You Just Never Know
It’s evening. We’re working on this post together and drinking whiskey. Camping and whiskey… what a wilderness cliche. We’re owning it.
Convinced that we’ve just lived one of the most memorable days of our lives, we’re both in a haze. A few minutes ago – on our way to clean up in a lake – we were surprised by a black bear and her cub. Frolicking in the short grass as the beating sun was just beginning to relent, the two of them nearly made stroke victims out of both of us.
We made a quick change of plans and headed straight for the whiskey. The “camper’s bath” could wait.
But we’re getting way ahead of ourselves here because, surprisingly, the bear encounter is not the big news of the day.
This memorable day – both awe inspiring and disturbing – started much, much earlier. In fact, it was about 5:30 this morning when we were debating what hike to take on. Being our last day in this part of Glacier, we wanted to make a killer choice.
The weather was predicted to be epic. Everything was perfectly still, the sky was 100% blue and the lakes were imitating glass. We decided to do something uncharacteristic – two fairly aggressive hikes in one day. Grinnell Glacier in the morning and Iceberg Lake in the afternoon/evening. It’d be about a 20 mile day.
Slathering on bug repellant and sun block, we charted our course and made sure our backpack would have everything we might need. After all, as we discussed, you never know what might happen out there on a trail. Especially in the midst of a late melt. Ravenous bears and potentially unrelenting conditions at the high altitudes.
We both had a good feeling about the Grinnell hike right away. We immediately knew it was destined to be a top 10 nominee (once we had conquered every hike in the Park!). As we made our way past Swiftcurrent Lake, we talked about how picture perfect everything was.
By the time we caught a first glimpse of the next lake, Josephine, we knew it. If we had any doubt about this park being our favorite place in the world, that doubt was now removed.
Moving up higher and looking down at the water, all thoughts of bears and mountain lions started to drift away. The surroundings were too captivating to be otherwise distracted. Myriad wildflowers and the fresh smell of pine drenched our senses.
Rather than having second thoughts about our 20 mile day, we were adrenalized by how things were unfolding. We were ready to take on anything. Up up up we bolted.
And then we saw it in the distance. Grinnell Glacier with its namesake lake at its feet. Milky green. Incredible.
We continued on. It’s at this point that the story gets a bit blurry. We had made it almost to the point where the trail is marked with a “snow hazard ahead” sign. A park ranger with a disconcerted look was our first clue that something was terribly wrong. We began to prepare ourselves for what we thought would be a bear problem. Little did we know that problem would have to wait until later.
As we made our way closer, we learned that a hiker in front of us had slipped. He tried clinging to the rocky ledge before tumbling 50, maybe 100, yards down slope. We stared at each other in complete shock. A bit later (who knows how long) when we witnessed the first rescue helicopter landing mere feet away from us on a narrow ridge, we both felt sick. The blasting of the helicopter’s blades and the upheaval of the earth around us was nearly too much to take – too intense and jolting for this “perfect” day. It made what was going on abundantly real.
Next, something cool happened. The helicopter zipped away, and the first rescue person quickly steadied himself on the ground. He yelled “I need your help” to the small crowd of us gobsmacked hikers. No one hesitated to lend a hand. Three “regular” guys, helping with his equipment, accepted the rescuer’s request to head into the rescue zone.
The two of us distracted ourselves by distracting the girlfriend of one of the hikers who went ahead to help. The two of them are from Texas. He doesn’t like snow. She wasn’t surprised that he, stopping only to grab water, went ahead to assist anyhow. We snuck quick peeks and watched him slip and slide as he bravely forged on. The three of us talked about great hikes, a good pie shop down the road and the treasure that is Montana. Oh, and we told her to marry that guy.
We waited. The whole scene was so intense that we can’t remember all of the details. We didn’t even get a single name. Not hers and not his (when he successfully returned from assisting).
Well I guess we got one name – but not until after the fact. Nicholas, an outdoors enthusiast from Omaha, died in that fall. As we descended Grinnell, far later than expected, we were numb. We wondered if Nicholas and his buddies were as blown away by the beauty as we were. We wondered if they embarked with the same fervor that ignited us that morning. We’re certain that we were having similar experiences. Almost.
Back at our camp, running into those bears wasn’t quite as terrifying as it may have been yesterday. We’d just had a reminder that you can’t predict how a day might unfold.
Tomorrow, we’re going to head out for a last round of adventure in our final segment of Glacier. We’ll be thinking about Nicholas a lot. We know that what happened to him could have happened to us. In an instant. Even on what started out as the most splendid day imaginable.
You just never know.
Embrace life.
Indeed. Today is all we’ve got.
That’s exactly what we are taking away.
After an hour or two more of Internet time (we have to catch up on work!), we’re heading back into Glacier for one final round of adventure.
We’re feeling very grateful to be living this life!
Sigh. Big sigh.
Wow, you got me. Did not see that coming at all.
Those photos are beautiful and what a shock that whole experience must have been.
I know you will enjoy the remainder of your time there, even with the reminder that life can be so fleeting.
Thanks, Kristina. It’s a shocking turn, isn’t it?
For us, that combo of extreme beauty (on of our best days ever) and extreme tragedy is a great reminder of how to live life.
That settles it. I’m planning at trip to GNP. Stunning landscapes! The kind that make one want to burst into song. A sound of music kind of song.
Obviously too moved by the photos to finish reading through before posting that comment. Really sad to hear about the hiker. Tragedy in such a beautiful place.
Thanks, Grace. Honestly, we can’t believe how beautiful it is here. Every year we come, we find new things to explore (and Glacier is not that big).
You’re making my heart hurt that I didn’t see a bit of this while in Montana for 2.5 weeks this summer! DOI!
Also, if you like whiskey, I’ll entice you to come visit my hometown sometime: It’s home to both George Dickel AND Jack Daniel–the two finest men I know!
As we’ve enjoyed this epic weather, we’ve thought of your much different visit. Hopefully you’ll get back one day so that you can get deep into the park to see this stuff for yourself.
Oh, and on the whiskey… no enticing needed.
Wow, that must have really been a challenging day. I can understand the need for a bit of whiskey.
I’ve always wanted to get to Glacier but haven’t had the opportunity yet. Your photos make me want to change my road trip plans next month and head west instead of east. That scenery looks amazing!
Wow, I don’t know what to say. First of all, I love hiking and those photos are fantastic. THAT is the type of place I LOVE to explore. However, bears scare the living crap out of me!! I’ve read and seen too much about bears that they absolutely freak me out and I imagine a bear attack as the worst way to die.
Then I read that a guy did die on that hike and it is too surreal. I don’t even know what to say but to express sadness. What a horrible way to end a great day.
Maybe this is the right thing to say and maybe it isn’t but with all that beauty in front of you, I can’t help but think that life is so much better than any beauty that we can see.,
Wow guys! Like you say, you just never know how things might unfold, even in the most perfect day. What an experience! It makes you think about yourself and makes you grateful for the opportunities you have. Seize the day!
DAMN. i’m sitting in a coffee shop and about ready to break out in a full-on blubberfest. i’m sending the warmest healing energy to nicholas’ family and to you both for reminding us to appreciate every single moment. i’m glad that you are carrying on as planned- that is exactly how to show you really honor those minutes that you have, that others may not be fortunate to have any longer. you’re such great teachers. love to you both.
We keep thinking of his family. We wonder how rough it was for those 2 guys to call his loved ones back in Omaha to say he didn’t make it.
Life is short and fleeting, which is why we should embrace it each and every day! Like you said, you just never know what might happen…
Great post, but I’m sorry to hear your day ended with you both so shaken up.
Thanks, Amanda – we’re taking a lot of great stuff away from this experience.
Oh do I know the feeling of things going amazing and quickly turning into something else. Looks liek yall were having an amazing day and turned out to be crazy. I am glad yall are safe & YAY for fellow Texans!!! Please be safe out there and lol “Camping and whiskey… what a wilderness cliche” is not a CLICHE its life jajaja.
Yep… two more Texans we think are pretty cool
Beautifully tragic story. What a reality-check…
whoa, what a turn of events. Unfortunate that the mountain took Nicholas, but he went living life. It definitely reminds us of that valuable lesson though doesn’t it? You guys stay safe. Oh an gorgeous photos as always
We all need this reminder sometimes. Even though we do our best to live in the moment, we forget the next moment could change everything.
Godspeed to Nicholas’ soul…travel well to the next part of your journey.
Wow! What a day. I love those photos and I really wish I could be there drinking whiskey and sharing it with you
Sorry meant to put in their how tragic it was about Nicholas. A reminder to us all to make every moment count.
We did camping and whiskey too! Oh no wait a minute – that was mescaline…
It’s sobering to encounter another person’s life on the day that it ends. A place so beautiful can open you right up and events can affect you deeply.
I hope you are not too shaken and that your next drink is in Nicholas’ honour.
Very well told story, and very tragic. Just reinforces that we’ve got to live every day like it could be our last.
EPIC day! Well it sounds like you got more than you imagine for as part of your grand finale to Glacier. Gorgeous photos!
What a range of emotions on a single day.
Your photos are awesome – and naturally I want to follow in your footsteps and do that hike BUT the reminder of the dangers and the tragedy that can strike so quickly is sobering. I missed a landslide by 10-15 mins. last week hiking so I can totally relate to the seize the day feeling.
“A range of emotions” sums it up very well, Leigh. I think those reminders (of how quickly things can change) are valuable. This day is already prompting a significant amount of change in our lives.
I have tears in my eyes after reading this. What an insane day. Did the momma bear see you guys or was she pretty far away? It’s a good thing you didn’t watch “Feeding Frenzy” before you left for Glacier, because if you weren’t afraid of seeing a bear while hiking before watching it, you will most likely be afraid after watching it. I should have never watched it because it even gave me nightmares.
If eye contact is made, we’re outta there. They were pretty much in their own little world, focusing on dinner. That’s why we felt safe to snap a couple shots before getting out of the area.
We will never watch Feeding Frenzy.
Wow, that’s a gripping post. What a sad story to read, but thank you for sharing it with all of us. It must have been difficult to be in that situation, and also to write about it. A very strong reminder to really go after what we want to do and achieve every day, and not to procrastinate, and to enjoy ourselves as we do it.
What a sad ending to your story. Jeez. I was so amazed by the spectacular beauty of your photos that I wasn’t expecting a harsh reality to set in. Be careful out there!
Okay, dammit! I’m doing it too. I want to go camping and drink some whiskey. Dang you guys for being so awesome and living the live I am supposed to have!
Oh, and when our paths cross, let us drink some whiskey!
Wow! You guys are super heros too!
Beauttttttttiful pictures! How breath taking. Sounds like you tow are having a grand ol time. Whiskey and camping definitely go hand in hand. I would have to agree. I love that the most memorable moment was NOT the bear encounter. That’s when you know you have found adventure.
Oh man, I don’t know how to respond to this! Wow I was reading along admiring the beauty and pow! I have been in parks and hearing about things like this but have never been part of it. That is really very tragic.
PS I now have to get to Glacier – - pics were beautiful!
A sobering but important post. I imagine that if anything happened to me while traveling, it would be because I’m trying something too difficult, like a hike that is beyond my abilities or going into a dangerous area that I know I shouldn’t. Things like this provide perspective and a reminder that we need to take care and be as safe as we can.
Wow – definitely did not expect that! I was just thinking how beautiful the pictures were and what a nice hike you guys were having. I’m so sorry to hear about the misfortune but it does goes to show how important it is for everyone to be alert and have safety as their top priority in everything they do because life IS short. You should do all you can to make it any shorter.
Wow – scary stuff. Certainly makes you embrace the moment of today.
Some great pics – true paradise!
Such beauty and sadness in one place. I had to look up the story — Nicholas Ryan was only 30. What a terrible tragedy. I can’t imagine being there as it unfolded.
I’m not sure what to say. It’s such a tragedy about Nicholas. Your story has made me take a breath and a step back to think about it all. Glacier is so beautiful (and your photos are, too) — sad that terrible things can happen anywhere. You just never know …
Gentlemen, what a profound experience. No words other than your own: “Embrace life”.
I was moved. Moved by the photos, they’re simply beautiful! Moved by the story of Nicholas. What a poignant reminder to as you say embrace life and seize the day.
It’s really difficult to imagine tragedy in a perfect setting like that but you’re right, we just never know.
This is one of the most beautiful and thought-provoking posts I’ve read this month. Thanks for sharing.
It is sad that I was with Jaime when I saw the word Texans.
Fantastic pictures and what a sobering way to recoup from the day.
wow- beautiful pics, but a tragic event. guess we all need to remember to respect and heed to mother nature. we all need to remember to keep our heads and live left. it IS too short!
Thank you for sharing this loves. Thank you, so much.
Those poor, poor hikers. A great post.
I just returned from Glacier (amazing). I listened to that incident unfold over the radio from a backcountry ranger station. I understand your need for whiskey! Keep up the wonderful and real posts.
Erika
Wow, what an experience. I savored every word of this, and by the end I was in tears. It’s so sad about Nicholas, and I can’t help but think of the fear he felt as he held on before falling. You are so right– things can change in an instant for any of us, and in order to fully live, we need to be reminded of that often. Thank you for sharing this!
Wow, life is fragile huh. Really is a reminder to be grateful for everyday.
“Gobsmacked” is right. Life has a way of doing that to us, doesn’t it? What a day. That does look like a beautiful hike, though.
I am so sorry that to hear such magnificent scenery (I’ve been to Glacier as well, one of my favorite places) was mixed with such a tragic accident. This story shows the paradox of life. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Wow, the last few lines of this story made me shiver. In accidents like that you’re right — there’s so little that separates the unlucky guy from rest of us.
My heart was in my mouth reading this. What a beautiful place and now forever linked to something so tragic. Hairs on end stuff and a definite reality check. Can’t stop us getting out there and experiencing life, but be careful out there people!
that definitely just gave me goose bumps!
So crazy how perfect days can just turn on their heads like that.
Crazy story! I am always very aware of the dangers of hiking/ trekking. I try to be very careful, but as you say, you just never know. I’ve been doing a guided trek in Patagonia, and our guide had to run back to help a woman who had dislocated her elbow.
I work in St. Mary during the summer! Right across the street from the amazing pie shop down the road….if you were talking about the right pie shop
I LOVE it out there! It is by far the most beautiful place I’ve ever been!