It is very rare that I visit a destination more than once. My bucket list is too long to accommodate multiple visits. However, the last time I visited Glacier National Park, my trip was shortened by a fall that resulted in a broken wrist, a flat tire, and a connection to a new friend. Click here in case you missed the excitement of my first visit to Glacier National Park.

Because my injury occurred on the third day in the park, there was so much of Glacier National Park that I missed when I first visited. I was determined to see everything this beautiful national park had to offer. This time, however, I’d be sharing the experience with my two friends. In addition, I wanted to re-connect with Cary who I met on a hike during my first visit and was very helpful during my broken wrist and flat tire adventure.

Glacier National Park is in Montana’s Rocky Mountains and continues beyond the US border into Canada. The name of the park in Canada is Waterton Lakes National Park. There is so much to do and see in Glacier National Park. The Going-to-the-Sun Road was at the top of my list. This road is a 50-mile scenic route through the park that crosses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass. The road is open only seasonally. There are so many YouTube videos that feature this road and all its many twists and turns as well as tunnels and tight squeezes between mountains and cliffs where two cars can barely pass by. I was the driver on this trip and was quite nervous about the adventure. I am happy to say that the weather on the day we explored this road was beautiful. The drive was scary at times, but we made it through, slow and steady, not once but three times. The first time was round trip before exiting the park. We did not miss any stops along the way. When we left the park to our final destination, our GPS took us once again on the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Here is a beautiful picture of the entrance to Glacier National Park. ***Note the gravel road!*** When I first came to Glacier in 2023, this was where I got my flat tire. I was told then that plans were underway to pave the road in 2026. But here I was again in 2025 driving on this gravel road entering another one of our very beautiful national parks.

After settling in our rooms at Many Glacier Hotel, we explored the hotel and enjoyed a nice dinner.

The next day, we woke up to a beautiful mountain scene. This picture was taken from my hotel window.

After breakfast on our second day, we were on our way to explore all the Going-to-the-Sun Road had to offer.

During this adventure we visited the Lake McDonald Lodge and Apgar Village – both located on this beautiful scenic road.

On our last day in the park, we traveled to Two Medicine Lake and embarked on a boat tour around the lake. We then visited Glacier Park Lodge before traveling to Summit Mountain Lodge & Steakhouse where we met up with Cary. It was so good to see Cary again and to introduce her to my two friends. Although all of us come from different parts of the country, we had a lot in common. Cary is from Seattle but moved to Montana 30 years ago. She and her husband raised their children in Montana where she now entertains grandchildren. Cary is now a widow, spending her time exploring Montana with friends and traveling abroad.

I am very sad to say that we had such a great time catching up and connecting with each other that I forgot to get a picture of us before leaving. I did not realize this until I was halfway back to the hotel. By then, Cary was well on her way home. I feel quite confident, however, that Cary and I will meet up again. During our dinner, we talked about our travel plans. I shared with Cary, Jill, and Liz several cruises I have planned for 2026 and 2027. Cary seemed interested and may join me during one of these adventures. If she does, I will be sure to take a picture of the two of us.

In addition to the national parks, we wanted to explore a famous lake town in Idaho. Coeur d’Alene is a city in North Idaho known as the “Lake City.” Lake Coeur d’Alene is a 26-mile-long lake and a popular destination for boating and hiking. For our last destination, Jill acquired a beautiful Airbnb situated right on the lake. As we settled in the home, we noticed that the password for the Wi-Fi was “Enjoy the View.” They were so right… the view was spectacular!

On the second day in Coeur d’Alene, I discovered the beautiful Saint Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church within walking distance to our Airbnb. I attended morning Mass before embarking on a scenic boat tour around the lake with my friends. We also explored one of the city parks and the downtown area which included a stop at Trader Joe’s in Coeur d’Alene!

After this beautiful 14-day adventure, we traveled to Spokane International Airport where we said our good-byes for now and headed home.

It took me a long time to get used to traveling solo. I am grateful for my two friends. I know now that I can travel with friends and have just as much fun. On our last day together, we began planning our next adventure. I will continue traveling on my own but will also include group trips with friends.

Below is a video featuring all that we experienced in Glacier National Park and Coeur d’Alene. ENJOY and stay tuned for more adventures. Also, the manuscripts for books #5 and #6 are being reviewed and finalized. Book launch dates will occur early 2026.

God bless, Happy Reading, ENJOY the VIDEO, and share the blog with your family and friends!