Intense

Well, I have never wanted to tell this story because I am sure it will never be believed.
But I am here to tell you that what you are about to read is absolutely true.

It is not a long story but most good stories just happen and they happen very quickly.  If you are unlucky enough to witness such a story you will convince yourself that it wasn't true.

This story is true and you are the first people I have ever told it to.

I was camping by myself in the Utah Canyon Country between Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon.  My fire was small and I was sitting close so I could use the flames of the fire to see the book I was reading.  I had hiked 15 miles that day so it wasn't surprising that I nodded off.  I am not sure how long I dozed but when I woke up there was an old Indian sitting across the fire.  I jumped in surprise.

"Do not be afraid." he said.  His voice was deep and powerful.  His tone calmed me and I immediately felt at ease.

I wasn't scared but I couldn't find words to say.  I just stared at him across the fire and the longer I looked at him the more he appeared not to be real.  I shook my head and blinked but he didn't disappear.  I finally found my voice but all I could think of to say was, "Who are you?"

He said, "I am your great grandfather.  I am here to warn you that you are in danger."

"What danger?" I asked.

"Those clouds, over there above the mountain, are dropping a lot of rain.  Very soon a wall of water will come.  You must move."

Then he just faded into the night.  I cannot honestly say whether he walked away or faded a way.  I was watching the clouds over the mountain and remembering the warnings I had received from my father about flash floods.

I didn't even take time to put out the fire.  I grabbed my things and headed for higher ground.  As I took off I could hear the roar of the water and I began to run.  I reached the higher ground just as the water roared by.

A spirit?  My  great grandfather?  True?  Maybe...Maybe not, but the flash flood happened and something or someone woke me up and told me to run.




13 comments:

  1. Oh, I so hope it's true. What a perfect campfire tale. I hope it gets passed along.. Jae

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  2. what an awesome story - I'm glad you shared it!!

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  3. Now that's an intense, 'spirited' story. I hope you share it with your family too!

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  4. Intriguing. Wasn't expecting the Indian to be his great grandfather. Good thing he listened!

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  5. I love spirited stories such as this. I truly believe that things happen for a reason and your great grand father was your blessing of the moment.

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  6. I for one believe because I've had similar experiences. Glad you wrote it and shared it. It's a wonderful story and needs a much bigger audience,

    Elizabeth

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  7. Well, that's quite a tale. Love it!

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  8. Wonderful write, very intense moments I'm sure... spirited tales are fascinating.

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  9. Lucky you were receptive to your great grandfather's message. He has clearly passed on some of his wisdom to you.

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  10. An intense tale, it was. I liked it :)!

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  11. This is similar to stories of flash floods in the northern territory of my country. I love how we all have parallels around the world. It is a known fact you don't set up camp in creek beds up there. The ancestor part is pretty special eh.

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