Apology to Christina
Updated report about the opera singer, Julie Kierstine, who sang for us on Mt. Oberlin, August 3. She did send me a CD and her voice is world class operatic soprano. Yes, I do plan to take it up on Mt. Oberlin for a concert this fall. Bob Z took a picture of Julie so an enlargement will be sitting on a rock while we have the concert.
If you wondered like I did as to why a talented young lady opera singer was working as a ranger in Glacier Park, she explained that in a letter- "The short story of how this recital CD came about also ties into how it is that I was able to work as a ranger in my beloved Glacier for the 2001 and 2002 seasons. My mother, with whom I was extremely close, died very suddenly in 1999, with no warning whatsoever. As you can imagine, this really snatched the ground out from under me. I ended up taking a several-years hiatus from singing, as I was compelled to deal with all of the inevitable practical and emotional issues surrounding the death of a loved one. I took advantage of the opportunity to work as a Ranger in Glacier Park- which proved one of the most healing and restorative experiences of all— something else I know you can appreciate since we share an adoration for that place."
Since resuming her music career four years ago Julie has worked hard and has a "wonderful voice teacher" whom she says has helped her become so "much better."
In a related matter, I received a nice e-mail on Monday:
"Dear Mr. Ostrom,
Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the article about my good friend Julia (Julie) Kierstine. I too have experienced her voice in Glacier. Once on a hike to Ptarmigan Lake with Julie and her mother (who also loved and worked in Glacier). We saw a grizzly bear cross the trail a short distance ahead of us and Julie started singing a song from her mom's favorite opera. I'm not sure how many bears in Glacier have heard Julie sing, but this one sure looked as if he appreciated it! Her mom and I loved it too.
"My husband David Baker, used to work in the public information office at Glacier and wanted me to pass on his hellos to you."
"Thanks again for a nice article…about my beautiful and talented friend! (Signed) Marie McNeal"
In other matters-
On August 17th in Glacier Park I came upon a head-on collision that had just occurred on a big wide Going to the Sun Highway along Two Dog Flat west of St. Mary. Two medical technicians on vacation helped out greatly in treating the four injured people. Think one's name was Russell Schrader (wife Nancy) from Lisbon, Conn. The other was probably Harry Beazer.
There were a couple of BIA officers showed up in their marked cars but I've no idea who authorized or requested them. It seemed odd to me for them to come into the Park when they have that great big reservation to take care of. Also at the wreck was friend Ranger Michel Rosette who said she and her husband are expecting. Ranger Paul Downey was also there.
After about an hour and a half the road was cleared and I headed for Logan Pass where I was already late for a hike with others. Only made it to Lunch Creek because a hiker-climber had gotten into trouble on the snow fields above the second waterfall. Five or six ranger vehicles were parked there. Alert came and got 22-year-old Mark Fitzgerald. Was able to land about 30 feet from his battered and bruised and broken body. When the rescue team got back down to the road I asked them the reporter's "who what where why and how?"
Most of them knew me and said, "George, you know we're not supposed to give out press releases." One said, "Ask that young lady there. She was with the young fellow who slid down the snowfield."
Right here! I want to apologize to Christina Macgillivray, who works at Lake McDonald Lodge. I was not very professional, understanding, or kind in my questioning of a young lady who had just been through an emotional experience, seeing her companion badly injured, followed by a tough trip out alone for help.
"I am sorry Christina!" Any reporter … and especially an old one should have been more considerate of your feelings up there on the mountain after what had to be a traumatic experience. Forgive me?