> is it or is it not a good time to check out the deep creek springs??
IMO, it is a great time to visit! I can say with first-hand certainty that last Saturday was a fantastic day to be there. The vibe was very pleasant. The Serenity Pool Ron mentions as flooded is not one of the major attractions.
This time of year, i look for days that are clear and warmer than average; that way you can stay warm without turning into a prune or needing a towel/clothes/etc. For me, the main advantage of this time of year are the people: it is never too crowded and the cold swim might help keep the "riff-raff" out.
On the other hand, the longer days that are coming are something to look forward to.A note on the water level: i was actually able to make it across rock hopping, but that last leap is a doosey and you can't see how long it is until you are 95% across - i don't recommend it unless you *really* hate the 30 second sprint. Any ambitous engineers should bring a 6' plank with them to bridge the broad jump. Felling anything living for this purpose will not make you any friends. My personal recommendation is to just cross straight to the tubs: it's faster, it's not *that* cold, pain is temporary, and you can hop right in the hot tub on the other side. On the way back, AZ's suggestion of broiling in the Crab Cooker for 5 mins immediately before the return ordeal worked brilliantly - i came out the other side at the perfect temperature for starting the hike back up to Bowen.
A note on the DCV brochure i received: nice work! Very well written and informative. It would be nice if these were more readily available. Any chance the USFS would let us attach them to one of their signs? Like the Arroyo sign at the top or the thick metal sign on the way down? Or would the Bowen ranch hands be willing to hand these out? (i'll claim ignorance of any current politics).
Cheers!,
stu.
