Category: Glacier National Park

The year’s biggest drinking day

mountain in haze
Begin with the end in mind – solo summit Mt Reynolds.
  • Clements Mountain, pictured here, has a similar triangular profile too. Reynolds is to the far left, out of sight.
  • Just over a mile on Hidden Lake Trail, and just past the pond, turn left on the unmarked climbers trail. Note: The small sign, the rock and log pile all send the same message – climbers only.
  • Roughly 2.5 more miles to the summit.
  • Steep. Massive scree field. Poor visibility. Poor air quality. All alone too.
  • Not another soul in sight. Never hike alone is best directed at novice hikers.
  • Experienced hikers use judgement on where and when to hike alone.
  • Experienced hikers also work hard to solve for possible emergencies.
Mt Reynolds solo hike, September 13, 2020.

The biggest drinking day of the year is New Year’s Eve. December 31 transcends all differences and celebrates a global calendar event.

dad

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This website is about our MIND. To read today’s post about our BODY, click here.

Tell me about yourself

Disney Pixar Inside Out toys at airport sign
How do you feel about visiting Glacier National Park? Pick two emotions from the photo’s choices. After 28 days, had to sign a new rental car contract – in person.
jeff noel wearing a Covid mask in front of Glacier airport sign
Time stamping the 2020 visit. PS. Best way to get someone talking in an interview? Say, “Tell me about yourself.”

Tell me about your attitude.

dad

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This website is about our MIND. To read today’s post about our BODY, click here.

Is resolve worth it?

3 hikers in mountains
Photo: Sept.11, 2020. Met Stacy and Steve at 8,500′ on Mt Reynolds (top right) last year. i was ready to descend. They graciously escorted me up the final 700′ to the summit.
  • Mt Reynolds is 9,156′. Sun is about to hit the summit.
  • Early starts are typical for summit hikes.
  • On our way. Steve and Stacy lower right.
  • Clements Mountain being greeted by the new day.
  • Early morning light is always glorious.
  • We met these two guys – our age – also heading to the summit.
  • My friend Chase, Josh’s brother, and two others spent time here healing this morning. Chase was with Josh at this spot in July when Josh tragically fell and died.
  • Both Montanans. Steve worked for Boeing in Seattle, Stacy was a school teacher – both retired, moved back to Montana, built a home near Glacier and visit often.
  • Hoping beauty rises from the ashes of Josh’s tragic death.
Mt Reynolds 2020 summit hike.

Behaving admirably is the highest standard. The level of intentionality is daunting. The level regret is a cornflake.

dad

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This website is about our MIND. To read today’s post about our BODY, click here.

What if everyone knows?

jeff noel in mountains
Creative gratitude looks like this during a Continental Divide sunrise.
mountains
Swiftcurrent Mountain at sunrise. Look closely to see the top spec that is the firetower.
mountains
The steepness and massive size are quintessentially breathtaking.
mountains
More quintessential breathtaking views.
  • Reduntantly breathtaking. Next photo…Chalet at bottom center.
  • Found the best spot to create a makeshift mountain desk.
  • A makeshift mountain desk is basically a place to sit down on, usually a rock or the ground. Generally includes quintessential breath-taking views.
Swiftcurrent Mountain office desk, September 10, 2020.

What if everyone knows how hard you work, how much you care, how deep you think, and how high you reach?

dad

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This website is about our MIND. To read today’s post about our BODY, click here.

What if no one knows?

Mickey Mouse shaped head made with 3 snowballs
Mid-morning creation…a prelude to today’s story.
Mountains
Entering the “Office Park”. Most snow is gone, making trails safer.
jeff noel with mountain chalet behind him
Flashback 48 hours ago, pictured here…33 degrees at 830 AM (24 hours ago it was 24 degrees and why i left a day early, forfeiting a night’s room deposit)…
mountain chalet
Back again, a brisk, sunshiny day. September 9, 2020….40 degrees.

What if no one knows how hard you work, how much you care, how deep you think, and how high you reach?

dad

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This website is about our MIND. To read today’s post about our BODY, click here.