Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

1 lb. split peas
1 onion, chopped
4 carrots, chopped
1 potato, diced
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 bay leaf
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp. dried thyme
1 ts sea salt
pepper to taste
8 cups water, chicken or vegetable broth

Combine all ingredients in the crock of your slow cooker. Cook for 8 hours or more on low, or 4 hours on high.
You can also add a slice or two of natural, nitrite free bacon for flavor, or chopped leftover meat.