33 Years Deserves Some Relaxation...and a Shit-Ton of Pictures, Apparently

Hugh and I celebrated our 33rd anniversary this weekend. Luckily, Hugh had a rare break from work and we were able to take advantage of it by booking a few days at a resort several hours from Petticoat Junction. 

The drive to the resort includes some of the most scenic views in our state, so we took our time, stopping in an historic mining town for lunch along the way. Hugh had eaten at a restaurant in the town earlier this summer while on an ambulance transfer in the area, so he was familiar with the menu. Specifically, he knew one of their signature desserts, which we definitely indulged in.

 

I had the French onion soup, which was really, really good, and then helped him devour that dessert.

After lunch, we walked the historic downtown area and then got back on the road, arriving at the Springs Resort just in time to check into our room, explore the resort, and grab dinner at a Mexican restaurant across the river from the resort. 

The view of the resort from across the river is spectacular and highlights how many hot spring pools surround the property.

Dinner was a true Mexican feast, and we were pleasantly stuffed before we went back to the resort to begin our relaxation journey with a good long soak in several of the warmer pools available in the adults-only section of the resort, including one situated in a naturally formed grotto that was outfitted with soft twinkle lights that mimicked starlight. Très romantique.

Following a good night's rest, we hit the resort for a full day of soaking in hot pools, plunging into cold pools (Hugh, anyway. I am not a fan of cold water and was content to watch from the comfort of a lounge chair in the sunshine), detoxing in the sauna, and generally wandering about in plush robes that made us look like we were patients in a mental institution (we may, or may not, have accidentally made it home with said robes but I will neither confirm nor deny).

One of my favorite features of the resort was the reflexology pathway, which was such a treat for my feet.

Hugh braved the coldest part of the resort, which was a pool in the actual river, which I was only able to tolerate up to my mid-thigh. No thank you, cold water. No thank you.

We had lunch on the property, as well as drinks., before taking a good long nap back in the room (the water really takes it out of you).

Before our nap, however, Hugh participated in a couple of the resort's activities, including the Warrior Plunge, which consists of soaking in one of the hotter pools (108 degrees) before standing under a waterfall feature that fluctuates between 74 and 112 degrees.

He also did an aromatherapy breathing activity back in the grotto, and I had to chuckle at how much he got into it. 33 years, who knew Hugh was a hippie at heart? Ha!

Dinner that night was in the main restaurant on the property. I had the roasted half chicken, which was cooked to perfection.

Saturday morning, we spent a few more hours in the pools before checking out of the resort and heading back to Petticoat Junction, stopping for lunch in the town of my Alma Mater. 

Lunch was at a food truck park, which was new to me, as it's been several years since I visited the city.

Our final indulgence of the trip was ice cream and a shake at a local ice cream parlor. 

Then, we finished the drive home, where we were greeted by a very grumpy cat who clearly thought he had been permanently abandoned by the assholes who are meant to answer his every beck and call.

So, back to normal life, if you will.