Steve & Susan Wiens

Day 3 - Grinnel Glacier Hike

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On this day we decided to attempt what we would knew would be our toughest hike of the trip.  The hike started near our hotel and took us past Swiftcurrent and Josephine lakes then up the side of the mountain to one of the few remaining glaciers accessable on a day hike.  Round trip was 10-11 miles with an elevation gain of 1800 feet.  We set out around 9am after a good breakfast, hoping the weather would hold.

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Above Lake Josephine

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Tough conditions

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Steep Trail above Grinnel Falls - Glacier is above the falls and to the left, but hidden by storm.

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Swiftcurrent Lake and lodge

Unfortunately it was not to be, as we continued to gain elevation the weather deteriorated and we found ourselves in a snow storm with a foot of snow on the ground, the wind howling down the mountain, and pretty much white out conditions.  So we ended up turning back less than a mile from the glacier.  Sad, but the right thing to do.

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