How can we not come back to this?

As I’m writing these things down from my notes and memory, I can’t believe we were beginning this adventure just 4 weeks ago. It seems so long ago, but like yesterday, too.
 
All of the planning and Internet surfing was well worth it. At times I’m sure I might have been obsessed with this trip, but seeing as how it came off without a hitch, I’d have to say the effort expended was just about right.
 
There were a few mistakes made, but nothing that really detracted from the experience: Setting up Yumi with a pack that was a little to large for her; not hiking the extra 15 minutes to Glenn’s Lake Head instead of staying at Mokowanis Junction our second night out; carrying a bit too much food on the first trip, staying at St. Mary campground in the middle of “tornado alley"; and dragging our massive 12’ x 10’ screen tent halfway across the country when it didn’t see the light of day. There were a few more items that didn’t need to come along: the propane lantern (how was I to know we’d be sleeping by 2230 while it was still light out?), camp chairs and a few extra sets of clothing. Like I said, nothing that serious or life threatening. Conversely, there was nothing we needed that we didn’t have. Next time we’ll know better.
 
We met a lot of very nice people on the trails. It’s true that hikers are a special breed of people. Maybe it’s the beauty of the mountains that brings out the best in all of us. Or maybe it’s an unspoken thing having to do with sharing something that most people never get the chance to experience? 
 
People like Chris and Justine who borrowed us their stove when ours crapped out. Rob, Steve and Keely who shared their beachfront property on Cosley Lake with us and who we shared our pudding with in return. Dave and Angela at Oldman Lake who offered us the use of their stove. Dr. Allen at Poia, Mike at Kootenai, Phil and Matt at Elizabeth, and the fun family at Noname all provided pleasant mealtime conversation. Great people one and all. Every stranger we met on the trail was like family. It’s too bad it isn’t like that in every day life.
 
Other people not met were helpful as well. Mark Franz via e-mail (aka "Glacierhiker") was an invaluable source of information, as were the posters at www.backpacker.com message boards and the infamous Glacier Gang who we met on the way up to Noname Lake. All were great.
 
This was the first time Yumi and I were able to take together for more than 2 days since we met. We got 17 days, but it wouldn’t have been possible without the help of the grandparents who took responsibility for our children for that time: Judy, Toni, Bob and Nanci. Without their help we’d be visiting the park on the internet. Thanks everyone.
 
Finally, there’s my fiancé, Yumi. She had not done anything like this before, but she made the sacrifice of not being able to bathe daily, putting up with the mosquitoes and the long killer climbs carrying a heavy pack to be there with me. I’m sure she did some of it for her own enjoyment, but mostly I think she did it because this is what I wanted to do. If she enjoyed herself even 1/10 of what I did, then she had a blast. She says she wants to go back. What a woman. I love you, honey.
 
Glacier is now part of us. We’ll be back.