Although I am fully aware that I live in the PNW, I can't help but be a little bummed that the weather isn't a bit nicer while I am on spring break. So to help me appreciate our weather, I have been thinking about my numerous heat wave summers visiting my Grandparents in their small town of Thermopolis Wyoming. As if it were scripted, pretty much everyone one of our trips plays out the same way:
1. Upon entering Thermopolis, drive around the town for a bit to soak up the last bit of precious air conditioning.
2. Greet grandparents
3. Go inside and scope out the one oscillating fan that is combating the heat of the entire two story house.
4. Go to unload the car, inevitably looks at the thermometer, and cry a little on the inside.
5. Try to acclimate self to heat by taking a nap on the basement tile floor (it is the coolest place in the entire house - don't judge).
6. Wake up, realize that it is still hot as hell and nothing is going to chance that, mumble a few (appropriate of course) words, and decide its time to head to Teepee.
Home to the world's largest mineral hot spring, Thermopolis takes pride in its spas, as the water are said to be healing waters. While there is a bath house designated for the purpose of healing, there are also a couple of pools to liven things up.
Teepee Pool happens to be our pool of choice when visiting. With a pool, water slide, hot tub, sauna, and steam room indoors and a pool, water slide, and a couple of hot tubs outdoors, there is enough to keep you busy for a while. Of course, if the aquatics don't keep you busy, you can always count on the people (including the lifeguard if you are so lucky). Lets face it, in a small town if you're not a local everyone will know and you will be pegged as a newbie. Fortunately this makes for some interesting conversations and even a handy tidbit or two for the rest of your stay.
I prefer the indoors in the summer as a way to stay cool (that and I am still slightly scarred by a water aerobics lesson I witnessed in the outdoor pool [think old man and neon Speedo *shudder*]). But if you are brave enough for the heat, you can go join the locals outside because even when it's over 100 degrees, you'll find people casually lounging outside in one of the blazing hot, hot tubs.
If you don't at least walk away with an interesting story or two, the smell of chlorine and sulfur on yourself and clothes will be there to remind you of your visit. Gotta love that healing water! read more