The captain announced that they’d circle the island once for viewing then the vessel would dock for ten minutes so that any passengers interested and willing could spend three hours on the island before the boat returned at 3 p.m. to take the passengers back to the landing at Polson. According to Erik, who—Katrin was impressed to observe—had done some thorough research on their destination, there were still wild horses that lived on the island out in the middle of Flathead Lake. Not only horses, but big horned sheep, mule deer and various species of birds and wildflowers. He had delivered this information to her in a clear, authoritative voice as they stood side-by-side in the packed cabin, and gradually a small crowd of people had gathered around them, asking Erik questions and for advice on how to best spend the afternoon. Katrin stood beside him, watching with a shy smile, enjoying the charade of being his girlfriend in the eyes of these strangers as he answered questions patiently, always insisting that he hadn’t visited the park yet, and didn’t know it personally, but would suggest… A much older couple shared with Erik and Katrin that they were on their honeymoon and the white-haired lady winked at Erik, eyes twinkling.
