Why Do I Bother?

Sadly, we have returned from our weekend at Breitenbush Hot Springs. If you live anywhere near this area at all, I really recommend that you take a weekend and go. They have cabins for rent that we have stayed in on other trips, but this year we stayed in a cabin nearby that is owned by some friends. Thanks Keri and Greg!

There are so many wonderful things about this place that I don’t know where to begin. Maybe with the food. Everything is organic and vegetarian. I never dreamed there could be so much variety in vegetarian cooking. One night we had tofu fritters over braised asian greens that were amazing. On another night we had a pear and blueberry puffed pastry that made me wish I had skipped dinner to save room for dessert.

There are hot spring pools for soaking. I love the pools and would make the trip just for them. The place was a little more crowded than Mel and I expected which detracts from the enjoyment somewhat. When the pools are heavily used it tends to stir up whatever organic material has settled on the bottom between cleanings. There’s also the whole “human stew” factor that Mel likes to remind me of. Clothing is optional in the pools, but I have rarely seen anyone choose this option. I am quite comfortable with nudity, but if you are planning on going it is something to consider. There are sometimes children present, although I have rarely seen any children older than about 5 or 6. Mel and I took her mother one afternoon a couple years ago and we wore swim suits to honor her modesty. I have never felt more naked.

The Breitenbush River is swimable in the summer months. It is beautiful and calming to watch in the winter months. The entire Breitenbush Hot Springs Resort is powered by a hydroelectric system in the river, and by geothermal energy. You can get a tour of the facility that explains how everything works. This place is truly off the grid.

There are many trails for hiking in the area, including the one we took into an ancient old growth forest. Breathtaking. I have included pictures below which are beautiful, but do not really do it justice. The picture above is also from the same hike. There is a great picture of Mel in one of the pools, but she won’t let me post it. Go figure.

Mel and I each got a 90 minute massage as well. You have to arrange this in advance, but there are some skilled massage therapists there. If you have never done this, you will not regret it.

The best thing about the weekend however, was the time that Mel and I got to spend together finally. We talked, we read, we held hands and walked, it was a much needed retreat. Even the time we spent sitting near each other and reading was healing and repleneshing for our relationship. I read a whole book in two sittings that I will review in a later post.

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