bowen parking -- out by dark or...

Had a great trip to DCHS on 2/25 with Jimmy Hutcheson of Virginia (certified hot spring nut), the first for either of us in many years. Road into bowen ranch was in unbelievably good shape, i would even say the "washboard" aspect of it is gone. One slight hitch: when we came out a bit after sunset, ours and two other cars got stopped at gate by the gatekeeper and told we were now in "nighttime use" and would have to pay an additional $10 per car. This seemed unreasonable to all of us, as we were clearly using the place for day use, had left the spring before the light failed, weren't camping on bowen Ranch and besides, the Bowen Ranch handout sheet specifically said "Overnight -- $10". We suggested that a new sign be made saying "Day Use -- out by dark" to clarify matters, but the gatekeeper was in no mood to hear it. Luckily for us he didn't insist on the extra, which frankly i didn't have, having spent it all on gas to get there and back.
On a tangential note, the guy also said that the Southwestern Arroyo Toad might soon be designated as endangered, which might make it so that access to DCHS will be off limits to all. this would be very sad, but at least i have soaked well and truly in the great springs there and will carry the spirit of the place to my grave. The BEST hot springs in California, in my humble opinion.



probyn