Off season
Saturday, October 18, 2008 at 08:01AM 
Lake McDonald, Glacier National Park
The photo above was taken yesterday afternoon in Glacier National Park in the middle of the afternoon. Note the lack of people and vehicles. It's off-season here in northern Montana. After speaking at the state teacher conference in Missoula on Thursday, the LWW and I are taking a couple days to visit this beautiful place.
I've always been a fan of visiting popular areas off-season. Fewer people, no lines, better rates for hotels, and just a calmer experience. Sure, plenty of things are closed. I may need to just live with the fact that I will never get to see the "Mysterious Montana House of Vortex Mystery." At least the scenery is still open, even if not all the roads are.
Perhaps there is some lesson to be drawn from this. Or maybe not.
Oh, this is how you tell you are getting old. The hotel in Missoula had Hooters and IHOP restaurants right next to it. It was the pumpkin pancakes that I got me excited. Sigh...
From Going to the Sun Road, Glacier National Park
Reader Comments (9)
'Oh, this is how you tell you are getting old. The hotel in Missoula had Hooters and IHOP restaurants right next to it. It was the pumpkin pancakes that I got me excited. Sigh...'
Good one. After seeing these pictures I'd get exciting about hiking some of those trails.
You'll never get old of mind, Doug. You're a joy to read with your sparks of vibrant creativity.
Oh you make me wish I was there hiking! Hopefully we will be going near or through that area next spring and I hope the snow will be gone. Thanks so much for the great photos!
Oh how I wish I were there....Someday I hope to visit every National Park in the U.S. I have visited 15 though none off season....
Well, I COULD post a picture of the ocean in mid October, but it would still have a lot of people there. SC beaches are always in season. What's that foreign white stuff on the mountain tops? I'm sure you know it only too well, though it is but a passing moment every now and then in the winter months here, and then very rare indeed for the beach. Closest thing to white stuff here is floating in the breeze in spring-->seeds from plants waking up to spread their spring love. Ha-chew!
Beautiful picture. I love our country.
Glad you are sharpening the saw in such a beautiful area as Glacier. Didn't know you took time off. ;-)
Hmmm, I think I've figured out why you like off-season travel....most library and tech conferences are held in nice places...off-season to get the best rates for participants. Since much of your travel is tied to speaking engagements, you think off-season sights are not bad at all...maybe someday you will get to travel back to many of those places IN season to see the difference...<grin> Seriously, enjoy your trip!
Hi Cathy,
Some of that white stuff are the glaciers for which park is named. If you want to see them, go soon. They are expected to disappear by 2030.
Doug
Hi Sara,
I vehemently dislike crowds and lines. The off season is just fine for me!
Doug
Hi, Doug, what a lovely spot! You do arrange great places to visit pre & after conferences. You really should come to Seoul & see what 14+ million looks like.
Linda,
Just give me a reason to visit your school and country. I'll be there!
Doug