Adventure 519: Challis Hot Springs/Post A

Worth a trip.

Pouring rain all night led to a wet departure this morning, but as soon as we took the fork toward Pocatello, we gave the wipers a break and enjoyed the desolate, semi-dry, well loved ranch land we passed through. It constantly amazes me where people choose to live, and those who live in this area must be self-reliant, self-sustaining, and stubborn. Pocatello, Idaho, a college town with a pioneer history loomed on the horizon, and after were turned toward Arco, the landscape turned even more harsh. Contented cattle dotted the landscape, a few working trucks parked here and there, but mostly the land lent itself to solitude. We arrived at the Challis Hot Springs around one. Challis, one of our favorites, offers two crystal clear, immaculately maintained pools. The large swimming pool sized pool maintains a temperature near 100. The smaller "hot pool" locks in around 107. Both pools provide a smooth rock bed, and both are emptied and refilled on a regular schedule. The manager of the hot springs is a retired marine gunnery sergeant named Michael Williams. He runs a tight ship, and the hot springs, always a treat, is blossoming under the sergeant's watch. We'll spend the holiday weekend here, and hopefully the weather will cooperate long enough for us to get a couple of rides in. Regardless, we make the hour jaunt to Stanley tomorrow morning just to enjoy the bakery, which is a treat not to be missed. Our plan is to dress in our bike togs, drive to breakfast, and then ride out on the plain toward Galena Pass. We won't climb the pass, which leads to Sun Valley, but ride offers spectacular scenery of the surrounding mountains. If it rains, we'll simply abort, still very happy campers to have enjoyed an excellent breakfast. And by the way, the Cager is still hot. She won the single match contest at Crystal Hot Springs this morning. No matter. Life is still good, especially today.

 We went straight to the "hot pool".

 Judy is about to take advantage of the very cool stainless steel benches.

 Really. This guy can be trusted.

 It's always fun to play footsie with my Bunny.

 Fric and Frac happily nestled in site #6.

 The view from our front window.

 Quack.

 The water may be crystal clear, but it's packed full of healthy minerals.