If it wouldn't have been for a hiking couple, I still might have never found the elusive and once thought mythical hot springs near White Rock Canyon. Anticipating Dad & Susan's visit next week for Uncle Wally's funeral, I wanted to take another trip to White Rock Canyon, just 4 miles past the Hoover Dam in Arizona. This was my third trip to the beautiful canyon that descends from the mountains for 3 miles to the Colorado River. But on my previous two trips I had not located the hot springs that hikers relax in before making the ascent back up the wash to the parking area. On the way down to the river I ran into a retired couple from Utah. They said they had been to the hot springs before. It was located just a quarter mile down river from the end of the trail. While they stopped for lunch I proceeded on in search of the hot springs. While searching I met up with a Chinese couple who were also looking for the hot springs. They too were having difficulty finding them. But it was such a beautiful day from the 70-degree temps, to the blue sky to the beauty of the mighty river the man said that even if they didn't find the springs he had still won. How's that for a positive attitude?
Finally at the bottom of a steep hill I saw the Utah couple again. They were taking off their shoes and waving me down. They disappeared into a curvy watery wash. I followed where they went and came across many small waterfalls. I scaled the rocks around the water, which was warm by the way, so I knew I was getting close. Finally I got to a 25-foot steel ladder I had heard about that led to the springs. It was like finding the Holy Grail. I knew I was almost there. When I scaled the ladder there it was -- a big beautiful natural bathtub. The Utah couple was soaking in the warm water. So I took off my shirt and shoes and joined them. It was awesome. Paradise found. After a good soak they told me a different route out of the canyon. I ran off ahead as they hiked. But after about 30 minutes of running I came across a 20-foot rock wall that I didn't think I could climb. Oh, no. Would I have to return and go back the other way? That could take hours. What the hell. I cautiously wedged myself in there and wiggled up to the top. I made it. But a few 100 yards later I came across a wall that had been formed by thousands if not millions of years of water flow. This hill was too much for me. Oh well there was still 3 hours of daylight I might as well return to the river and go back the way I came. But as I was heading back the Utah couple came up. They showed me a way around the steep incline that was treacherous to say the least but I followed them up and around. We were back on the trail and I jogged the last mile back to the parking area.
What an adventure. At least now I know where the hot springs are and where Dad & Susan can and can't go.
That might have been enough for the average Joe, but I still made time for Cypresse's Thursday night yoga. Knowing I was the only one in the class who had had such an adventurous day.
"Courage is being afraid but going on anyhow."
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