July 16 – 17 ~ Glacier National Park
Along the drive from Rollins, MT toward Glacier NP
On the night of the 15th, we simply found a last-minute campsite in Rollins, MT, where we were the last to arrive and then the first out the next morning at 6:30 trying to make a beeline up to Glacier National Park.
We have learned that many of the RV sites that are on Government Land have both reservations and some “first come” slots that if you get there early enough, you just might snag a place. That is if you can “boondock” or do without any power or electric hookups.
Thankfully with our solar set-up, generator and strong marine batteries, we are good for several days.
Apgar Campground is just inside the West Entrance to Glacier and at the start of Going to the Sun Drive
Once again we were fortunate, and as we pulled in Apgar Campground (which is just inside the West Entrance), someone was pulling out and said that campsite #A61 was available and a great location. We liked it, but then #A63 was also open, and we liked it even better. Great location, less than a 1 minute walk to the lake, no neighbors behind us, just trees, fire pit, table, quiet and shaded.
Done deal…
Ellie Mae all settled in at Apgar Campground
We had the rest of the day to go on up to Whitefish where I managed to find a nail salon open on a Sunday for a manicure. A lunch date on a rooftop cafe followed in town where an antique car show was monopolizing several of the downtown streets.
This is huckleberry country so a mandatory stop in Hungry Horse for fresh warm pie à la mode got added to our itinerary.
I think we are going to like this place A LOT 🙂
Our friends, Dick and Karen arrived on Monday and site #A59 became available so we are almost next door to each other. I figured that after several days of long drives to meet up with us that they would be ready to relax and unwind.
McDonald Lake is only a one minute walk from our site
I had made a plate full of simple cheeses, crackers, nuts, and grapes to munch on and enjoy with our wine. A large pot of soup was bubbling away in the Insta-pot, and an apple salad was chilling in the refrigerator when they arrived.
Happy hour and dinner followed. Sadly, I was embarrassed that my soup turned out awful and we threw out the leftovers.
Oh well, I had good intentions.
Coming Next: Finally some sightseeing in Glacier National Park! (P.S. it is stunning!)
GRATITUDE MOMENT: Today I am grateful for getting to try huckleberry pie for the first time. It reminded me a little of the Marion berry pies we get at Becky’s whenever we travel to Crater Lake. Sweet taste as well as fond memories of home. I’m also thankful that our friends arrived safely and that they ate the soup regardless. Those are true friends…
A Note From Abroad 
I’m finding myself taken back to my favorite place.. Glacier! Thanks for your post and pictures! I’m excited for the sights you have yet to discover! And yes, you need to try a Huckleberry shake ! Oh, and a Huckleberry vodka drink! I did a half day rafting trip on FlatHead.. it was a great experience ! If you have time a trip across the border to Waterton.. a great little town with day hikes, historic Prince of Wales for high tea, and so much more! One of our favorite hikes in Glacier is Cracker Lake. If it’s been raining prepare for mud for the first few miles!
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Karen, we will look for the huckleberry shakes and ??? perhaps the vodka. Probably won’t do any rafting, but not ruling it out. If we find a place where it is gentle and not white water that is a possibility. I’m still saddened by witnessing the search last week where a very experienced kayaker lost his life in the river by hitting his head on a rock. We are heading up to Waterton in a few more days and really looking forward to seeing that area. Our friends (Dick and Karen) who are traveling with us have been there and raved about how beautiful it is. The Cracker Lake hike shows over 12 miles round trip and probably beyond what we want to take on at this time, but certainly appreciate your input.
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There really isn’t a hike or walk that will disappoint! Such a wonderful place! Enjoy and I look forward to seeing and hearing more about your trip!
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I just read the article on the kayaker who died. I’m sure witnessing the search must have been traumatic. I’m so sorry!
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It is always sad when an accident like this happens. I want to be glad that he was doing something he loved, but heartbroken for his family and those who knew and loved him.
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Are you still at Apgar? I will be coming past there later (probably 6-7 p.m.) today and could stop by and say “Hi”.
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No, sorry we are not still there. We are now staying on an Indian reservation near St Mary called Chewing Black Bone. We plan on doing a hike in the Many Glacier area this afternoon. Shame we are so close, yet still a couple hours drive away.
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Outstanding you found such a nice campsite without reservations. I will be going up there next year in August on my adventure to Alaska. Can not wait to hear of the sites and views you see. Grand Tetons and Yellowstone in 2 weeks. Yippie.
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If we had firm dates for our visit to the National Parks it would have made it easy to make reservations – a year in advance or so. But by just flying by the seat of our pants, we have been extremely lucky. You are on final countdown!
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This all sounds pretty idyllic! Too bad about your soup 😦 It happens.
Alison
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It is bad enough when I am fixing just for Tim and myself, but when having friends join us, it was a bit embarrassing…
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What did you do to the poor soup? 🙂
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I wish I knew. I have made similar soup for years, though using the Insta-pot is relatively new for me. Meat was tender, lots of good veggies, but the seasoning was just bland even though I had used several different herbs. Hmmm, better luck next time???
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Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla soup with packaged taco seasoning works every time! Recipes all over Pinterest and internet. I have lost count of all the recipes I have tried and didn’t make again or threw out! Still love the instant pot- more success than failures. Ribs are outstanding as are meatloaf, potato salad and spaghetti! Cheesecake was okay too.
Love following your blog. You practically retraced our meandering trip from Arizona to South Dakota. Perhaps we will make Glacier next time through.
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Nanci, thank you for your suggestions and encouragement with the Insta-pot. I have to avoid most packaged items/seasonings due to Tim’s allergies. Using fresh raw, whole ingredients is a must for us. I have a couple of good cook books I picked up before we left – maybe I need to open them 🙂
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Glad you had a nice drive and found a great camp site and that your friends made it safe and sound.
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Thanks!
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