Creel: Hot Springs

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Day 18 – Friday 7th October 2005

Note: Breakfast was equally as good as dinner the previous night. As were the seconds I went back for!

Creel is a town which is popular on the Gringo Trail as is a good place from which to make day trips and explore the surrounding area. Four of us, Rob, Andrew, Mike and myself had decided that a bit of exercise was in order, and decided to take a trip to the local hot springs. To reach the springs we would have to hike about 45 minutes there, then 45 minutes back.

We set out at around ten and were driven by our guide to the national park where the springs are located. Once we arrived, the guide set us on our way. We were to follow the ‘red brick road’ down into the ravine until we reached the springs. It turned out to be a pretty steep decent on a road that can only be described as slapdash in construction. I found myself looking at my feet making sure I didnt turn an ankle instead of looking around at the views, but it was all good fun. The further into the canyon we decended the hotter it became, so we were glad when we reached the springs and were able to have a dip to cool off.

At the site where the main hot springs are, the locals have built a swimming pool. Feeling adventurous we decided to skip this for the moment and explore the river. The hot springs flowed into the water in various places for a few hundred metres, so we climber the boulders and swam in the natural pools around the area, gradually making our way downstream. When we had had enough of this, there was just enought time to have a soak in the pool before we made our ascent to meet our guide.

On arrival back into Creel Mike suggested a beer, and it being Friday and the sun shining, we all agreed. A couple of Dos Equis later we returned to the hotel where we commenced an evening with Mr Jim Beam and a pack of cards.