If today wasn’t almost damn near perfect, then I don’t know what was for me.

I made it down to a campground managed and owned by the Utes on the Ute Reservation. The land out here is pristine, it is healing, it is thriving. I was in one of the most quiet places from humans, but it was so loud and active! You could hear the lake sing and hum to her waves. The birds chimed in with melodies. Some birds sang to alert the community that I, a stranger, was around.

It was like almost every animal didn’t know what to do or think of me. It was refreshing to feel settled back in nature enough in which animals and I recognize each other’s presences, with mutual respect. And the incredible and beyond belief experiences I have ever had.

Me and the gals started walking around the lake at the campground. Ohhhh me, were we all in for a surprise. The surprises kept coming, one after another. I was filled with grace and gratitude.

Once we got to the lake, like I said, the music was pure bliss. I heard the ancestors coming in to sing and dance with us. It was so beautiful to see the land so alive and thriving.

First off, while we were walking down the street next to the lake, a beaver just decided he wanted to swim with us for a while. We must have walked and swam near a quarter of a mile. It was the coolest experience ever. The dogs went nuts, obviously and he completely trusted me.

I came to a small jut out and something told me to stick around, so I did. I knew I wasn’t going to make it sunset there, so I was curious to see what would happen. The view was amazing, the animals were incredible! All of a sudden, I heard a big splash, and then I saw a bird struggle to get out of the water. It was an osprey! Hunting! And then comes in this other bigger bird that starts harassing her, a bald eagle! I am watching this interaction in awe. Like someone just put me on National Geographic Live with hidden cameras.

The bald eagle finally flies away into a tree, He must have gotten what he wanted and left the osprey alone. Then I see the osprey again. You can tell she is hunting again, so I’m watching her, just completely lost in her trance, and down she swoops and grabs her fish, and then I look back and the bald eagle has taken off! I couldn’t believe it! He was going back for a second round! It was the coolest thing ever! And then eventually, they both flew off.

Like what an incredible way to be a witness to nature. Like omg. I’m two days behind on notes and ask me if I care? What a truly incredible, and truly, I’m speechless.

The water was beautiful, and it felt so clean, clear and fresh. The land felt different, like well taken care of.

Tonight has been amazing, beautiful and kind. It is only the 1^st night of my 10 day leg. I initially considered this a “passing thru” campground part of my journey. Oh, it is soo much more.