Fall Camping in Two Medicine
September 28, 2009

Over the weekend I took advantage of the beautiful weather and went camping in Two Medicine with my family. The temperature was in the high 70s to low 80s, sunny, but very windy. In fact, the area was under a high wind warning for the entire day.

I was surprised how full the campground was; it took us awhile to find a campsite. I reminded myself that it was National Public Lands Day and admission to the park was waived. A lot of people were out enjoying their national park on a perfect fall weekend.

The aspen, cottonwood, and birch leaves were changing colors, and while some of the trees have peaked, a good majority of the trees have not reach that status. Nonetheless, the different hues of yellow and orange contrasted against a cobalt blue sky was picturesque. Because it was so windy, the sound of the leaves rustling in the trees was soothing. But, the leaves were not the only interesting sounds we heard on our camp out.

At 3:00 AM, we woke to the sounds of owls. I cannot accurately identify which owls were out talking, but there was no mistaking it. Moments later, bull elk began bugling. If you have never heard an elk bugle, click here to hear one. It is the most amazing sound. Another elk responded with its own trumpeting bugle, and seconds later, we could hear the clashing of antlers. The elk must have been really close. This went on for a couple of minutes before all fell silent. A few moments later, we heard the most unusual sound. I had to ask myself, "what in the World is that!?" After analyzing it for a few moments, I had to conclude that it had to be a moose. This moose just bellowed away for a good half an hour before all fell silent for the rest of the night. When I arrived home I Googled moose calls and what we heard, was indeed a moose...a moose in love. Click here and then the "Female moose mating call #2" link to hear what we heard.

The next morning, all was silent except for a few people tending to campfires in their camp sites. The sound of crackling campfire is another great outdoor sound. Before we left the area, we hiked to Running Eagle Falls where yet again, we enjoyed the sounds of nature and the soothing sound of the waterfall.

If you are thinking about camping and enjoying the fall weather and our natural sounds, be sure to check our camping pages for important trip planning information. Now that fall is here, expect wildlife to be more active; review our wildlife safety information so you are informed. Below are a few pictures of Two Medicine

David Restivo

Traffic on the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Last Weekend on the entire Going-to-the-Sun Road
September 21, 2009

Yesterday (Sunday) was the last day to drive the Going-to-the Sun Road from end to end. Saturday was the better day for my schedule, so my family and I piled into the car and we took a drive. Apparently the rest of the World had the same idea. The road was filled with visitors looking to experience the whole road.

Traffic was a bit congested, but the excitement was evident. Cameras and binoculars were seen in just about every car and every pullout as visitors we happy to be photographing spectacular fall scenery and viewing wildlife from afar.

The weather was beautiful, you couldn't have asked for a better day. Toward the end of the day, however, dark clouds started to roll in. Every now and then the clouds let the sun peak through. Little did we know that those clouds would hang around awhile and drop snow on Logan Pass, closing the section of road between Big Bend and Siyeh Bend on Sunday. I'm glad we chose Saturday to drive.

For me, driving the road was a real treat. I always see and experience something new. Did you drive it this year? When was the last time you drove it? What did you experience?

David Restivo, NPS

Shoreline at Kipahulu, Haleakala National Park (top), Snake River Overlook at sunset, Grand Teton National Park (bottom).

Where Have I Been?
September 21, 2009

Well, I know a lot of you have noticed that I haven't updated the blog in quite some time, because the emails keep pouring in reminding me to update. Sadly, I have been out of the Park for most of the summer and haven't had time to write. I haven't hiked the trails like I have wanted or camped, but I can't complain too much because I've been to other parks this summer helping them develop some media projects. My job offers me the opportunity to help parks needing media, and visiting them gives me a much greater appreciation for the NPS. It isn't just about Glacier.

I won't go into a lot of detail, but when I look back at the parks I helped this summer, 2 parks in particular stand out - Haleakala National Park and Grand Teton National Park. Both parks are very diverse and wonderful. There are magical moments you experience in national parks, and the highlights for me were at those two parks.

I would encourage you to visit their Websites and learn more about them.