“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
