Big Sky Blue: Glacier Park Tour Reflections

img_0756Big Sky Blue is a pretty good way to describe our amazing trip in September!  Our trip up the California coast, through Oregon and on to the great state of Montana, was just a delight!  Every aspect was fun.  Those that came along had lots to say about ‘doing this again’.

We were greeted at East Glacier with this view of the lodge, indian teepee, and snow-dusted mountains.  The next day, our personal Red Bus Tour took us on the grand-circle-loop over Logan Pass and around the Park.  Quotes from our guide that day were “It’s a very unusual (perfect) day”, “You are seeing this like nobody else saw it this summer” (snow on the mountains and perfect day with leaves of gold), “We never see this lake smooth as glass like this”, and “Last week, there was no view like this as it was all fogged in”.  Yep, that’s what they said, to which my reply was, “We have been praying about the weather!” 

ss-tours-glacier-park-10-18sept16-115The fishing on the Flathead River was great, those that hiked had a wonderful time, and staying back at the lodge was said to be very relaxing.   

In Portland, we had a special treat by being allowed an inside tour at the Oregon Rail Heritage Museum the day they were steaming up the 4449 engine as they celebrated the American Freedom Train’s 40th anniversary.  Wow, that was special!

The trip back to LA was just as great, with amazing views over the Cascade Mountains and back down the California coast.

Let’s do that again!


See the Tour Gallery

See the Tour Details

Lowell Smith

A native of Portland, Oregon, Lowell Smith married his church choir sweetheart Barb in 1978. After a lifetime of rail-fanning, Lowell and Barb ventured out in 1992 to launch a new business in Portland, Oregon. Read more

Leave a Comment





Latest On The Track

What They Say:

Anonymous

The thing I love about all the things you do is the fact that everything is so well thought out, so beautiful and so unique.   Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest

J. Echlin

Many thanks for your superb offerings and beautiful work! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest

A.M.

“You seem to be the shining light in an industry that’s seen a lot of change since the early 2000’s when I was last in the hobby”. Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest

Joe W.

And as for your goal of 5 releases a year, I admire your ambition, but I won’t hold it against you if you fall short on that accomplishment.  I’m just thrilled you’re doing such an AWESOME job of releasing this amazing train, and hope you don’t stop until it’s all done! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest

G.D.

Lowell, thanks to you and your company SP&S modelers (myself included) are having a much easier time modeling the North Bank Road. Thank you for your hard work! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest

G.P.

I just received the “The Great Locomotive Chase” set from the Walt Disney Family Museum. Very nicely done! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest

George H.

Blunt End Observation is a GRAND SLAM! I’ve wanted this car for ages but never figured out a good way to kitbash it. Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest

R. M.

Lowell, I just want you to know – you make this hobby fun! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest

D.K.

Aside from the quality, creativity and originality, you are to be commended for your ongoing commitment to this (GAC) series, and all of your series of trains over a period of so many years.  There is always something to look forward to. Keep up the great work!’ D. K. Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest

R. LeBrun

Thank you for all that you do for the N Scale community. Your products by far, in my opinion, are the top of the line when it comes to N Scale Trains and I am always on the lookout for them when they come up for auction. Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest