This may only be our fifth summer in Montana, but already we have multiple friends making repeat visits. The Merrills were last here in 2021 and we were excited to see them again. It’s the busiest weekend of the summer, and often it’s accompanied by great weather. We started with a few hikes in Glacier. Virginia Falls is always a hit.
On the trail up and back to the falls, there are several other waterfalls. I dared the kids to jump in the river, which is still glacially cold– I’d be surprised if the water temperature is much above 40 degrees. Naturally they did, which meant I had to as well. Jordyn required a bit of convincing from the group, but she finally took the plunge. It was so cold.
Once we’d done that, though, it was no big deal to jump off the bridge at St Mary Falls. Here are Nate and Matthew mid-jump:
I prefer a running jump off the cliff (not visible in the shot above). Regardless of how you get there, the water shocks you when you hit it. A few years ago I’d jump here with various friends (mostly their kids) and only saw a handful of other people ever do it. This time there was a crowd of at least twenty teenagers on the bridge, all taking turns. Apparently it’s become A Thing.
As the day wound down, we relaxed for a while on the shores of Lake McDonald.
July 4 was a big day, and we celebrated by going to the annual Bigfork parade. It’s always a bit comical because local businesses drive the parade route, advertising their services. A few politicians always make an appearance. We were just there for the candy everyone throws.
After the parade, I hatched a plan to be in the parade next summer. The kids agreed to join me, so we already have plans for their 2026 visit over the July 4 holiday.
The fireworks in Polson were fun, although the smell of distant gunpowder mixed with the smell of nearby marijuana. Hmm.
The weather turned a little wet, but that didn’t stop us from having a barbecue.
We had a blast playing board games and card games. This was a rousing game of Pit, which of course escalated into a lot of shouting.
We love the Merrills. I’ve known their three youngest kids since they were born, and we’ve shared a lot of adventures. In a year we’ll see them again in the parade. Happy Fourth!