Travel Diary

On Saturday, I got to sleep in a tiny bit, but we had planned to go to the Kirkham Hot Springs, so around 10 AM, I got a text saying people were gonna start meeting soon. My bag was already packed, so I borrowed the car and headed over to Andy and Merit’s place. Then Mimi's family joined us and we all headed north.

It's about an hour and a half or so to get up there, and it would be the third time for me. And the first time for Andy and his family. I rode with them this time, and Mimi's family took another car. Like normal, we stopped at that little “last chance” gas station for some snacks. I didn't get a Subway sandwich this time. In fact, I didn't get anything at all. I just wasn't that hungry. Then we continued to drive to the Hot Springs.

This was the first time that I was there “in season” and we went inside the parking lot. More of the amenities were available now, like the dressing rooms. I had borrowed some water sandals, so that would help with the sharp rocks. We headed over to the springs that cascaded over the small cliff edges and into pools adjacent to the Snake River.

I would say the crowd was about average, perhaps even a little lighter. There weren't too many people there, even though it was pretty nice day and one of the last times to enjoy a pleasant day outdoors for the year. We found a nice place to just kind of hang out and soak for a long time. After a while, some of us went exploring around the area to the other springs or pools, but there really isn't a lot to see out there. Once again, I tested the water at the source of the spring, which was near boiling hot. If nothing else it will definitely scold you.

Then it was back to the main spring area, where we just soaked a while longer. It's nice to just sit in the water and relax. Andy, Merit, and Tanner were taking off a little early to get some late lunch, so we said goodbye to them. I was going to be riding home with Mimi's family.

After a while, we all decided it was time to go, and we headed back to the minivan. It was about the time, when I was in the changing room, that I discovered that I didn't have my pants. They were in Andy's car. I had some spare boxers to change into, which helped, but my shorts were still wet. Another issue: I didn't have my shoes, just the wet sandals. I had fresh socks, and that again helped but I needed shoes. There was simply nothing I could do, but sit in the wet clothes.

We began to drive home, and at first, it wasn't so bad, but I became colder and colder as time went on, until I was shivering. I just could not get warm. Unfortunately, there were no blankets or anything—although I guess I never asked. I just tried to sleep and wait to get back.

We stopped at a sushi place for dinner, but again I didn't have my shoes. Greg was nice enough to loan me his shoes, so that helped, and I got to avoid going into the restaurant in my socks. My shorts were a little dryer now, but still damp. And I did at least have my sweatshirt on, to help even though I wish I had my coat, which was sitting back at my parents’ place. Each trip, I learn a few new things.

For dinner, I ordered hot items, like hot tea and hot and sour soup, to try to warm up my core. I think they helped a bit. But I was still pretty cold inside. It’s not a fun feeling.

After dinner, we drove over to Andy and Merit’s and they had already gotten home, so I was able to get my pants and shoes. This was a great relief. We hung out there for a while, and then finally everyone departed. Since I was driving the car again, I was able to crank up the heat up to high—and I finally got warm. Yeah, I had the heater blasting most of the trip.

Back at the house, I played some games with my parents. We played Camel Up and I won. I slept pretty soundly that night.