Our scenic cruise on Lake McDonald isn’t until 1:30 but parking gets horrific at the lodge so we head that way early.  Traffic is light but it is slow going because of construction.  With the benefit of Carol’s handicap parking permit, we find a spot without much trouble.  Great.  We have time to explore in and around the Lodge and lake and even stop in for a drink.  I go for a Huckleberry Smash and Carol a local ale.  We share a charcutier board that includes bison pastrami and braised duck along with goat cheese; all this at the lounge with a view, Lucke Bar.

We board the DeSmit and even get a top deck seat for the launch.  It is an interesting ride with fair commentary and nice mountain views.  The NE lake shore is another area of recovering fire scar so a bit sad looking.  A bald eagle perches atop a blackened snag.  The tour is just one hour so we are off by 2:30 and determine we have the energy for a nearby trail, The Trail of Cedars.  It is a short 1-mile boardwalk through gigantic cedars and other moist- ground loving species. It is amazing to find these trees here.  Even the fallen trees are impressive.  Check this out.  Very cool.

We head home to BLTs for dinner and a quiet evening with another chance to watch the deer that move through camp.