Tuesday day five - We said goodby to whitefish and are travelling to Saint Mary’s, glacier National Park. Originally we were going to travel the 50 miles along the run to the sun road. This cuts through the mountains of glacier. However a wild fire broke several weeks ago out at lake Mc Donald and the Park Authority’s closed the road. We decided to travel to lake McDonald and the village of Apgar. The weather is clear and warm. Stopped off on the way to Martin City. Not very much there...... arrived at Apgar and it was beautiful. Set at the head of Lake McDonald there was no wind and the lake very calm. There was a smell of acrid smoke and in the distance smouldering smoke could be seen. We got a coffee and sat on a bench for a peaceful interlude.

Onwards to the 2 road and st marys. The drive is about 130 miles or two hours without stops. We stopped at Essex where there was an inn callled Isaack Walton. This was in the middle of no where but was built for railroad workers. We had a soup and dessert. both were poor. Oh well. Travelled onwards with stunning views of soaring mountain and pretty valleys. Arrived at st marys 4pm. The lodge is surrounded by craggy snow topped mountains and a pretty lake. Our room was far better than we thought. When I booked I had the last room which advised was noisy as above kitchen. Our room was in a small line of mini lodges away from the main building. Our room was at the end so had great views one step outside plus our car could be parked there. Sorted...

After a short rest got hungry. We did not fancy the restaurant in the lodge as looked very expensive and nothing there we wanted. Was told about a place up the road called Johnson’s so went there. Very different and simple place. We had to enter a long wait queue but within twenty minutes was seated. The decor is old fashioned but the food was great. The mains are served with home made soup and fresh baked bread. We decided to have buffalo steak. This came with gravy in the side, home made coleslaw and mashed potato. The steak was lush and the meal great. Waddled out of there and went back to the room to watch tom hanks angels and demons. The internet is crap so to sleep we go.