Day 1: We'll Just Call This Trip - Plot Twist

Hmm, I think our destination is on fire.  West Glacier National Park, Howe Ridge Fire, August 2018.
https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/08/14/fire-forces-evacuations-in-busiest-area-of-glacier-park/ 

Months before our departure day the coveted campsite reservation for five nights in West Glacier National Park had been secured by a keen-clicking Heather. Phew. 

We'll be hiking, we'll be taking photos of breath-taking scenery from every possible angle, we'll be watching the treasured Visitor Centre movie, choosing a magnet. . . . or, not.

This was to be an epic sister trip on the Going to the Sun Highway. Fast-forward to two days before our departure.  Heather unsuspectingly checks the park website to make some hiking plans only to see - fire. While our specific campsite is still open driving into a park on fire with limited roads no longer seems like a prudent thing to do. 

Plot Twist

Reservations are cancelled at three parks and new reservations are made down central Washington. OK, we can do this!

My trusty assistant! We are ready to go. Happy highway, here we come. 

First stop, Beaverdell for wraps and an ice cream sandwich from the general store. Wow, we made it 45 minutes from home without stopping. We are getting places!

Roadside parking in Beaverdell, BC. 

Snacking on the porch, chatting with some tourists, petting the local dog. 

One of three bucketing helicopters seen immediately upon entering Washington State at the Midway crossing. And, we said, "Pardon!"

Crossing the Kettle River, near Toroda, just south of Midway on the Washington State side. No one around so I parked it and hopped out to snap a few shots. 

A field of pup-tents at a local school = fire camp. 

We are barely backed into our spot in Curlew State Park as three military helicopters fly overhead to the Curlew Airport behind us to refuel. 

We have a lovely spot under a large tree with power and water. Nice!

Swim #2 to cool off before bed.