THIS WEEK'S FABULOUS MOUNTAIN RUN

Two weeks ago Deb and Callie and I ran up Pitamakin Pass on a cloudy day in the Park. We returned this weekend to do the entire loop -- Dawson and Pitimakin Pass. It was about the same distance as the out-and-back we did, but this isn't really the ideal route to do when it's cloudy. Perhaps the highlight was that we ran into U.S. Senator Max Baucus, who was out for a hike. I had no idea who he was and was chatting with him about Garmins when Deb informed me that I was talking to my Senator. That was pretty cool, especially since he's an ultrarunner and I like him.

The route starts at Two Medicine campground, which is on the east side of the Park. Thus summer I've spent more time on the east side than the west side, and I can definitely understand the appeal of the east side, even if it's a slightly longer drive.
The huckleberries were ripe and yummy and I ate a lot of them as we ran. I think that this time of year you could just forage for calories. Of course, you will be competing with grizzly bears. I didn't take a picture but early on we ran into our friends Brian and Karsten who were also out running. It's a small world even when you're in the backcountry.


Once on Dawson Pass the views multiplied. It was a tad hazy, as is reflected in the photos, but the sky was blue, the breeze cool and the views unbelievable.

For a couple miles between the passes the trail is carved into the side of a long slope. In parts it's a little lopsided and definitely a place to watch where you step and not the best place to fall. Deb fell several times during our run, and once in a scary spot. This was moments before we ran into Senator Max -- she could have been part of America's health care reform story as she reportedly is underinsured. :-)

Looking back, you can see the trail penciled into the slope. This is a fabulous run.

We took a long leisurely lunch break in this spot. We had 360 degree views, and even saw some mountain goats or bighorn sheep in the distance.

Below is the same picture I took a couple weeks ago, only this one sports clear skies.

Afterwards we had a couple beers and then ate Mexican food in East Glacier. It was a perfect day with friends, elected officials and the outside.