Soothing body and soul...

  Ojo Caliente, New Mexico, United States
Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Has a wonderful name don't you think...pronounced Oyo Caliente we'd seen it in one of those leaflets and ever since the disappointment of the Banff hot springs we had promised ourselves that somewhere along the route we would find some more that were a bit more authentic. Chatting to some locals (the best way to find out what's good and what's not) this place came up in conversation..."have you been to...you must go ...it's wonderful" Well that was it! The recommendation had come with directions, but having looked at the map we decided to ignore them and go across country, so saving about 20miles each way and hopefully seeing something interesting away from the main roads. I know what you're thinking...they're asking for trouble, well as it happens it was an inspired choice. The road, which yes did become a dirt road!! took us down to the bottom of the Rio Grande Gorge and up the other side.

There's that Rio Grande, looking a bit grander

Down one side and up the other!

Me & him

  
 It was a great drive, full of spectacular scenery and 'exciting' driving: which became even more "exciting" when we returned that way in the dark! Though we did stop in the middle of nowhere on the way back just to stare at the stars, that was magical.
Anyway, we had a great day soaking in the pools, surrounded by signs that encouraged everyone to 'whisper'. I found that hard at first and thought it somewhat overbearing, but later in the day when some noisy people arrived we felt rather affronted that they had invaded the tranquillity. The arsenic pool was first at 108 degrees, lowering gently into it the warmth was the first sensation followed by a slightly alarming tingling all over! It's supposed to be good for arthritis and for the skin - probably not a good idea to stay in too long though. Malc moved to the cooler pool next to it before he got too pink, me I stayed in blissfully soaking. As a bath girl I do miss my soaks - the RV is very well appointed, but a bath it has not!

108 degrees!

Wonder what he's thinking!

 Next we moved onto the iron pool, good for the blood and the immune system, pausing in the courtyard to taste a sample the lithia spring from the pump there - good for the digestion this one. Incidentally these are the only hot springs in the world to have a combination of four different mineral springs in the same place.
The iron pool was my favourite because it had a natural feel to it, again warm and relaxing. We took a break for lunch and dined in the hotel restaurant, an original part of the old building. 

Original hotel

The soda pool followed, here the enclosed pebble and stone surroundings helped to make a peaceful setting. 

Steamy!

Could we be anymore relaxed...well yes actually...we both had a massage which was wonderful. All in all it was a great day, a perfect way to spend my birthday soothing body, mind and spirit. Aahh...