Trip report - 11/7/08

I was finally able to make it to the springs on Friday at around 11am, it had been a few months since my last visit. It was a little windy at the top of the trail but once in the canyon it warmed up nicely. By the time I reached the creek I was ready for a cool dip. Crossing the creek the water only came up to mid thigh and there was a very slow current so it was easy to cross. There were six people at the springs, 3 of them textile, they were relaxing in the womb. After undressing and crossing the creek I set down my gear by the womb and swam up the creek to the Arizona pool. Someone did a very nice job of building up the wall around this pool. I had a good time chatting with a couple in the Arizona pool while we soaked. I then went to the crab cooker but was suprised that it was not as warm as I remembered. Next I went down to the womb and found it about as warm as the crab cooker. I had the womb all to myself for almost a hour, very peaceful and totally relaxing. While I was there another textile couple showed up and stayed in the pools below the womb.
Unfortunately I had to leave at around 3pm. I was pleasantly suprised to find no trash around the springs, people have been very good about keeping it clean, maybe because it is off season or maybe I just was fortunate to come by after someone did a thorough clean up. Whoever did it... thanks, your efforts are noticed and appreciated. The pools had a good bit of algae on the rocks but the water was clear. I did not notice how much junk was in the bottom of the womb, I could barely touch the bottom under the water fall.
The weather was still warm in the canyon, I was able to hike out barefoot and I did not have to get dressed until I was just short of the parking lot. I ran into one another couple coming down the trail with backpacks on.
It was a great trip and I can't wait to come back, hopefully before it gets too cold.