Grandpa and Grandma's Secret Lake~ A Wonderful P-Day Moment!

When Grandpa and Grandma were dating we hiked up to a secluded lake that we called our Secret Lake. We went there a few times and only on one occasion did we see any other people. We tried some fishing there and really enjoyed the beauty of the area and the wildlife. It has always been a favorite memory of ours. 
We finally arranged to have a whole P-Day activity together last week. Generally, Grandpa takes the Elders shopping for groceries and gives them rides to activities on that day. We had the day free so we decided to travel up to Snowbird and Alta Ski Resorts which are in our mission boundaries. 
It was a beautiful drive. When we arrive at Alta we stopped to have a picnic lunch. We then went over to talk with a Ranger at the Park Booth. A few weeks ago there had been a TV spot about Cecret Lake which we believed is the same lake we used to visit. The Park Ranger informed us that it was a perfect time to hike up to the lake. Through the summer it has been very busy on that trail but he reassured us that this was a light day and we could find parking at the Trail Head. We drove down to the parking lot and indeed there was space to park. We jumped out and began our hike up to the Lake. 

 

We were told that the hike was about a mile in length and that it was mid to moderate in difficulty. It was still a pretty hot day but we took plenty of water and off we went. It wasn't an easy hike for me at all. The path was rocky and there were a number of switch backs. It was all up hill. We had to stop quite a few times because I wasn't doing all that well. I actually wanted to turn around and go back a couple of times but my desire to see the lake won out. Also, Grandpa reminded me that if I passed out he was not capable of carrying me back down the mountain. Enough said on that one; so we took it slow. 

When we arrived at the top it was just as beautiful as I had imagined. It was a little dryer but that is due to the season we are in. The lake itself is lovely. 

It is a small but very spectacular lake. I hope to visit it when the flowers are in full bloom. 

We a really enjoyed spending time at the lake and taking a number of photos. 

Grandpa of course, decided to explore some rocks. I think he is so handsome in this photo. 

We met a couple probably a little ;younger than us. They were from California. Of course, we had our mission tags on so we decided to OYM them; which means Open Your Mouth. We found out that they were staying at Park City. We talked about our children and grandchildren. We found out that 20 years ago they had visited Temple Square and she was overcome by the Christus Statue there. We encouraged them to visit there again and they said they would do that. We alss talked with them about our mission and some of what we do. We gave them a pass a long card. We felt sad we hadn't brought a Book of Mormon with us. It was a really miraculous experience and we enjoyed our visit with them. 

Here's a few photos of one of the Squirrels that we were trying to take photos of. This one liked to pose. 

On the way back down we saw to rock climbers so Grandpa decided he should try to climb a rock too. He was so happy to have accomplished this one. 

Finally, it was time to leave this paradise; so down we went. I can say that going down was easier than coming back up. Grandpa was very protective of me because I don't do well going down hill in rocks. 

This above photo speaks for it's self.I should have noted it was a Political Campaign Trail I do hope you can see the Badger in the lower left hand corner. ~

This is my all time favorite photos of our hike!

Although I did a cut down version of this post for my Living Water's site; I thought you might enjoy a few more thoughts and pictures. 
We just want you to know that Missionaries do get to have fun and enjoy great times like these. We are enjoying all of our missionary moments and have the privileged of working with some wonderful families and individuals. We see miracles everyday in our work. We know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is true and we want to share our testimony with others that they too might have the joys that the gospel brings. 
We pray for each of you and want you to know how much we love you all in a very individual way. Keep pressing forward making good choices in your lives and feel the joy that comes when you choose to follow the Savior. 
 Heavenly Father loves you all and wants you to return to live with Him some day. Listen to that still small voice that will lead you along the true path to happiness. 
Love and hugs!
Grandpa and Grandma