Riding around the southern perimeter of Glacier National Park on MT-49. I went through the park on the Going to the Sun Highway two years ago and figured I would go for some different views. This road was almost as exciting as the road in the park.
Taking a break at Happys Inn on US-2 in north western Montana before heading north for Lake Koocanusa. I took this photo to show that there are indeed others that tour on their GSX-Rs. This was a son touring with his parents on the FJR. Gas here was around $4.60 a gallon.
Riding McKillop Creek Rd (NF-535) up to Lake Koocanusa. The tall trees coming right up to the road on either side provided a closeness with the surroundings.
Lake Koocanusa, which was formed by the Libby Dam on the Kootenay River. The lake crosses over into Canada and thus the name comes from KOOtenay, CANada and USA. Cute.
I came up this way because I was told the scenic road that skirts the lake is a real treat. Two scenic roads go up either side of this really long lake and the road on the western side was recommended due to it being tighter with less traffic.
Another view further up north of the lake.
And the winding road hugging the jagged shore.
That's a deer in the middle of the road up ahead. He quickly ran up this steep slope. And the old adage holds true of - Loud Pipes Save Lives, cause all the poor wildlife was being scared away by my exhaust.
Twisties in Northern Idaho heading up to the Canadian border.
Coming up to the US-Canada border in the middle of this beautiful land.
That sign says "Welcome to Canada" and look at the perfect backdrop: lake, forest and mountains. How appropriate.
The Canadian border. I find it interesting that international borders and sovereignty are supposed to be this big deal, but usually right across land borders, there's not much difference in the geology or the people. The difference of being in a new country usually only kicks in the further inside you go.
British Columbia - The Best Place on Earth. After riding the whole province up and down and east to west, I'd say it definitely comes close.
Kootenay Lake at sunset. What a great first impression of Canada. This is the largest natural lake in BC and it runs about 60 miles long.
Seeing mountains tumble into the water always makes a great sight.
I missed the ferry from Kootenay Bay to Balfour by just 20 minutes arriving at 9 pm and now I'd have to wait about 90 minutes to head over to the Toad Rock Motorcycle campground on the other side.
Oh well, the view was great so I had my dinner at that bench, just taking it all in...
Having an MRE of Chicken Noodle. And it's always Dinner with Music for me.
The ferry schedule.
The ferry at last. Couldn't take a better picture as I was in a rush to make the boat.
Crossing Kootenay Lake at around 10:30 pm. This ferry ride is supposed to be the longest free ferry in the world.
The Full Moon shimmering across the dark waters.
Crashing on that couch in the social pavilion of Toad Rock Campground. After chatting with the owner Steve around the campfire, he told me not to bother with setting up the tent. Sounded good to me - less packing in the morning.
Next: Day 4, Riding the Kootenays into Vancouver
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