If you were unable to see the previous post about the date farm (because of my WordPress settings error), I encourage you to go back and check it out (use the “previous” links).

On the way back to the hot spring resort after visiting the date farm, we passed Tecopa Springs township, where a hot spring facility next to the road looked vaguely familiar.  I wondered if this was the same place I had stopped at almost twenty years ago during my escape from Las Vegas visit in 1995.  At that time, it was an isolated building along the side of the road, operated by the county or state and offering the hot spring pools to local residents and passing tourists, for free! 

There were two sets of pools, men’s and women’s, with no-soap pre-showers, and nude bathing a requirement.  I recall there were a sequence of pools, starting hot, and getting hotter at each.  I also recall no towels were available.  I had to do some hand squeegee removal of water before getting dressed again.  I resolved to bring a towel next time.

Well, this was next time; I had my towel, but the setting had changed.  The government-run pool building that once stood isolated like a roadside “point of interest” marker, was now surrounded by other, more entrepreneurial hot spring facilities, with motels and campgrounds providing overnight accommodations.  An entire community now surrounded this former hot spring outpost. 

I stopped and asked the attendant if this was indeed the place I remembered.  Yes it was, and it is still operated by the county (but not free anymore), and yes the pools are still separated for men and women.  And I would still need my own towel.

But I was on my way back to claim our next hot spring soak at Delights Resort before we checked out.  Which we did, using the towels they provided.

previous | beginning | next