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The Road Less Traveled

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth.

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same.

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

~ Robert Frost

Friendship ~ Love

Friendship is a quiet walk in the park with the one you trust

Love is when you feel like you are the only two around.

Friendship is when they gaze into your eyes and you know they care.

Love is when they gaze into your eyes and it warms your heart.

Friendship is being close even when you are far apart.

Love is when you can still feel their hand on your heart when they are not near.

Friendship is hoping that they experience the very best.

Love is when you bring them the very best.

Friendship occupies your mind.

Love occupies your soul.

Friendship is knowing that you will always try to be there when in need.

Love is when you will give up everything to be at their side.

Friendship is a warm smile in the winter.

Love is a warming touch that sends a pulse through your heart.

Love is a beautiful smile to which nothing compares:

A tender laugh, which opens your heart,

A single touch that melts away your fears,

A smell that reminds you of the tenderness of heaven,

A voice that reminds you of the innocence of youth.

Friendship can survive without love.

Love cannot live without friendship.

~ Author Unknown .

Copyright (©) 2010 - 2020

A Weekend In Paradise ~

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“Off the beaten path” can be a choice or a reflection; it can be a moment in which we decide to follow the crowd or to adventure off on our own and take a chance; take a chance on finding a gem in the rough or take a chance that we are able to acclimate ourselves and enjoy the prospect of only finding a lump of coal.

In our latest excursion we were indeed fortunate and blessed, we found a gem …  we found Paradise.

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Paradise Valley is a river valley located in Southwestern Montana just north of Yellowstone National Park. The Yellowstone River flows through the valley with several natural hot springs and other natural wonders. Wildlife is prevalent with elk, deer and eagles.

In finding Paradise, we experienced awe inspiring views and a glimpse at a lifestyle that is laid back and easy. It was a moment where time seemed to pause and reflect an earlier way of life.

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The cabin we stayed in www.cabininparadise.com is owned by a local woman, Edie, who is well known and well liked by the residents of Emigrant, Montana. She owns only the one cabin and fills it with the little things that make it feel homey and full of love. There is an attention to detail in the simple décor and it is clean and welcoming and comfortable.

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Finding this cabin gave us the opportunity to explore this area of Montana and to have a cozy place to return to. Our cabin was only a mile from the Chico Hot Springs Resort,  www.chicohotsprings.com, a mineral hot spring that has been used by local natives for hundreds of years and is now turning into a renowned spa. Here we were able to enjoy an evening of swimming, socializing and listening to local music before retiring back to our cabin.

The Chico Hot Springs are well know in Montana and nearby areas. They are mineral springs that are believed to hold special healing powers. Some people even believe that they are a “fountain of youth”  keeping users young and healthy by their therapeutic effects on skin disease, women’s diseases and arthritis.

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As we left Paradise Valley, we ventured into Yellowstone National Park following the Yellowstone River to its oldest entrance in Gardiner, Montana. This entrance is framed by the Roosevelt Arch and holds the inscription made famous by Roosevelt when the park was originally dedicated to the people of the U.S.  in 1903.

FOR THE BENEFIT AND ENJOYMENT OF THE PEOPLE

~ Act of Congress March 1, 1872

We were surprised and also fortunate to discover that this would be the last weekend most of the roads inside the park would be open for the year.

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It is always nice when things fall into place and turn into special memories; this weekend turned into one of these times. I will be forever grateful that I was given the opportunity to see and explore Paradise Valley and Yellowstone National Park during the winter. It is one of the things that most people never get the opportunity or take the time to do.

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As we explored Yellowstone National Park we were able to see elk and buffalo in their natural surroundings. We saw  hot springs, canyons, waterfalls,  geysers and other unique geothermal features. We were able to leisurely travel and experience the quiet and hear the sounds of nature without the interruption of human voices.

We were able to imagine a time when the area was first being discovered by John Colter and Jim Bridger and the amazement they must have felt at discovering these incredible sights and natural wonders.

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I often reflect on the audacity and motivation it took for these men of courage and vision to leave their homes and venture off into the unknown. I am reminded, however, when I gaze upon the incredible magnificence of the Rockie Mountains that sometimes we may feel a calling and a stirring in the soul to see what is over that next ridge or around that next turn. Whether we are seeking adventure or discovery,  some are not content to sit by and only hear about the wonders of this amazing world we live in. Some feel the need and desire to see all that they can see and experience all that is before them.

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It is gratifying to step off of the path forged by others and to choose instead to find my own path and direction.

I am excited about the prospect of turning my own lump of coal into a gem… A gem that is more magnificent than I could ever have  imagined.

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

~ Robert Frost

~ MEET ME IN MONTANA ~ Paul Davis  ~  Performed by Dan Seals and Marie Osmond

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