#140 / 2010 Summer: Melanie Hot Springs

Summer Ends with Soak in Melanie Hot Springs

#140

Ensconced in the tall piney woods of the Gila Wilderness we were thrilled with the cool weather and our nightly campfires. After one long-term camper pulled out Beatlick Joe suggested we move to the larger fire pit and a big stack of logs. I didn’t even bother to put the top down on the VW camper, too much hassle, just started off across the campground. And at that exact moment, heading up the dirt road, here comes a big SUV toward the very spot I want. What timing! So I make an oblique dash past the outhouse heading them off at the pass. The theme song from “Bonanza” should have filled the air as I, looking like Gabby Hayes pulling a covered wagon across the prairies, dodged fox holes and gullies to barely manage wheeling up to the fire pit before this SUV; me first.

                

A man and woman get out with a big dog and start checking the place out. The man didn’t look too eager to leave so I offered to go back to my place if he would share the firewood. “That’s barely enough firewood for one, much less two,” he said.                

I stood my ground after that and reluctantly he decided to look around for more options.  He did find a great spot not too far away, minus the firewood. We got our campsite without a showdown.

                

We spent our time in the Gila hiking and seeking one of Joe’s elusive hot springs—the Melanie. 

We have spent a lot of time trekking through forests, canyons, and rattlesnake dens trying to find these places that he has researched and dreamed of for so long. The hardest part is to get new information on these remote spots. But he was lucky, a  group of backpackers had spent the weekend camping near the Melanie Hot Springs so it was easy just to ask directions as he passed others along the way. “I probably never would have found it otherwise because the main trail led across the river and away from the springs. The hikers told me to look for a dry river bed then turn left and hike up until I saw all the greenery. It is a small pool, quiet and hidden against a rock face,” Joe said. That’s one more goal crossed off the hot springs list, now we will continue to seek the San Francisco Box Springs.