Chena Hot Springs

An hour's drive away,

a drive through mountains, trees, rivers and ponds,

the road ends.

Chena Hot Springs waits at the end, inviting all to relax.

These natural hot springs are good for the body and soul.

The spout in the center cools the water temp down a bit and makes rainbows from the sun.

Locals say it's best in mid-winter when darkness and steam mix in the colored lights and hair freezes above the hot waters.

We liked it fine on this sunny day.

The water spout here is a most powerful massage.

Ahhh, the shoulders turn boneless.

The surrounding grounds offer cabins, an ice bar with glasses made of ice, sled dog kennels,

geothermal energy tours, antique vehicles like this original snow machine

(Do we dare tell him this old rusty clunker needs more than some snow on the ground to actually go anywhere?),

and Mama Moose and her little one who roam around the hot springs pond

to munch on the gardens and delight us all.

Can I find the word to tell you how relaxed I am after soaking

in Chena Hot Springs?

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH