Week 3 - Glacier National Park: Delving Deeper Into Trails, Campfire Cuisine, and Everyday Life on Wheels
Immersed in the rugged beauty of Glacier National Park, we were blessed with unforgettable views and heart-stopping experiences. Trekking through age-old forests, we made our way to the stunning Avalanche Lake, a gem nestled amidst the peaks. Back at camp, evenings were spent around the Snowpeak grill, our impromptu kitchen conjuring up heartwarming meals like grilled chicken with charred cabbage and a creative spin on bibimbap, bringing a taste of Korea to the wild Montana landscape. The serene Lake McDonald provided much-needed refreshment and a hearty laugh after a strenuous hike, with a dive into its icy waters that will remain etched in our memories. All these experiences made possible, of course, in the company of my reliable Stio gear, offering comfort and functionality amidst nature’s unpredictability.
Unveiling the Extraordinary in the Ordinary: A Glimpse into our Days in Glacier National Park
Our journey through Glacier National Park, from Fish Creek Campground to the serene shores of Lake McDonald, was marked by miles of unspoiled wilderness and intimate encounters with nature. We chose a site that was just a short walk to Lake McDonald, providing us easy access to both solitude and breathtaking views.
Two distinct hikes defined our days. The first led us to Avalanche Lake, a popular trail stretching 5.5 miles with an elevation gain of 750 ft. The walk was accentuated by the rush of Avalanche Creek, gnarled western red cedar trees, and the majestic lake itself.
On another day, we traced the shoreline of St. Mary Lake on Piegan Pass to Virginia Falls passing St. Mary Falls. This trail was a longer haul at 6.3 miles and about 700 feet of elevation gain, but well worth every step. Wildflowers carpeted our path, framing the glacial blue lake and towering mountains in the background. The hike culminated at the Upper Virginia Falls where we took a moment to rest and refuel with lunch.
As the echoes of Upper Virginia Falls hummed in our ears, we retraced our steps back to camp, situated by the serene Lake McDonald. The call of its glacial waters was impossible to ignore. outfitted in my reliable Stio shorts, I jumped in for a refreshing dip after a long day of hiking. The frigid water elicited gasps and laughter, bouncing off the surrounding mountains and infusing the serene setting with our joy. It's in moments like these—feeling the lake's icy yet invigorating embrace—that connections are forged not just with nature, but also with the reliable gear that supports our journey. As a special treat for my readers, you can use the code 'JAMIE20' to get a 20% discount on your own Stio gear. These are the moments of serene connection that make this journey worth every step
Our time in Glacier wasn't just about the outdoors. Life in our A-liner Evolution (affectionately named Stella) was getting cozier by the day, and this was reflected in our culinary exploits. Our Snowpeak Takibi grill played host to sizzling chicken thighs and charred cabbage, complemented by grilled carrots sweetened with a hint of maple syrup. On another night, our Camp Chef Everest 2 burner stove transformed humble ingredients into a memorable bibimbap-inspired feast, a nod to our love for flavors from around the world.
A highlight of the week was a solitary drive at sunset, journeying into the heart of Glacier's interior. Without another soul in sight, the spectacle of nature at twilight was truly my own. These moments of quiet reflection brought me back to my first time in Glacier, under the tutelage of Alex Strohl. His influence sparked my transition into full-time freelance photography, a leap of faith that has shaped my path over the past year.
Glacier holds a special place in my heart, and returning to it is akin to tracing the footsteps of my own growth. It's been a year of learning, experiencing, and connecting with fellow creatives. But as always, the road beckons, and Stella is all set for the next chapter of our adventure – onwards to the Missoula area.
Week 1: Kicking Off Our Road Trip Adventure - From Minneapolis to Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forest
Embark on an extraordinary journey with us as we set off from Minneapolis, traversing through mesmerizing landscapes and iconic locations. From serene nights at Lakefield, MN to breathtaking views at Custer State Park and ending the week at the stunning Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forest in Colorado. Experience the joys, challenges, and unique moments of our first week living a nomadic lifestyle, travelling with our Aliner Travel Trailer and capturing beautiful memories through the lens of adventure lifestyle photography. Join us on this unforgettable journey
A-liner Evolution and "Babe" our 4Runner SR5 tucked away in the mountains of Northern Colorado.
Hello, world! It's been a whirlwind of a week since we left the comforting familiarity of Minneapolis, MN, embarking on a journey that will change our lives forever. From our small, quaint beginnings of our home in Minneapolis to finally getting a taste of living on the road, we have already learned a lot!
Lauren overlooking a beautiful lake in Custer State Park with a hazy sky from the Canadian Wildfires.
We set off from home on the 20th of May, our hearts filled with both excitement and nervousness. As we packed the last of our belongings, hugged our friends and family goodbye, there was an undeniable sense of embarking on something extraordinary. Our first stop was the Sandy Point County Park in Lakefield, MN, a peaceful little sanctuary nestled by South Heron Lake. The quiet and serene atmosphere was a perfect start for our journey.
A seemingly endless gravel road through nomads land in Nebraska by the Oglala National Grassland.
After a restful first night, we made the ambitious trek to South Dakota's iconic Custer State Park. Driving our trusty 4runner SR5, lovingly named "Babe," with the Aliner Travel Trailer in tow was a challenge. However, a quick pit stop in Chamberlain, SD, allowed us to stretch our legs at Roam Free Park and fuel ourselves with a delicious lunch.
Arriving at Custer State Park felt surreal. A slight haze hung in the air from distant wildfires, yet it didn't deter the charm of our temporary home. We camped at the Stockade South campground, a stone's throw away from the mesmerizing lake. One of our standout moments from Custer was undoubtedly the Lover's Leap hike. The wildfire haze was starting to lift, revealing breathtaking views that made for fantastic photography. As an adventure lifestyle photographer, I relished the opportunity to capture such landscapes. Another highlight? My day spent fly fishing on French Creek, followed by a delectable dinner of fire-roasted salmon and vegetables.
The View from the top of Lover's Leap trail in Custer State Park. Tall pines off in the distance during golden hour with the slight haze of the Canadian Wildfire smoke.
The road beckoned again, and we found ourselves heading towards Cheyenne, WY. A scenic work stopover at J.H. Keith Cascade Falls Picnic Area in Hot Springs, SD, provided Lauren the peace to finish her workday amidst curious onlookers amused by our off-the-grid setup. Following a longer than anticipated drive through the unknown, we arrived at the Last Chance Camp in Cheyenne. Our stay was punctuated by an exhilarating hike at Curt Gowdy State Park, chased by storm clouds and hail. And of course, we couldn’t forget those mouthwatering tacos from Best Tacos y Burritos la Paz - easily some of the best I've ever had!
Our last leg for the week brought us to the stunning Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forest in Colorado. Perched atop a ridgeline, our campsite offered awe-inspiring views of the valley and distant mountain ranges. Despite sporadic afternoon storms, our spirits remained undeterred. With Denver on the horizon, we’re excited to visit family, catch a Lord Huron concert, and keep embracing the unknown.
Lauren and Zooey standing on the overlook while admiring the view of our campsite in the Arapahoe & Roosevelt National Forest up in the Colorado Rockies.
Stay tuned to follow us as we continue our journey, living out of our Aliner Travel Trailer, capturing breathtaking landscapes, and creating unforgettable memories. If you're intrigued by a nomadic lifestyle, photography, or just love a good old adventure, this blog is for you! Join us on our journey, from Minnesota and beyond. Until next time!
Our A-liner Evolution and “Babe” 4Runner SR5 tucked away in the woods in the Arapahoe & Roosevelt National Forest up in the Colorado Rockies.