Thursday, September 8, 2011
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Rocky Mountain High
Date of events depicted: 14 August 2011
Two Crazy Chicks Productions, in association with WorldWild PhotoGraphics and What Am I Going to Tell Your Mother? Productions, is proud to present episode 2 of The Adventures of Yumiko and Eden in Glacier National Park…
“Is there some sort of medication you need to bring with you on the raft?” Ross eyes Eden closely as she attempts to buckle her life vest with shaking hands.
“Nope,” Eden assures the guide. “Just had a bit too much caffeine.” She bounces on her toes. “Yup, yup. A bit too much caffeine.”
Ross looks doubtful. “You’re sure you don’t need medication?” he asks, tightening the vest. “You’re as jumpy as I’ve ever seen anyone.”
“Okaaay, I’ve had waaaay too much caffeine. But no worries. No worries. It should wear off soon.”
It has been hours since our intrepid heroines, up since before dawn in search of owls, stopped at a small, crowded café near Glacier National Park’s east entrance for a much-needed cup of coffee and breakfast.
But Eden did not limit herself to one cup – in a disturbing demonstration of lack of common sense, she imbibed three – and for someone of her temperament and constitution that has serious and long-lasting consequences. Among them, apparently, is giving strangers the impression that she has some sort of grave medical condition.
As Yumiko, Eden, and their fellow adventurers negotiate the rapids of the wild and scenic Middle Fork of the Flathead River, the icy water washes away the lingering effects of Eden’s excess consumption.
On the stretches of flat water, conversation flows easily among the rafters, who swap advice and suggestions regarding what to see and do in the area.
Yumiko and Eden enthusiastically endorse hiking the Hidden Overlook Trail. Still partially snow-covered even this late in the season, it boasts stunning views of the glacier-carved landscape and opportunities for close encounters with wildlife. Just the day before, our fearless females came within feet of mountain goats, marmots, and ground squirrels while bighorn sheep grazed in the valley below.
Ross guides the raft to the pull out and points to a short blue bus. “Hop on.”
The ride back is not a long one, but there is time enough for the group to serenade Eden with a rousing round of “Happy Birthday” and for a one-question trivia contest, which Eden wins. Food allergies, unfortunately, mean she can only watch enviously as Yumiko collects and eats the prize: a double scoop of delicious locally-made huckleberry ice cream in a waffle cone.
In the golden light of afternoon, our dynamic duo drives the rough roads of the remote and uncrowded North Fork Valley to the tiny community of Polebridge, where, according to Ross, they will find some of the best food around at the town’s only bar.
The Northern Lights Saloon, with its five tables and six barstools and frontier feel, doesn’t disappoint. The food is outstanding and, Eden discovers, the drinks strong. Yumiko, on antibiotics, can only watch enviously as Eden downs a celebratory Jack & Coke.
“Yup, yup,” Eden says, finishing her elk burger (no bun) and handing over the car keys. “I’ve had bit too much to drink. But no worries. It should wear off soon.”
The memories of her 40th birthday weekend, however, will stay with her for a very long time.
© Eden Feuer
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