Glacier National Park (July 11th) Day 5

I woke up on the July 11th feeling well rested. There was a nice dry breeze blowing through the cottonwood trees along the small river Camo and I were camped next to, just outside of the St. Mary's campground. The sun was shining bright once again. It was a perfect morning to relax in the tent for a little while before getting up. It was camo's birthday and we were still planning on catching a van ride from St. Mary's to Many Glacier to get to the cabin that we had to rent for the night due to grizzly bear activity in the Many Glacier Campground. Choosing this plan, Camo and I were skipping about 14 miles of the CDT, a rather scenic section that included Piegan Pass.

Once we got up and ate a quick breakfast, Camo and I hiked the .3 miles to the St. Mary's visitor center and talked to the rangers about shuttle availability to Many Glacier. We both received somewhat confusing inconsistent information. It appeared that we would have to wait a couple hours for the next available van, it may or may not show up, and there may or may not be room for us. The van is not for visitors necessarily, but for park workers getting shuttled to other areas of the park for work. If there was room, they could take us for a fee.

Camo and I decided to wait a couple hours until the arrival time came and went. If no van showed up, we would have to hitch hike. Thankfully a van did show up around the scheduled time and they did have room. Camo and I would make it to Many Glacier without any problems. While waiting, we talked to a woman who was southbound thru hiking the CDT.

Camo and I arrived in Many Glacier around noon. The area was packed with people. We were scheduled to stay in a small cabin near the Swiftcurrent Lodge. Camo had made reservations with the ranger several days ago when they made our trip itinerary. When we walked up to the front desk of the Swiftcurrent Lodge, Camo mentioned we had reservations for the night. The front desk worker didn't quite seem to compute what he said and told us,
"You guys are in luck. We have a cabin available for the night."
We didn't understand what he meant by that, there should have been a cabin reserved, no luck required!

Anyhow, the stay was perfect. We were able to eat at the Swiftcurrent restaurant, do laundry, rest, go for a short day hike, and drink some beer for Camo's birthday. We would resume our hike on the CDT the next day, the trail located just behind the cabin...