CNN PRODUCER NOTE     Inspired by an article she saw on CNNGo about snow monkeys two years ago, rachelgeesa says she gathered a group of friends and decided to take an adventurous weekend trip to Jigokudani Yaenkoen, Japan. "The scene was stunning. From the bus stop, you have to walk for about 45 minutes through snow-filled mountains. The monkeys were quiet and calm. You can hear the peaceful flow of water from the springs," she says. "I believe that I saw at least 150 to 200 snow monkeys at the park. About 30 monkeys were in the hot springs at one time. They seemed to be in their own world and people didn't bother them."

The iReporter is originally from New Palestine, Indiana. She currently works as an art teacher in Seoul, South Korea. Her second image was selected as CNN's Travel Photo of the Day for October 1, 2012!
- Anika3, CNN iReport producer