Went for a walk along the Snake River, checking out the Mama Mimi sculpture in the morning light and other natural art including a spiral design in the middle of the river.
While Christina worked, I headed out to the Lawrence Rockefeller Natural Preserve. It took a little while to get to as the road leading out there is one that is very popular with bears this time of the year with all of the berry bushes, so there were lots of very slow moving vehicles trying to spy the bears and other wildlife. There are park employees to help keep people and wildlife safe and give humans the opportunity to see bears, elk and moose in their natural habitat. A few times I could see where the bears were at work but not really see the bears themselves. The preserve is a gorgeous spot, with an intentionally small parking area so it can’t be overrun with hundreds of visitors at the same time. I checked out the visitor center before I headed out to hike, it is probably the most beautiful visitor center I’ve ever seen constructed of gorgeous wood, with spare but beautiful displays, a lounge area with lots of windows, a large fireplace, leather chairs and many books about the area to peruse.
Some of the trails were closed due to either construction or bear activity, and since the thunderstorms were predicted for early afternoon, I made my way on the most direct route to Phelps Lake. It was a lovely walk first through an open meadow, then on a wooded trail that eventually reached a peaceful lake. Whenever someone arrived at the lake they quietly found a spot to sit and enjoy the silence of this beautiful spot.
I arrived back to the visitor center just in time to hear the first rolls of thunder and settled in to eat my lunch in one of the outdoor Adirondack chairs that looked out over a field of Aspen trees. Later I went indoors and happily read while sitting near the roaring fire. I could have stayed there all day! Before leaving I checked out the sound room, a round enclosure lined with speakers that played the sounds of wildlife and nature, it filled my body with such a feeling of joy.
We ended the night going to the local Hot Springs, such a treat especially since it was a cold and dark evening with smatterings of rain. Such a great end to the day!
