This Forum is not dying

[Crankyfeet]

Originally Posted by Eden

At this time of the year I wouldn't be too worried about contamination. The water flows through them and I'm sure its more than changed over between the few bathers. We were slightly dissapointed that the springs were not hotter and a bit shallow, but not enough to not enjoy ourselves. The one we sat in was probably in the 98-104 range and about 2-2 1/2 feet deep. Here's the directions we used to find them http://www.nwhotsprings.net/olympic.htm
I would bet its been snowing pretty heavily up there and the road all the way to the trailhead may no longer be accesible (there are several gates that the park service may close if there is a lot of snow)- making it a longer and steeper hike. At very least there will likely be a good amount of snow on the trail now and having snow shoes would make you life a lot easier. Skis might work too, though there are a few places where you'd have to take them off - a stream crossing and a narrow log bridge (its got a railing) We were walking along in someone's tracks who looked like they must have pulled a sled all the way up there - it made walking easier as it was a bit packed and less deep.

Thanks for the link. Although it sounds a bit iffy, they say winter is the best time, so it can't be treacherous. I'm not sure if I will need tire chains on the 4WD.

I'll wait till after the break and go up on a week day.

[TheDarkLord]

Originally Posted by C'dale Girl

Always, always ALWAYS a white XMas here, for the last 14 years anyway. That is . . . . until . . . last year and this year. Geez, the one friggin' day of the year you want snow and it doesn't happen. Now, if history is any indication, odds are we'll have "black" snow on the ground here until March. Ggggrrrr.

It looks like there was either freezing rain or some light snow yesterday night. No white stuff anywhere, but the pavements are treacherously slippery.

The worst thing about brown/black snow is how it gets into the grooves of the boots and then leaves a mess as it melts in your work place (or home); and it is close to impossible to shake out all the snow before getting indoors.

[TheDarkLord]

Originally Posted by nns1400

Is that your new view, since they cut down the trees? Very nice..

And don't feel bad about the rose bushes...we haven't even raked leaves yet..

Don't you get a mess with the soggy half-decomposed leaves which packs together quite well? I must commend the public service department here as they are very diligant in getting all the leaves off the road/pavement. Not so in some parts of UK when I visited a while back.

[TheDarkLord]

Originally Posted by Crankyfeet

India fight back to have Australia at 337/9 at stumps (close of play) on the first day. Kumble takes five wickets and Hayden makes a century.

This is so exciting. I'll keep all of you posted on developments in the game. Still another 4 days to go potentially!

Yay! Three cheers to India for holding Australia in check (maybe that will rouse some interest in you Matagi ). Of course, who knows what is going to happen when they go to bat But didn't India just finish a test series with Pakistan? I didn't know they would start a new test series so soon without any significant break.

[TheDarkLord]

All the stores are STILL closed here. One cannot even get some bare necessities like milk Sheesh!

[helmutRoole2]

Originally Posted by Eden

Not Christmas snow, but the hike we took to Olympic Hot Springs last week. It was pretty cool - soaking in a hot spring with the snow falling and no one else around.

I love that place. I went in the summer once with Lady Helmut and we camped at the upper camp ground, hiked to a lake further up the ridge, dove in and got out amazingly fast, and then dipped in the hot springs later in the evening.

Now, the best hot springs I've been to in the NW is Scenic Hot Springs. It's been closed for a couple years because it's always been a no trespass/private property deal. Like most everyone who has gone, I know how to get there, but can't give directions. You literally pull your car off the side of the road and start a hike that lasts close to an hour up steep terrain. The tough hike has a bonus: you have to be reasonably fit to make the trek. Since it's clothing optional, you can kinda figure out what the benefit would be.

Here's a brief story on its demise with good descriptions. Google Scenic Hot Springs and you'll get all kinds of hits.

[thoughtforfood]

Originally Posted by Crankyfeet

Thanks for the link. Although it sounds a bit iffy, they say winter is the best time, so it can't be treacherous. I'm not sure if I will need tire chains on the 4WD.

I'll wait till after the break and go up on a week day.

Hot Springs and Cricket? What about you guys help a red neck out and discuss Deer Hunting and Monster Trucks?

[nns1400]

Originally Posted by Crankyfeet

I like Miss Christmas legs. I figure that Miss Easter Bunny could be phased in shortly maybe.

Well, don't forget about Miss Mardi Gras, Miss Valentine, and Miss St. Patrick's Day first...

[nns1400]

Originally Posted by TheDarkLord

Don't you get a mess with the soggy half-decomposed leaves which packs together quite well? I must commend the public service department here as they are very diligant in getting all the leaves off the road/pavement. Not so in some parts of UK when I visited a while back.

I don't really get a mess...but my kids do.

Most of it has blown into the flower beds by now, so that's my low-hassle way of mulching my perennials for the winter (I see Cranky and I have about the same gardening habits , though mine are worse, as I have a degree in...horticulture ).

[nns1400]

Originally Posted by Crankyfeet

Thanks for the link. Although it sounds a bit iffy, they say winter is the best time, so it can't be treacherous. I'm not sure if I will need tire chains on the 4WD.

I'll wait till after the break and go up on a week day.

So, can I just hitch a ride up there on your shoulders...

[Crankyfeet]

Originally Posted by thoughtforfood

Hot Springs and Cricket? What about you guys help a red neck out and discuss Deer Hunting and Monster Trucks?

So TFF...Do you cover yourself in deer piss for most of the hunting season?

[nns1400]

Originally Posted by thoughtforfood

Hot Springs and Cricket? What about you guys help a red neck out and discuss Deer Hunting and Monster Trucks?

Sorry, TFF, being a girl, the best I can do is just offer you a glass of sweettea. Maybe talk Bowl games... And much to my chagrin, I will be in "the country" over the New Year, "the country" meaning "no TV" . Have to listen to the Cotton Bowl on the radio...

[Crankyfeet]

Originally Posted by nns1400

So, can I just hitch a ride up there on your shoulders...

Its definitely a two-person event. Not much point sitting in a hot spring naked on your own with a bottle of red wine. What are you doing a week from tomorrow?

[Crankyfeet]

Originally Posted by nns1400

(I see Cranky and I have about the same gardening habits , though mine are worse, as I have a degree in...horticulture ).

Is that like the guy with the MBA, majoring in finance, who often doesn't pay his bills on time.

[nns1400]

Originally Posted by Crankyfeet

Is that like the guy with the MBA, majoring in finance, who often doesn't pay his bills on time.

"The cobbler always has holes in his shoes..."