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by Astrid Sieger 

This weekend I had the opportunity of showing a visiting friend Glacier National Park.  Although I live just a half hour from this pristine park I am still amazed by its stunning beauty each time I have the chance to visit. 
Going-to-the Sun Road (the main road into and around Glacier) is closed at Lake McDonald Lodge — about 2 miles into the park, during the winter. However, it’s a wonderful time of year to hike, cross-country ski, and snowshoe around in the woods.  We parked the car at Lake McDonald and set out on foot.  We hiked into the John’s Lake Trail.  John’s Lake Trail is densely wooded, full of mystery and a nice little stroll.  Along the still trail we didn’t encounter much wildlife; a black squirrel, and wild cat paw prints were about the only signs of life. Birds are gone south for the winter and bears are hibernating in their respective dens.  John’s Lake is frozen this time of year but the ice was definitely not thick enough (yet) to walk on; the views surrounding the lake were incredible and the mystery and intrigue lay in the fog that enveloped the surrounding landscape creating an “other world” atmosphere.
On the way back to the lodge we walked on the Going-to-the Sun Road along the North Fork River.  The falls were running and between the crashing of the water, the spectacular rock walls that border the river and the natural ice sculptures we found a virtual Winter Wonderland.  Stopping here and there along the way we made a snowman, and snow angels; marveled at the force of nature as we viewed washed out bridges (from the heavy rains and flooding during the fall); and most of all just fell in love with the beauty and grace of Glacier National Park — again.