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We drove to Apgar at the southern end of Lake McDonald our first full day in Glacier National Park so Sunshine could go to a Ranger presentation for her Jr Ranger packet. River had the non-readers Jr Ranger packet, which is much easier and has a lot less requirements.
We didn’t have many Ranger presentation options since it wasn’t quite the busy season, otherwise I’m not sure we would have made the drive. The Going-to-the-Sun road wasn’t open all the way across the park, so we had to drive around the southern end of the park and then north a bit to get to Apgar. It was a long, twisty drive that left us all nauseous and grateful for the fresh mountain air.
After the presentation we checked out the nature cabin, where we were able to touch the fur pelts from a variety of animals, as well as bones and rocks. We explored one of the gift shops (there were several), then we walked down to the lake where Mr M showed Sunshine and River how to skip rocks. We practiced skipping rocks for awhile, then began the long drive back.
Before we left the Apgar area we stopped for pictures of the lake, which is the coolest blue because of the melted glaciers that fill it. If we’d had more time, it would have been fun to rent some kayaks, but we just didn’t have the time. Knowing that we’ll return made it easier to not stress about all the things we didn’t have time to do.
As we drove to Apgar, we passed a waterfall on the side of the road, but it was on the opposite side, so we couldn’t pull over then to take pictures. We took note of the nearest mile marker (188) and decided to stop on our way back.
On our way back, we actually remembered (which doesn’t always happen) and stopped to see the waterfall. It’s a cool little waterfall over rocks that were more squared off than we usually see in a waterfall. We also couldn’t find a sign with a name, so we’re thinking that perhaps it’s just a seasonal waterfall? There was a little pullout with room for several cars, so we’re not the only ones to have spotted a good photo op.
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