Soulful Exercise/Magestic Nature

After a 1 1/2 hour drive on the construction laden highway, a 20-minute ride on a bumpy dirt road, and a short trek to the trailhead of Fossil Springs Trail near Strawberry, a group of 20 (7 families) responded to the call of the wild and set out on a wonderous trek where magic happens and lessons were learned. (Note: 3 photographers from our group are missing in this picture, because they were taking it!)

A sense of anticipation, peace and tranquility overcame us as we gazed out on the sweeping vista of red rocks across the canyon. What a visually impressive grand entrance to the adventure awaiting us. We hiked along an old jeep trail that gave no clue of the downward trek that dropped almost 2000 feet in 4 miles.

We were treated to a wonderous red rock backdrop that beamed through the trees on our way into the canyon. The views never let up. During our descent, there were countless enchanting sounds in the matchless silence. Surely one of the best sounds in the world is the sound of wind through pine trees. On a high place above the canyon, amidst crystal clear air, sunlight, cloud dappled blue skies and space, the wind, at first gentle, gay and reassuring touched the needles and there was the breath of pine sounds as it gained a whispering breeze until it came rushing, and swinging across the canyon bringing with it fragmentary whiffs of pine.

The trail was nice, rugged in some places, flat and sandy in others and downright rock-hopping in others.

The reason that we toiled through the exposed descent and rock hop was found here, amidst a lush, riparian oasis among a tangle of trees, where the flowers and ferns cascade into the clear green/blue pools of water, where moss covered rocks, travertine cliffs, and caves together formed this wonderful place where magic happens. Climb, grab a rope and fly for some magical moments. It was very inspiring to watch the kids revel in "unstructured play" and interacting with the natural world for hours.

Everyone was entranced by the spectacular scenery and sensory experiences of this place. The kids and adults realized that life responds when we risk.

Families and friends connected on a different level and the joy in everyones faces was so very evident.

Water just can't move about without making pleasant sounds, and what a chance to move about it has in Fossil Springs! Down, down, down goes the waterfall and stream....the lovely sound of water. This is one place on earth that has intense psychological power, the power of place, it affects the mood, and soul of people who appreciate it.

The kids and adults alike enjoyed climbing on the fallen trees, and rocks, standing behind and beneath the waterfalls, and sliding down moss covered rock slides, and floating down a lazy river current in the cool clear refreshing water at the dam further down the trail.

All of this beauty distracted us from the draconian steep climb waiting for us on the way out of the canyon. Some of us were woefully unprepared for the relentless ascent and it was amazing to see how a group of our 12 year old boys came up with an organizational/communication plan and came to the rescue through their problem solving. (Give boys a walkie-talkie, and a problem to solve and their imagination and leadership skills kicks in to produce some huge results!)

As we reached the trailhead and gazed back on the vista, we realized that it was well worth it. "No pain, no gain." We had a sense of pride of having the perserverence to make it out of the canyon, and we learned some great lessons on the way (look for next post). We had witnessed many small miracles during our journey as well. What a great way to spend a day with family and friends making wonderful memories!