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Jul 10 2014
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 Photos 5,768
 Triplogs 259

59 female
 Joined Jan 04 2012
 scottsdale, AZ
Huckleberry Mountain Nature TrailWestern, MT
Western, MT
Hiking avatar Jul 10 2014
New2hykTriplogs 259
Hiking2.20 Miles 120 AEG
Hiking2.20 Miles
120 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Got a late start this morning due to stiffness from yesterday and I had planned an evening tour with Red bus(4-9PM) so thought the day would be long. On the way to park, stopped by huckle berry shop in hungry horse and bought some huckle goodies for family/friends. He had fresh hucks so I bought them. He thought they would be little sour since early in the season. But they were not bad. They taste like combination of red currants and blueberries. Got to the park around 11.30am and lines were long like disney land. But got through and took Camas road for about 12 miles to get to the trail head. On the way, saw fields of wildflowers on both sides of the road.Wished I was a passenger so that I could take pictures but I was driving instead. There is a TH for the huckleberry summit on the way but need to go a few miles further to get to this TH.
It was around noon and 89-90degrees. Started to hike only to realize that I am the only one there. As I was entering the forest, freaked out about bears. I did not stop and finished the loop but the whole hike was filled with fear for me. I am not sure how I would have handled it if I had seen a bear!! There is also evidence of fire there and it is amazing how wildflowers flourish in burned areas until the trees fill out.
Took a photo of my rental car license plate incase any body finds me dead but it did not happen. Drove back to the visitor center. There is a 0.5mile pave area from the visitor center that takes to the Apgar camp grounds and it was beautiful. Tons of wildflowers as well and lot of bikers on that trail. Finished by 3.45pm and showed up for Red bus tour.
Unfortunately, they did not have my name down eventhough I had paid for it in advance. Drivers were very nice but could not get me on board since they were full. They were nice enough to let me talk to their company on their cell phone. I had asked for my money back(a week later, no refund and when I call them they have about 20-25 people ahead of me. I called my CC company and had them cancel that transaction) :( .
As I was facing this unexpected surprise, I knew it was happening for my own good. After finishing my conversation with them, went into the visitor center. Met a ranger there who thought I should have no problem going to St.Mary lake the next day to do the boat ride using their transportion. Loved her suggestion. She said I should take an express shuttle at 7am(they have three shuttles back to back and the timings listed on their website are not current...always a good idea to check with rangers as you plan your days).
So I head back to my Grouse Mountain lodge and decided to stop in downtown whitefish. I collect elephants on my travels. Felt funny about asking for them in bear country but it turns out that a store had them and I added 7 of them to my collection. Made me very happy. :y:
 Fauna
 Fauna [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  American Robin
 Meteorology
 Meteorology [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Fire Burn Area & Recovery
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Substantial
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WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

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