On Thursday, I decided to head out of camping on the Middle Fork Flathead River. I had technically overstayed my welcome by one day already, and I didn’t want to tempt the Rangers there to yell at me. Eyeing several hikes this weekend on the East side of Glacier, I headed to Cut Bank Campground.
Glacier National Park and Middle Fork Flathead River Camp
On Friday, after finishing my work for the day, I decided to head out of Yellowstone country, on a vague path towards Glacier National Park. After a stop in Bozeman, MT, I ended up doing the full drive to Glacier, where I’ve been hanging out since, largely at a lovely campsite right on the Middle Fork Flathead River.
Paradise Fishing Access Camp
After a long July 4th weekend, I woke up in Upper Teton View to try and work Tuesday. Unfortunately, that didn’t prove to work too well. I ended up heading back up Carbella Recreation Site that day, and then moved further North on Wednesday to Paradise Fishing Access site, operated by the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks.
Grand Teton National Park : Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes
With a 4 day weekend, I still had July 4th, itself, to play with. I had originally thought of spending 3 days in Yellowstone National Park, but after driving around it so long, I opted to spend the day hiking in Grand Teton National Park instead. Following the advice of a Park Ranger, I did the amazing hike to Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes.
Yellowstone National Park (East Drive)
Waking up Sunday morning, I had decided that I was going to drive on the Eastern Side of Yellowstone National Park this time. I ended up driving the majority of what I had missed on Friday, taking in a great deal of sites. I then settled in to boondocking with a view of the Tetons.
Grand Teton National Park, Drive and Inspiration Point
Waking up Saturday morning at camp in Headwaters Lodge & Cabins at Flagg Ranch, I set out early again. This time, I traveled further south, visiting Grand Teton National Park. I did a loop drive around the park, stopping to hike to Inspiration Point along the way, before arriving back at camp in the afternoon.
Yellowstone National Park (West Drive)
I discovered that I had the day off of work on Friday, so I decided to spend the day visiting Yellowstone National Park. I ended up only getting through the western half of the park, before pulling out and finding a campsite in the John D Rockefeller Jr Memorial Parkway.
My Rules: 15. It Is Always Better To Give Things Up
“I say, let your affairs be as two or three, and not a hundred or a thousand; instead of a million count half a dozen, and keep your accounts on your thumb nail.” – Henry David Thoreau
“Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius – and a lot of courage – to move in the opposite direction.” – E. F. Schumacher
This rule is pretty obvious for someone living a minimalist lifestyle like my own. I often have to give things up, simply due to lack of space. Sometimes, the most difficult times to do such is when those items have sentimental value or mean something personal. This rule creates the challenge that freeing yourself of these things, even, is better than holding on needlessly. Similarly, it also challenges to “let go” of those people I grow to love and the places that steal my heart.
Carbella Recreation Area
Last night at Itch-Kep-Pe Park was a bit loud and noisy for my taste. The park was busy, and early in the night, there was a lot going on with cops and ambulance going through camp. I ended up using ear plugs to sleep better, and so I decided to take off after breakfast and find a new place. I ended up at Carbella Recreation Area, just north of Yellowstone National Park.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park and Entering Montana
On Friday, I left the Hankinson Hills area and headed West. I ended up getting a hotel room for 2 nights, giving me one full day to explore and enjoy Theodore Roosevelt National Park. What a wonderful place! Unfortunately, I was ready to say goodbye to North Dakota for this year, so I continued onward today, entering Montana.