Day 30: Healing springs from many sources…

 

“Healing takes courage, and we all have courage, even if we have to dig a little to find it.”  -Tori Amos

 

Today I decided to take a little road trip and discover a new place and take on a new experience.  I packed my bag, slipped into my swimsuit, carefully stepped into my sandals, picked up my car keys and I was set for a new adventure.

My destination was the Hot Springs in Markleeville, CA.  I have never been there, but it was a recommendation by a friend that made me add it to my Quest list.  I had completed some research on this site and what intrigued me aside from not having been to a hot spring before, was the statement that these springs have healing properties.   These springs had been used by the native people of the state of California for thousands of years well before the white settlers arrived and claimed the land as theirs.  These springs were considered sacred by the native Californians and today many believe this to be the case as well.

 

We can all use a little healing, so with that thought, I hit the open road.

As I made the 1 ½ hour drive to the hot springs, I must admit, I had a lot on my mind.  I was hoping that the 3 hour drive would make the trip worth it.  I was thinking about this knee and whether it would do well on the hike.  I was thinking about encountering wildlife out in the middle of nowhere. This city girl still has a thing or two to learn about dealing with wild critters.  Before I could even think about serious matters, I saw the sign to the hot springs and down the road I went.

 

The road leading to the pool and hiking trails was nothing short of picturesque.  A green meadow surrounded by Ponderosa pine forest welcomed me. With the window rolled down, the scent of pine was unmistakable.  The air was fresh and clean.  As the breeze blew through the meadow, you could see the grass bend in unison.  Ahhhh…. I had one thought, if there are no revelations on this Quest, then at least I have been gifted with a sight that has already rejuvenated my spirit and healed my soul….

At the pool/hot springs, I paid my fee and entered.  The pool was just as you would expect, bright blue and clear.  You could hear the sound of children playing in the pool with adults nearby watching.  As I turned to my right, I saw the hot springs and had to take a moment to try and adjust my eyes. It was a regular sized pool and it was the color green!  Not a light green, but green!  Perhaps a pea green is a better description.  There were several people sitting in the hot springs and just relaxing.  I slowly made my way to a bench and set my belongings down.  I took a look at my iphone, but it did not work so deep in the wilderness.  But the gesture allowed me to pretend I was busy, as my mind tried to make the decision of whether this was such a good idea or not. After about a minute of contemplation, the breeze kicked up and I felt goosebumps form on my arm.  It was in that moment that I decided the only place to keep warm was in the hot springs.

I slowly slipped my shorts and tank off and stepped near the water’s edge.  I could feel all the sets of eyes on me, as most probably wondered why it was taking so long for me to get into the hot springs.  Just then, I took a leap of faith and I lifted my head high. I straightened my back and slowly stepped into the green water trying desperately not to let my apprehension show.   Ahhh…. The first step and the water was very warm.  The second step and I was at home as it felt no different than my hot tub happiness following my long swims.  I would come to find out later that the green color is due to the copper deposits at the bottom of the hot springs pool.  The copper oxidative process when mixed with the sanitizing agent, Bromine, creates this green color when light is reflected from these minerals.  At the time, I had sensed copper to be the culprit as the water had a copper scent to it and I knew a thing or two about the oxidative process.

I let my body rejuvenate, perhaps heal and just be.  I would alternate sitting in the water and resting on the edge and after seeing many people come and go, I determined my body was ready to head off on a hike.

I gathered my things and prepared for a wilderness hike. There was unknown wildlife and new territory to be discovered. I followed the trail to a creek that glistened in the sun.

 

 

As I made my way down to the creek’s edge to dip my toes in the water, I jumped back in fright as right in front of me was a water snake. Welcome to the wild, City Girl!  I quickly snapped as many photos as I could and then resumed breathing!  I sat on the creek’s bridge with my feet dangling as if I were a kid.  I sat and did a little thinking and then rested my mind and felt so grateful for having this experience.

It was time to start the hike to the waterfall and off I went.  To the right was the green meadow that was a distant memory as I entered into the Pine forest.  The forest floor was teeming with life;  Plants of every color, size and fragrance.  Too many pinecones to even compute, and fallen trees that serve as reminders that even in the forest, some live, some die and some endure.  At one point I found a pine growing out of a rock.  I thought, “How could something grow so beautiful in such a foundation?”  I was reminded that not every circumstance for growth is ideal, not every opportunity to thrive is grand, but that life is never fair nor painless. But the choice to overcome obstacles is always there.  My last thought as I walked away was, “Grow little one, into something big and powerful!”

 

As I arrived near the falls, a log crossed the creek where the trail picked up.  I made the choice to sit on the log and shimmy across.  At first, there was a great sense of fear as I saw the rushing water below. But slowly, methodically, I made my way across, eager to see what sits on the other side.

Once across, I was greeted with a small patch of stargazer wildflowers that were a bright coral color and seemed to reach for the sun.  I smiled and continued along the way.  I made it to the area of the falls and there I stood confounded.  The waterfall was more like a trickle and it was in that moment that I had a choice of how to react.  Disappointed?  Upset?  Let down?  No…. none of these…. Still absolutely grateful to see the small amount of water slowly cascade over the rocks and logs.  I remembered just then, that it wasn’t about the destination…. No, today was all about the journey.

I made my way back from the falls and in usual fashion, continued to take pics of every beautiful sight I saw along the way.  When I returned to the trailhead, and the meadow came into view, I could feel my grateful spirit.  In that instant, I knew that water has no more power to heal than the air we breathe…The truth is, we heal when we give ourselves permission to live, enjoy and be free from pain…Many things in life are nothing less than a choice and healing is often no different.

Wind, water and earth…. Elements to help heal the soul and find my smile…. Wondering what tomorrow will bring!