The Hot Springs Guy is more than just a source of information on Idaho's hundreds of hot springs, he is a steward of the land. He was recently featured on Idaho's News Channel 6, Idaho Green Living segment for being just that. Kudos to you, Hot Springs Guy! Thank you for sharing your wisdom and helping to educate everyone about the importance of our environment.
Showing posts with label nature. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nature. Show all posts
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Monday, June 30, 2008
Adventure Continues
The last couple of weeks have been very busy, with over 50 girls coming in and out of camp. I've been having a wonderful time, and have completely exhausted myself. It is all worth it though. I'm adding some pictures to share with you all, and when I return I will go into more detail about my time at camp.
There is only one week left, and I know it will be a great one. The weather has turned HOT, but is still bearable (no I haven't seen any bears). I have seen several snakes, and the sheep have graced my presence again. There has been a lone doe visiting camp over the last week. She is not very shy, and allowed me to get a couple of photos of her.
Hello to all my friends and family. I'll be home soon!
There is only one week left, and I know it will be a great one. The weather has turned HOT, but is still bearable (no I haven't seen any bears). I have seen several snakes, and the sheep have graced my presence again. There has been a lone doe visiting camp over the last week. She is not very shy, and allowed me to get a couple of photos of her.
Hello to all my friends and family. I'll be home soon!
Monday, June 16, 2008
Quick Update
Another week has gone by, and another set of girls have graced my presence. They were a great group, and very different from the week prior. This week we learned Leave No Trace, practiced yoga, went horseback riding, and did lots of outdoor cooking.
I rode for the first time in years, on my buddy Stripes. He's a bit ornery, but we came to an understanding. I had a blast!
I took a side trip up FR 30 to sit by the river for awhile. I was fortunate enough to see a herd of wild Big Horn Sheep (or Rams, I've been told both names). I also saw a snake, a bull snake, I think. It frightened me a little since I almost stepped on it!
The weather has finally turned into summer, and the grounds are drying out. The big puddles in front of the dining hall are still around, but shrinking. However, snow dusted the grounds early last week. Snow in June, absolutely beautiful!
Monday, June 9, 2008
Not Quite Under the Weather
There is a saying "If you don't like the weather, just wait 5 minutes." That has been more than true over the last two weeks. Deep in the mountains of the Salmon-Challis National Forest, rain has been an almost constant companion. Occasionally the sun has peeked it's head out, and then Mother Nature has thrown hail our way.
Despite all of the wet weather, not a single girl's spirits were dampened. I can't necessarily say the same for the staff, but we have survived. Today was mostly sunny, and practically warm. I will enjoy it for now, because in just a short time I'll be wishing for the rain!
Sunday, March 2, 2008
The Law of Love
When man's needs are discussed one thinks of the basics; food, water, shelter, air. Although these are our physical needs for survival, often overlooked is the need for love and connectedness. David Suzuki addresses this issue in chapter seven of his book The Sacred Balance.
Love goes beyond the affections of a man and wife or of mother to child. It expands to community and nature. Love is more than just an emotion. It is an essential need mapped into everyone's DNA. Affection during developmental years, even as early as conception, is required for children to grow into socially capable adults. Affection is needed throughout our lifetime in order for us to pass on this ability to the children. With out love we will grow up empty, not knowing how to properly function not only in society, but we lose the ability to connect with nature and grasp its importance.
Throughout our history, until recently, man was a group of hunter gatherers. We worked together in harmony with our surroundings. We realized that nature helped provide what was needed for our survival, and in turn we treated her with respect. Now in the days of concrete jungles, metropolitans, and ever growing cities, this connectedness has diminished. Is this because the adults of present time were not given enough love? Were we not taught that the actions we take today will effect our world tomorrow? In some cases, yes.
Love and our connectedness to nature are an invaluable need that is too often overlooked. The pseudo-need for more things has almost overcome our primal instincts for being part of nature. We are a part of the environment, not a separate entity. Love needs to be rekindled in order for our survival. We must reconnect and realize the importance of our actions and non-actions in order to live, not simply survive.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
A Clandestine Soak at Kirkham Hot Springs
Climbing through the last crevice after scrambling over slick rocks, I entered a new world. Steam swirled all around obstructing my view of anything solid. Rock formations took on ethereal shapes. The river rushed by to my right, adding its own voice to the scenario. The wind briefly swept by, momentarily wiping away the steam and mist. Before me a beautiful landscape stood exposed. I basked in the beauty of Kirkham Hot springs. Snow began to fall lightly dusting my hair and jacket, melting as it met with the heated spring air. Hot water tumbled over age old boulders filling the crystal clean pool. The temperature was a bit too warm for me, almost, clocking in between 109 -106 degrees. Nevertheless, an excellent soak was still to be had. Kirkham Hot Springs is located in the Boise National Forest shortly beyond Lowman, ID. In the summer months camping spots are sometimes available. The pools are under night time closure year round due to behavior unbecoming of my fellow hot-springers. You can be seen from the road above, so swim wear is highly recommended, and required in the spring/summer months. As always, when partaking in the glories of Mother Nature, tread lightly, silently, and leave her in better shape than you found her.
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