Re: DCHS etiquette

Mellowguy you wrote most recently " In fact, the responses posted so far all seem to say, too bad for the couple, the guy should not be expected to show an ounce of courtesy whatsoever " and this " In terms of sheer etiquette, though, what I am hearing is that yes, single guys' "right" to not leave couples alone is now the prevailing norm. What is more, that norm has now been staunchly defended in this forum ". The response I did does not say anything like that at all. I wrote " you have the option of telling them to cool it and show some respect ". While these days I do hike solo mostly to the outdoor destinations I frequent, my wife and daughters have been to DCHS and Deep Creek many times in the past. They are not as interested in going to the outdoor places where I frequently hike but they understand my strong interest in continueing to get my time with Mother Nature's beautiful places.

I have gone to DCHS since 1984 countless times and I can say that no one has ever asked me to leave a hotool for something like you suggest, or even implyed it by their actions. What I see in the responses ( including mine ) above to your inquiry is not sentiments that say that couples should not be left alone to enjoy themselves, its suggestions that DCHS is a public place and many people use the hotpools, single or otherwise, and the pools are available for soaking anytime ( day use area ) which is not trumped by couples and their private romantic interest. The atmosphere at DCHS has changed as it has become more popular, just like what has happened to countless other places that in past decades used to be more quiet retreats. With the coming of the internet information sharing has clearly exploded, just google Deep Creek Hot Springs to see just how popular DCHS has become.

I hike mostly now in remote areas to get the quiet time with nature that I enjoy. The only way I'd expect to have any chance of the kind of romantic experience with my lady that you seek at DCHS is if I managed to go there during the off times ( cooler weather, weekdays ) when nobody happened to be there. Once again there are only four main hotpools that people generally soak in at DCHS and they are relatively small and most people that visit are looking to soak in them as the prime reason they hiked there. Just like with any outdoor setting you might go to, if someone is being disrespectful, rude, or even threatening you either have to confront thier behavior ( perhaps with other like minded visitors that are present ), put up with them, or find some other local to spend time. For myself I tend to hike to pristine areas where the jerks and their degrading acts won't spoil the relaxing peaceful experience I seek. In the warmer months Deep Creek has plenty of fantastic places along its length where one could enjoy romantic time with their partner, removed enough from the busy conditions like what exist mostly at DCHS when the weather is good. This is always an option.