Dennis, we have been informed recently that there is a 9 out of 10 chance that you will be told to leave when you arrive at the Bowen Ranch Gate. They have rules you know! Ah, just kiddin, I think? Anyway if you have learned about DCHS from a book or the intenet then you already have a bad mark against you, or so I've heard recently. Well thats just what some folks say. You sound like a nice person to me :-) The creek is easily crossed and low. Don't worry about those two rare incidents of that disease you mentioned. That was long ago and DCHS get lots of visitors, by invitation only of course, oh by the way, you do have an invitation, don't you ? Just kiddin about the invitation :-) I wear earplugs when I go in the hotpools since I'm prone to earaches and they keep the bad bugs out too :-) If castro is not there at the ranch then there is usually a can or something out front to put your money in, and a machine to verify that you are properly prepared for your visit to the springs. Its like a small shower, you get in and then if a green light goes on up above you then your good to go. Its quite a gautlent of checks but you will love the springs once you finally make it there. Also you can check out other open public roads around the ranch that take you near the springs if your an explorer like I am. There are maps of these things at the Deep Creek link below. Good luck and if you want to give us a report back here on the forum of how your trip went. Its always fun to hear about virgin trips to OZ :-)
