What an electrical storm we had last night. It started just after dinner for round one. Then just before hiker midnight, we had round two. I have seen and heard thunder and lightning before, but this was an overkill of electrifying weather phenomenon. Before I could even start counting 1-1,000, 2-1000, BAM the thunder was rolling, cracking and pounding overhead. It was morelike a thunderstorm on steroids. Absolutely magnificent! And it rained most of the night.

We had an early start as we wanted to hit the Witch Creek Hot Springs. As soon as the sun came up, we were walking out of camp. Our first bit of business was fording Shoshone Lake outlet. It was flowing lightly, but it was knee to thigh high. We all waded across and off we went down trail.

We met up at Hwy 89 which is the road into Grant Village. I thought hard and long about hitching in and getting a proper breakfast but decided that Meat Sticks, Vietnamese Coffee with RX Bar was just as tasty. Probably not, but it had to do. Our goal was the Hot Springs and by golly, I was going to soak them.

Atsuko and I brought up the rear. We were pacing ourselves, but Atsuko calls it “don’t get hurt pace.” That works too. We stopped for a bite to eat, some salmon with sliced cucumber on tortillas. The only problem was I spilled a bit of salmon juice on my mat, but more on that later.

We met up with Hogged Up and Fearless, but they were lounging above the Hot Springs. What’s wrong? How come you’re not soaking in these springs of life? Ends up that the Geyser Hot Springs called Witches Creek is too hot for soaking. You might be able to dip your foot in for a second or two, but that’s all. Dang it, I was hoping to spend the afternoon there.

So off we went to our campsite at Hearts Lake. We ran into a Ranger and he proceeded to tell us all the rules, making sure we understood each and every one of them. No food in your tents. There are Grizzly Bears here and thru-hikers are the worst offenders! If lightning comes, which it does at Hearts Lake, crouch down in a small ball on top of your mat. It helps to reduce the effects of lightning. The water in the lake clogs your filter so walk another half mile to the spring. Alrighty then, thanks Ranger for all the intel.

We made it to Hearts Lake. Quite the tranquil place with a view that was stunning. The clouds were rolling in and I had no plans of crouching on the ground! We pitched our tents, hung our food bags, and enjoyed the peaceful night. All I hear now is the crashing waves onto the shoreline. When you see the beauty of God’s creation day after day, it reminds me how great and mighty our Lord is!

“Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.” Isaiah‬ ‭40‬:‭26‬ ‭NIV‬‬