Jul 292016
 

Emery-Campground-Montana-2-of-15Emery Campground Montana (3 of 15) Emery Campground Montana (4 of 15) Emery Campground Montana (5 of 15)  Emery Campground Montana (7 of 15) Emery Campground Montana (8 of 15) Emery Campground Montana (9 of 15) Emery Campground Montana (10 of 15) Emery Campground Montana (11 of 15) Emery Campground Montana (12 of 15) Emery Campground Montana (13 of 15) Emery Campground Montana (14 of 15) Emery Campground Montana (15 of 15)

It’s here at the Emery Bay Campground in Montana where we get little peeks at the peaks of Glacier National Park that is seemingly just around the bend.  We’re inching closer, but not quite close enough which warrants a stay at this sleepy lakeside campground.  Tomorrow morning we head out early, bright eyed and bushy tailed, ready for the days new adventure that will take us into GNP ♥

But while we’re here we walk around and absorb our surroundings.  Tall pine trees towering above rustle in the wind as we stroll alongside the curvy roads.  I spy many bear safe food storage containers which puts me on alert.  I’ve never had an encounter with a bear, nor do I ever wish to.  But I’ve head stories such as the time we visited the Fishing Bridge Campground in Yellowstone National Park and upon checking in, the ranger gave us the low down and on the do’s and dont’s of bear safety.  One being keep all scented items inside the trailer and away from doors as well as being sure to close up all the windows at night.  The story that followed was of a family that were staying in their small trailer at that very campground.  Someone left a bag of trash inside the trailer, by the front door that was meant to be taken out in the morning.  Fast forward to 2 am when they awoke to some serious rocking and shaking of their trailer.  They huddled together in fear of the unknown as the father went to investigate.  Through the window with flashlight shining he spied a huge grizzly bear trying to claw his or her way in to get to the bag of trash.  I never did ask how the bear was scared away or if he/she was even that, but in the morning light the devastation of the trailer came to be seen.  Major damage as you can imagine from a powerful animal with amazingly sharp claws (I would imagine, even sharper now).  **shudder**

As we continue on our walk we reach the lake which greets us with sweeping views and little peek-a-boos of Glacier National Park.  I stand for a moment and exhale.  I remember I am on an almost three week holiday from work in corporate America and suddenly a sense of huge relief washes over me.  No deadlines.  No pressing appointments.  No stress.  I can’t help but smile :)

B blows bubbles and I try and photograph them.  He laughs when they pop right before I get the shot.  Little stinker.   But I did get one and it’s kind of neat because if you look closely, you can see the campsite reflection in it.  But you reaaaaaaly have to look.

We roast marshmallows and just chill at our camp.  Hubby studies the map.  Oh and by the way, have you looked at a real map lately?  Like a real paper, old school map?  I must say, after studying maps on line and trying to figure out which route to take and where, it is so refreshing to be able to sit down and see it all on paper, right in front of you.  Talk about getting the “big picture,” — I’ve realized I’ve really missed maps!  Same goes with my daily planner.  I’ve tried to use my iphone and on line calender to keep me organized but in the end, nothing can, for me at least, compare to the good old pen to paper daily planner.  My own daily planner, designed my way using the Bullet journaling style.  I am sorry I haven’t learned about that sooner!  I am finally at planner peace in my life and it’s taken 44 years, ha!

I do turn on my kindle and begin reading though and soon after, B follows suit.  I look up for a moment and smile.  It’s nice to be outside with the ones you love, all doing your own things.

We fall asleep that night under a bright blanket of stars and I dream about tomorrow and what’s to come.

Here’s to the open road and trips with the ones you love ♥

~ Monica XO

  27 Responses to “Inching Closer”

  1. I am enjoying your trip! Your photos and words make it seem that I’m right there with you. Dreaming of the day we can take off and follow the ‘trail’ GNP. I, too, have discovered the joys of planner peace with my bullet journal. Thanks for sharing.
    ~Adrienne~

    • This is such a nice compliment, about my writing. Thank you sooo much for that. Also re: the bullet journal, what a genius thing!! Wish I would have found about that sooner :)

  2. The bubble photo is wonderful! Love your blog!

  3. Your photography was what first drew me to your blog. This post reminded me of that fact. Absolutely GORGEOUS!

  4. Extremely awesome pictures, well done; my favorite is the route map fading to an image below, what a neat idea; thanks for the great posts.

  5. Gorgeous – as always! Michael and Ethan (his son) will be in Glacier in a couple of weeks as well. I shared this post with Michael. :)

  6. Top of your form……..as usual. Beautiful photos.

    Yep, can see an elephant in the reflection of the bubble……………………….ahhhh, it’s your campsite.

    CC

  7. You are an amazing photographer with such a perceptive eye. Can’t tell you how much I enjoy this blog, makes me feel like (and wish!) I were there!!!

    Jennifer Slater, Boston

  8. Stunning photos! You tell a beautiful story, as well! Keep it up!

  9. I have to comment, too, on the awesome pictures… the map overlay is genius and I adore the bubble picture with your son and campground in the reflection! I believe I found your blog just a year ago when you posted about your visit to GNP and a particular camp store in Whitefish that I had also shopped in. Lucky you on a return visit to that beautiful park, enjoy it all and thanks for sharing your travels along the way.

    ~ Janet

  10. Love your post Monica, as always

  11. Mountains and rivers for your Airstream vacation….Lake Superior and the Great Plains for us last month in our Flying Cloud 27FB….what a great two weeks.

    Thanks for your blog, learn so much and love the photographs.

    • One day we’ll make it out to your neck of the woods — would love to visit the Great Plains. Glad to hear you had a great two week — goes by fast doesn’t it? Thank you for being here :) ♥

  12. Just left stay in GNP area, stayed at the wonderful KOA in West Glacier. Did not encounter any bears, only sighting was through a setting scope on the eas side of the park. Saw lots of mountain goats. Make the trip over to the Canadian side of the park, totally worth it and doable in one day. Also made trek to Polebridge, a long drive on gravel road but payoff was wonderful bakery at the general store. Few miles past the store is the beautiful Bowman Lake. Enjoy your trip. I stocked my Airstream fridge based on your suggestions.

  13. Gorgeous and stunning photography, as usual, you continually raise the bar for me-thank you, and Happy Birthday !

 Leave a Reply

(required)

Your Email (required)

CommentLuv badge