at the foot of Lake McDonald. I guess I never thought of hiking so close to any of the lodges that are just hammered by tourist every summer.

But this nice little 3.8 mile one way trip with only 1850 gain seemed to fit my mood. And was comfortably convenient. I first stopped in the middle of Half Moon bridge, shaped like a half circle crossing the inlet to LMD. Never knew it was there. It just kept getting better.

Once parked and geared up, I found the trail was outstanding. It was pounded flat, no ruts, nice open swaths for expanding views, and gradual cuts on the switchbacks. At least I considered them gradual, unlike the group of eight New Yorkers I passed who were stringing together profanities with seamless ease about the steepness of the trail. Even the view was cool, seeing the lake from an angle you wouldn’t normally get.

It was a bit of a hazy morning, so I’ll probably go back up there after a good storm. or maybe for an lazy afternoon and just hang out on the fire lookout catwalk. I would also like to spike some of those trees obscuring the view.

I was the first person up for the morning and the trail was active with wildlife. I come around a corner and see a little spike buck in velvet with only one antler nibbling at the trail grasses. Stared him down, and he would not move.

After bullying him off the trail, I come across a Ptarmigan with a trace of winter white still hanging on. just kept pecking around. I stood still and it walked right up to me before thinking danger and painfully flying off.

Next I find the buck that I’m sure took the antler off the little guy. Again, eating and won’t move. For some reason, a Columbian ground squirrel wanted to see what all of the noise was about, and stood up in front of the buck. And before I can get to the car, I come across a hare.

I haven’t seen rabbits in the park before, I’m guessing because I usually hike a little deeper where the food chain in a little hungrier. This little fatty wouldn’t leave the trail. I followed him for about fifty yards. All the animals of the forest sure love this man made trail. I might need bear spray just to clear them off so I can hike faster.

Then I see a bunch of green specs along this big bend in the North Fork, which is the park boundary. What is that? Yep, a golf course. Never knew West Glacier had one almost in the park.

With so little drive time I was able to get back to my cabin in plenty of time to turn the back of the Dodge into a mini homeless camp and air out my hiking clothes.

Now I fit in with all of the seasonal workers this summer who basically live out of the back of their vehicles. Never knew that being a dirt bag could be so cool.