It is that time of the year again. The mountains are being tucked into their snow blankets in preparation for dropping temperatures, the larch trees blaze the mountainsides with their vibrant yellow needles, and frost-framed mornings have become the norm. Yes, it is that time of year again, it is fall. It is the time of the year when humans spend more time indoors and many animals are bedding down for their long naps of hibernation. It is the perfect time of the year to begin baking pies, drinking apple cider, trading in your hiking boots for skis, and it is also a time for reflection.
For some, this summer was a first visit to Glacier National Park, for others this marked the umpteenth adventure to the home of grizzlies and goats. This summer marks my third season working in and exploring Glacier. Every day is an adventure here and looking back across my three years here fills my heart with joy, my mind with ideas, and my scrapbook with more and more photos. I have been fortunate to work with and befriend some of the most amazing people while discovering this place. With every new face comes a new perspective and a whole new story, adding to my own story. Sharing our thoughts and ideas while staying warm next to the fire, playing silly games on the trail, losing your eardrums when someone sees a wolverine for the first time, and even complaining about a co-worker’s flatulence are all part of the story that has made my experience here so memorable. I guess getting people to share their stories and experiences was the main driving force behind a little project I started working on this year: A review for back country pit-toilets.
I started collecting pictures of the pit toilets at back country sites from my friends and coworkers. Originally, the project was meant to be a lighthearted evaluation of the most scenic or most smelly pit toilets. The project began to take a different shape after I started receiving dozens of photos from all around the park. With each photo came a story, with each story a memory, and with each memory another connection to Glacier. It became an excuse to make the time to enjoy the past weekend’s story, it was an excuse to share our experiences, it was an excuse to connect with each other, and it was an excuse to notice details about our adventures that we may have missed otherwise.
Whether this summer marked your first trip to Glacier, or your 100th, or if reading this blog is your first introduction to the Crown of the Continent I encourage everyone to take a few minutes and reflect on your experiences. Reflect on the memories you have made or the stories you have heard. It is the time of the year for remembering, it is the time of the year to savor our memories, and let them be an inspiration for our future selves.
The stories we share about a place truly make it what it is and it is the people in the stories who make a place truly magical. I am happy to say that the people in my stories are magic incarnate. They are stupendous. They are full of life. They inspire me, and they will forever be in my heart of hearts. I want to thank them for all they have shared with me, making my life full and rich, and thank you kind reader. I hope your adventures in Glacier and throughout all our public lands leads you to amazing people in amazing places.
Take care.
-Ranger Steve
“May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind always be at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, and rains fall soft upon your fields.”- Irish blessing