(Please read The Journey in its entirety for you to truly grasp this hot spring experience. There is also a video clip at the bottom of this article. You will understand the subsequent videos if you read this article first).

We passed through some beautiful scenery along our journey to the hot springs. I held onto that thought even though we couldn’t find or recognize the exact turn off to the Diamond Fork hot springs (there were so many turn offs next to the stream). We drove and drove along the winding road through the picturesque landscape of meadows, forests and stream. The above short video clip shows you our little diversion.

The little kids were excited to discover, what they believed, to be a huge dinosaur bone. Had we found the correct turn off, we would have missed this fun experience. Shortly after the dinosaur discovery, we headed south again to give the “Three Fork” parking entrance a try (even though it looked a little different)! I rejoiced as I became more familiar with the area (after its makeover), and announced that this was indeed the place!

The hike began with 5 adults and 5 little kids under the age of 6. Each adult was responsible for a child. There would be times I wanted to film because I had to find a way to capture this whole experience for everyone, including family back home. I received some grimaces when I would stop to film (a camera man never has it easy..I had to run uphill a lot, either to catch up or get ahead of everyone to film). I had my work out for the day! Interestingly, I never felt the exhaustion as I was too excited! The roles were reversed and I enjoyed being a kid again, taking everything in.

Quietly, along the trail, I said a prayer asking for a beautiful experience with my children. I knew we would all soon part (Europe, Seattle, and Colorado). I remembered the prayer when EVERY person, who passed us in the opposite direction, warned us about the rattle snakes on the side of the trail. I had to be more cautious now while also observing the dark looming clouds ahead. These people were trying to escape the impending storm, and we were hiking into it.

My children became very concerned especially as I was the first to discover a big snake slithering across the path in front of me. I remained still (I forgot to film this) and waited for the others to catch up so I could warn them. The snake also decided to remain still on the other side by a tree for shelter (it knew the storm was coming). I wasn’t afraid because I was faced with the knowledge that the snake just wanted to get out of the way and be left alone. I was amazed to experience this kind of assurance. My kids hesitated and were very afraid. They had little ones with them, and I fully understood their concerns. I made the first move and walked past the snake demonstrating that there was indeed no threat. I knew there would be no need to fear, as long as all we moved at a steady, cautious pace with our focus on the trail.

We overcame that hurdle and kept close together. At times, I had to stop and film and deal with the looks again. I knew I was doing the right thing and they would be happy to have some concrete memories. Well, I wondered if the memory would be short-lived because those dark clouds had their final say, and thunder was heard. My kids realized why the other hikers were coming down in the opposite direction. I knew my kids were fearful. If we had to turn back, I would, at least, be grateful for the wonderful time we had experienced during our picnic, half way up the incline.

We pressed on ignoring the angry shouts of the sky; however, we couldn’t ignore its insistence when the clouds’ tears fell upon us. I thought that a little rain would make it fun to soak in the hot pools.  When one of my daughters saw WHITE tears on my shirt, she cried out in alarm, “Sleet, and possible hail!”

Disappointed, everyone was ready to turn back. Remembering my prayer, and all our efforts of the hike, (we were only 15 mins. or so from the glorious springs) I encouraged my kids to take shelter under the tree branches and wait it out for a while. It would not serve us to hurry and hike DOWN the trail.

My kids thought I was only thinking of our goal and destination. Two of my daughters wanted to remind me that they were mothers themselves and have little ones to protect. I smiled, ENJOYING THAT MOMENT, and mentioned that I was still a protective mother myself (to all of them). I decided to back off about the shelter and allow others to make their decisions. I smiled when they decided to get their towels out and create a canopy under the trees for the little kids. I was reminded of the prayer again, but said another one for good measure hoping the rain, sleet, etc. would stop.

It only lasted a few minutes. I was happy! We continued on the hike, and I took more video clips as we approached the hot springs. You’ll see in the video, what kind of a welcome we received at the hot springs. The clouds broke, and the blue sky and sunshine peered through. No one was there, and we had the whole place to ourselves.

I realized that the storm had to occur to make this a pleasant experience for everyone. The storm had cleared out the people, nudists (we met a gentleman on the way down who was a nudist and had enjoyed some liberation at the springs), and snakes. Wow! A storm had to be part of the journey for us to receive all the benefits! It is true, there were obstacles we had to face, but prayer and faith made it possible to overcome them. We could have easily turned around, but our focus was to stay on the true journey.

That day, I not only realized I had captured a memory, but also recognized the hand of God. He had given me a special gift to use for the rest of my life. This experience is the gift I am sharing with you. I hope it will serve you well as it will for me.

Walk along the trail with me now by clicking on the video below (also pay attention to the scene displaying the dark clouds above the trail, just before the stream scene) . After, continue the video trail in the subsequent articles listed above.

More video clips of the hot springs in the next article.

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Enjoy Utah County’s 4th July Parade. The video clip is approximately 12 minutes long (with only highlights featured), so gather your family around and enjoy the parade (without the sunburn).

Would you like to make this interesting? See if you can spot the character that I have personally featured in the clip and let me know the name. If your guess is correct, expect a fun 4th July surprise!

There are a couple more updates to the main site of Stairway To Secrets. Look at Spotlights: Health Tip, and Miracle. There will be more updates in the next blog article as well as some more July 4th festivities.

Have you ever wanted your holiday to linger a little longer so you can adjust better to the routine of work again? The next article will show you some festivities to help stretch your holiday.

Rosalinda

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This is the final episode on my trip to Austria and, as with fireworks, I wanted to leave you with a climatic end. Hope you enjoyed this Alpine Treasure.  Watch the slide presentation below as the plane gracefully waves her goodbye over Switzerland in a shrouded embrace over mountains, rivers, forests and farmlands. Her ambition is to cross over the English Channel and welcome another culture waiting in the wings!

The next article will be the continuation of my trip to England as well as more updates on the main site: “Stairway To Secrets”. We have added new spotlights with great video and audio for your entertainment. Look at People Spotlight and be entertained by Showtime Utah. There is footage recorded there by Fox Channel 13. Also check out Music and Video Spotlight for further enjoyment! There is some great talent out there! We have more surprises coming. Be sure to think about contributing to any of the spotlights. We are in need of Miracles….Do you have one to share or know of someone who has had a remarkable experience?

For further excitement that will greatly enhance the lives of our viewers, we have put together a Wishing Well Program. This is all about those who haven’t stopped dreaming nor given up on blueprints and great ideas! Read about the person we are spotlighting and their project/dream under the Wishing Well tab.

Stairway To Secrets is all about you and your mark in the world. Spread the word and send people to stairwaytosecrets.com. This web site honors you!

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I hope you have been enjoying the pictures and film so far in this “Mystery Place Series.” Some of you guessed the mystery place already. Congratulations to Rob Whitaker, Sammy Robison and David Urry (His comment was adjusted slightly as I first met him in the mystery place many years ago..and he recognized the area immediately). They will all receive special treats from England. In the meantime, let’s enjoy a slide presentation. For those of you who haven’t guessed yet, the clues are more pronounced in this one.

There will be more pictures and film in the next article to enhance your virtual tour. Speaking of tour, the web site has been updated a little. Go to the ” Vision ” Tab at the very top of the page and read about the politician, who ran in the elections for president of the United States. He no longer is in the running, but his words still echo powerfully to those who have ears to hear. Stairway To Secrets was graced by one so willing to serve and so a personal letter from Mitt Romney was a great outcome.

As time goes on more updates on the site will be done as there are already submissions in queue. If you haven’t submitted anything for a spotlight, take another look and contribute something. The world is all ears. This is the age of communication, and we need to be more unified than ever. It begins with a thought; why not from you?

Don’t forget to comment on these articles as well as what you read in the main site. Is there a miracle you wish to share, or a vision? How about sharing a picture or photo? Have you read any good books lately or tried a fabulous recipe? Remember, if your submission is included, there is a free 3 day getaway gift certificate for you and your family to enjoy.

I hope you are enjoying this particular series. There will be some fun times ahead as we view more videos and photos, so please come back soon. Oh by the way, the mystery place is Vienna, Austria.

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Photo by: Juan P/ CBA, Argentina

As the month of January comes to a close, this is still a great time to reflect on your goals for the year. What are some of the things you are looking forward to? As long as you feel you are progressing, you can expect great things to happen that are waiting for you in the wings.

Building this web site has been a very rewarding experience. If you are a first time visitor read the ‘red carpet’ welcome in one of the previous articles. There are some great musical cards to delight in. Also tour the main site and be sure to include “About,” “Vision,” ”Health Tip,” ”Recipe,” and “Miracle” in your exploration.

For those of you who are already familiar with the site, these pages have just been updated.  In fact, the only page left that needs attention is “service.”  I am, however, on the prowl for a miracle spotlight, as well as a politician’s vision. These two pages have great introductions on those topics. Please forward the link to anyone you know who may have a beautiful experience to share. There is a special reward for those submissions!

There are some spotlights already waiting in the wings, that will replace the current ones when their turn comes.  Spotlights should last about a month once all categories have been filled. Building the foundation for this web site has caused some spotlights to grace the pages longer. Articles here will be posted more often now that the main site is coming together; another worthwhile goal for 2008.

It is exciting to think that our audience is growing with new friendships across the globe. It’ll be interesting to learn of other cultures, as their spotlights shine upon our world. We will be able to hear different kinds of music, try out traditional recipes, and learn of experiences that may rock our world. It will be an exhilarating journey for us all.

 Photo by: Natalie Singh / UK

‘Speaking’ of journey, I am about to take another one; a trip all the way to England. I will be leaving on Thursday, with a 6 hour layover to look forward to in Chicago.  I will indulge in a good book during this long wait. To give you a clue as to what book I will be reading, look at “Quote Spotlight.” I highly recommend the read if you want to live your dream.

I will be taking my camera along to share my journey with you, so please come back often to the blog portion of the site. To begin our journey enjoy this video clip of the English Countryside, and pay attention to the brief message at the end.

To view video clip, click on the button shown. Clicking elsewhere in the picture will take you out of this web site and into You Tube’s site!

Farewell for now, I know the English rain will greet me, but so will the experience! Count on me eating fish and chips, crunchies and picnics. I also look forward to the parks, countryside, shops and open markets regardless of the rain. I will spend some time on the northwest coast of England, as well as the southeast coast where residents boast of the oldest beach in England..

Come back again to learn of the mystery places I’ll be visiting. Expect to see some great photos of rainfall; just kidding! I will leave the snow behind and the powder to ski in, but it can wait till I get back. England calls and so do my parents! It will be wonderful to see them again.

Tour The Site Here

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