We have arrived at the hot springs at last! Enjoy viewing the above video clip. When viewing the video below, notice the difference between the two. In the video below, the blue sky and sunshine add to the growing joy of the entire experience. Notice the discovery of a baby rattle snake and what was done to protect all concerned (including the snake).

Hope you enjoyed the journey with me and my family. Think about sharing your hiking or hot spring adventures. We’d love to hear about them. Also, write us a note if you have previously visited these hot springs.

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(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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Photo by: EveStock/Israel

How are you welcoming your new year? It is a good question to ask because many of us see it the other way around, “How is the year welcoming us?”

Ponder for a moment and visualize walking along a path of rose petals. Are fragrant petals thrown at your feet as you walk, or are crushed petals blowing away from you? Are you part of a celebration, or do you see traces of someone else’s?

Most of us want to be part of a celebration, to experience joy and happiness that can be shared.  There are many willing to discover new trails; however, it is the trail within that leaves noticeable tracks for others to follow.

When this happens, life showers us with rose petals in approval of the path we are on.  Perhaps, many of us fail to see what really is infront of us, because whether we choose to believe it or not, life celebrates our existence!

If someone were to grant you 3 wishes, how wonderful would that be? Can you think of three special ones? It would be interesting to learn of our readers’ wishes. After this article, please comment on what your wishes would be for 2008.  Life is ready to grant so much more because 3 rose petals are not sufficient to cover the path you walk upon.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN OF MY WISHES FOR YOU

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