Kevin has a serious knack for choosing great hikes. He would probably tell you it’s a simple matter of research. After all, he is the one who hits the ranger station first at the visitor centers while the rest of us are poking around the bookstore and interpretive exhibits. Still, I am convinced he can just sniff out a good experience.
It seems those good experiences tend to happen on the longer, more strenuous hikes. Kevin’s unenviable task begins with convincing us to get moving early (yawn - not a morning person) and making sure we have everything necessary packed. In my mind that means water, camera, toilet paper and Rice Krispie Treats. For the Highline Trail in Glacier National Park he was thinking about bear spray. And we are all quite thankful that he was, because look who we encountered:
Right away you have a pretty nice view of the valley as the trail runs along the mountainside with a cable to hang onto. Not that you need it. The trail is very wide, but I suppose if it were at all icy, as it may be in late spring and early fall, one would be thankful for the help. There isn't a perilous drop, but rather a doozy of a slide. PIcture Westly tumbling down a steep hillside yelling, "AAAAAS YOUUUUUU WISHHHHHH!"