Category: Glacier National Park

Happy New Day

jeff noel in the mountains
Mt Oberlin is said to be Glacier’s easiest summit. At 8,200′ it’s only 4 miles roundtrip and only 1,600′ elevation gain.
Panorama highlighting the wildfire haze, while ascending Oberlin.
jeff noel in the mountains
Mt Oberlin summit. Sept 15, 2020.
Changing what you see is accomplished multiple ways. You do not need to change your location.

You can resolve to do whatever you want, whenever you want. You do not need to wait for a new year.

dad

•  •  •  •  •

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

Happy New Day 2021

January 1, 2002 would become my third time going two consecutive days without drinking. But this time was different; not drinking on New Year’s Eve 2001 was a mental triumph – a transformational catalyst.

dad

No pictures today.

Just a blank canvas.

Why?

Serendipitously, literally no photos were taken in Glacier National Park this day – day 31 of a 50-day Summer 2020 work experiment.

•  •  •  •  •

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

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

•  •  •  •  •

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

•  •  •  •  •

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

•  •  •  •  •

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