WEST GLACIER, MT.  Friday the 24th we drove to West Glacier KOA, which is clearly one of the very best KOAs in the country.  Beautiful landscaping, flowering bushes and trees, two swimming pools (one is adults only and heated), its own store and restaurant, etc.  (I continue to be amazed at the kinds of plants that flourish here in this harsh weather.)  Its acreage is huge, with areas provided for firefighters to stay in cabins while fighting the forest fires and staging areas for fire crews and equipment.  We had supper with some of Betty's friends from Salmon who now live in this area.

Example of Flowers Around the KOA

Hanging Flower Baskets

Our Site at West Glacier KOA

Evidence of fires and firefighting is everywhere, especially the smoke that is the thickest encountered on this trip.  The Lake McDonald area especially, where fire surrounds the north end of the lake.  Fire fighting planes land on the lake and scoop up water to dump on the fires.  The part of Going to the Sun Road nearest the lake is closed, but I think they may as well close the rest since visibility is so low.

On Saturday the 25th they took us on a red "jammer" bus tour of the park in very cold windy weather.  We even drove the part of Going to the Sun Road that remains open.  They insisted on keeping the top down most of the time.  We nearly froze, huddling under wool blankets.  Some in our group insisted on saying the sights were very good anyway.  You can judge for yourself from the photos.

Fire-fighting Planes Scoop Water from Lake McDonald

Smoke Hides Mountains Named on Plate

Near Objects Are Clear.  Beyond That The Smoke Engulfs It.

Jammer Drivers Finally Cover Roof at Glacier Park Lodge

Glacier Park Lodge Interior View from Third Floor

Glacier Park Lodge Lobby

Hogan's Pass Blanketed in Smoke

A Great Site in Less Smokey Times

A Stone Wall Hides the Smoke

Sunday the 26th.  Betty and I skipped this morning's raft ride in the cold drizzle, but the ones in the group who went predictably came back with glowing stories of the event.  We spent the time in housekeeping duties and working on photos.  It is raining now, but only a sprinkle.  The forecast is for heavier rain in coming days, which they badly need to fight these fires.