(Bou)Quet

Highline Trailhead 

Having a whole day to myself, I made breakfast and decided to do the Highline Trail that parallels the 'Going to the Sun Road'.  The road's name, same as a nearby mountain, comes from local legend of  the story of the deity, Sour Spirit, who came down from the sun to teach Blackfeet braves the rudiments of the hunt. 

I took the advice of fellow campers to take the shuttle from the St. Mary Visitor Center rather than drive due to parking constraints.  The view from higher up was much better than driving as we headed toward Logan Pass Visitor Center.  The day was cool and cloudy, I was prepared with rain gear, lunch, and bear spray.  

St. Mary's glacial valley

The path starts along sheer cliff with hose-wrapped cable to hold onto if needed.  A group of hikers pointed out the flock of bighorn resting in the valley. I would cross waterfalls, forests, and meadows as well. 

Initially I intended to go the 12 miles to the 'loop' and take the shuttle back but the weather closed in and I was in dense cloud and rain.  Fellow hikers pointed out a large Bighorn Ram some 30 feet away that I could not see in the fog initially.  After 4 miles, ascending almost to the apex of the trail at Haystack Point, I decided to turn back.  It didn't look like I would be able to see much anyway. 

On my return, a bighorn descended to the trail.  It was not far away and I kept my distance.  It was interesting to watch him feed on the grasses and scrape the ground to get at roots he like.  He found a nice lunch spot and stayed there for 15 minutes.  Eventually I decided to go off trail up and around--it seemed he would be there awhile!

As I neared the trailhead again, another bighorn jumped the trail in front of me and I spied a weasel feeding on the wildflowers nearby.  These beautifully arranged bouquets--reds, yellows, purples, whites--were everywhere in abundance!  No florist could hope to match it!