Gone Fishin’: Ariel’s First Day of Third Grade

“Listen to the sound of the river, and you will get a trout.”

Irish proverb

Today was the first day of school for Ariel. We woke and had breakfast, rested and ready to start learning.  The only problem? We’re an hour ahead here, so we showed up too early. That gave us time for a good laugh and a slower morning, walking the dogs to the dog park.  

Ariel logged into her class for take two and enjoyed it, even though it was different. By 11:00am she was all done for the day so we made lunches, packed up the pups, and headed to Glacier National Park.  Dogs aren’t allowed on the park trails, but they are allowed to be with us at visitor centers and picnic sites. Just to have them with us for those times is fun for all of us. 

Our enthusiasm built as we passed under the Gateway to Glacier National Park sign and headed towards the park entrance. As we approached, though, we realized that things were not normal.  Due to Covid-19 only a certain number of people are allowed into the park at one time, and the park reached its quota before we arrived. 

We had to turn around, but being flexible and making the best of every moment seems to be a theme this year. So, we found a great place to have a picnic and fish along the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. The change of plans turned out to be a gift, because Ariel caught her first brown trout!! It was wonderful to see her big smile on her first day of third grade!

After lunch the park opened up again and we headed into Glacier National Park. We visited Lake McDonald, skipped some rocks, and enjoyed the stunning view. It felt so amazing to finally be in our first National Park of the trip.  

We got home for dinner and tomorrow our plan is to head into the park at 6am so that we have the full day to explore. Good night again from Montana!