Glacier National Park

-8 degrees Celsius night (because it sounds very dramatic that way) and I was forced out of bed around 4AM.  No bother though, because I got to Missoula at 8AM as a result! Another cool town, however, I was all towned out at that point so I decided to just post up at ClydeCoffee for a few hours, steal their WiFi, and drink a pour-over.  Which I suppose means I didn't steal their WiFi, I just used the services they offer their patrons... once again... dramatic effect.  Regardless, I met this awesome guy named Bryan and we chatted for quite a while.  It came up that I had crossed Glacier National Park off my list because the pass had closed in mid-October.  Bryan told me that even though the pass was closed to cars, that was not the case for bikes.  If you can imagine my face when he said this, try not to laugh.  Closed up my laptop and left for West Glacier about 15 minutes after the conversation had ended.  I arrived at Avalanche Campground facing the closed gate around 4PM.  Packed up an extra jacket, a scarf, two bottles of water, and then proceeded to bike the ~10 miles to the pass.  About 1500 feet of elevation gain at an appreciable altitude had me huffing and puffing.  It was worth every heavy breath.  Not only were the sights stunning... I had a well-paved two lane road to myself!  Absolutely incredible, a ride that I will simply never forget.  I'm sure that my Uncle Bob is stoked to see the Basso on a second tour.