From Malta through Montana to Whitefish, generally over the Great Northern, all scenic in this state. The final part of my route detoured from the Great Northern over the famous "Going-to-the Sun" road through Glacier National Park. This was a bit of a Waterloo for me, because last year, I had first tried crossing the Going-to-the-Sun road in early May, and Logan's pass turned out to be closed due to avalange dangers. Yet driving along beautiful Lake McDonald up to Logan's pass had been an incredible experience, and I was determined to see all of this road.

But returning turned out to be a disappointment. On a Monday afternoon, the place was swarming with tourists. Inching along in an endless line of vehicles, including SUVs, in stop and go traffic, the road had lost its magic to me. I guess I am a solitair, happiest with me and Bozo crossing the most beautiful creations of nature alone together.

Last year in early May, a woman in the one other car I encountered, on the way up to the still chilly blue sky, was as awestruck as I was, we looking at each other in wonder over our cameras, and she only able to offer the explanation "But of course it is an incredible day." This year the snow topped mountains were still there, and the really blue water, and the blue skies, but stuck in a long line of cars, it was not incredible and I was secretly wishing I could detour over a parallel road.

Having seen Heaven, Earth becomes mondane.

Pictures (click for larger size):