view from 502 heading towards Los Alamos - pre security check
My second day in New Mexico started in the best way - waking up in an Airstream trailer overlooking the dessert (insert heart eyes emoji) I was torn between enjoying the morning view and getting a head start on my next adventure. Adventure usually wins. I set out to drive to Jemez Springs in search of some (what else) hot springs! The road to Jemez Springs was incredible, beautiful views (see above), interesting towns, and a stop through homeland security due to the Los Alamos nuclear lab (ahhh).
ahhhhhhh
I stopped at Giggling Springs Hot Springs in downtown Jemez Springs. For $18 I got an hour to soak in the springs and a towel (usually $2) since their internet was down and I had to pay cash (winning). There were only two people in one of the two pools when I got there so the majority of my hour I was alone in a smaller, hotter pool with a beautiful mountain view.
I finally ask someone to take my picture and this happens
Eventually a couple of ladies joined me in the pool and we had a good time whispering (it's all that's allowed) about our quirky New Mexico finds and the benefits of traveling solo (duh).
The old building. They are doing construction and adding some new pools. Guess I'll have to go back.. :)
the gate is more dangerous than it looks
After the springs I headed back to Abiquiu to find my nights accommodations. Unfortunately, the very specific directions to the place - including "turn when you get to the pink balls in the pink sock" and "you will come upon a large gold mailbox with a heart" did not specify what to do if the gate was locked! So - to make an over two hour story short(er) I ended up having to leave my car at the gate, almost committed a crime by jumping over it a few times, was called a "very intrepid traveler" by my host and ended up with a partial refund for my stay.
worth jumping a gate... several times
Unfortunately I missed most of the sunset deciding whether or not to possibly break and enter into the place. Thankfully I did because it was right on the river and incredible.
an outhouse has never looked so good
The accommodations were small but the outdoor area was magnificent. An outdoor shower, sauna, kitchen, outhouse, all lit by a beautiful chandelier hanging from the tree.
goodnight moon. goodnight outdoor shower. goodnight sauna.
Perfect place to watch the New Mexico sky and moon.
goodnight tipi. goodnight outdoor kitchen...
You could hear the water flowing in the river and the wind through the trees. So perfect.
I must have stood here watching the sky for hours.
goodnight outdoor river adjacent hottub. goodnight coyotes...
There was even a riverside hot tub! Unfortunately it was dark and backed up to some trees (and unidentified animal noises) so I cut my soak short.
goodnight mountains.. goodnight sauna..
I decided to continue my night in the sauna.
jk not going to sleep until I get super dehydrated in this sauna
Drinking wine in an infrared sauna may not be the best idea but hey it's definitely not the worst. I could have stayed all night.
morning tipi. morning sad kid on sad mug.
After far too many hours in the sauna I slept a bit and got up early to continue my adventure. I drank my coffee by the river (and the tipi) and enjoyed the moody sky.
good morning river...
until next time, hut. Well maybe..
Take time to look
- Emily
