The parking lot at the Bowen ranch appeared full Saturday at 3 pm. when I got there. There were 10 vehicles at the Freedom trailhead and 3 vehicles at the Hunters camping area where I parked and camped.
I expected most people should be leaving but was wrong about that. When I got to the springs I estimate 60 persons were there and more were coming in than were leaving. I spent the evening with many hot spring regulars. I used the excuse that I had not brought enough water so I HAD to drink the vodka to make up for that. Ugh!nottrue sneez
It was a good way to clear my sinuses for the winter :-*
It was very difficult getting to my camp on time, I am not even certain I made it legally even though I tried very earnestly to do so.
The next morning the weather was perfect at 4:30am. No wind &@ 75 degrees. The moon light was telling me to be at the springs as soon as the sun came up, so I obeyed. But first I had a large breakfast of steak, grits, eggs and toast. Umm!
Sunday morning I counted 11 tents coming in but it was still quiet as most were asleep. There is a surreal feeling that exist there for those who search for it at that time. After @ 1 hour some loud mouths woke up and started talking. This was the begining of another weekend day at the springs. I got out of there at 3 pm that day because there were to many tourist and some were trashing the place.
At 1pm I took my thermometer out and took the temps. The outside air at the shade trees above the Arizona pool was 78 degrees. The creek water just up stream from the Arizona pool was 75 degrees.
All hot pool temps are taken near the center of the pool near to the surface.
The Arizona pool was 108 degrees. It was an aquamarine color,clear,clean and magnificent !
The Anniversary pool was 106 degrees and pretty nice.
The Womb pool was 105 degrees. I found a small unbroken glass whiskey bottle on the bottom. Caint be too careful can we !
The Serenity pool was 104 degrees.
The Crab Cooker pool was as always 114 degrees.
The Contemplation pool was at 92 degrees. A nearby camper cleaned the area around there very well, thanx.
As I left Sunday evening I could not help but feel like this place is becoming a tourist destination. The only wild life I saw were called party animals. Along with many first timers.
The only thing certain in life is change !



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/16/2014 01:47PM by jobe.