El Dorado Hot Springs

After most of a week boondocking in the desert, we felt a need for something a little more civilized so we headed for the nearby El Dorado Hot Springs in Tonopah, Arizona.  It was a beautiful and lush oasis, the entire place surrounded by tall bamboo bushes that gives it a secluded feeling.  The first thing I noticed when we pulled in and I stepped out of the car:  birds.  Hundreds of birds, all singing.  Grackles, mostly, and some mourning doves.  Our site faced a wall of bamboo and the birds sang constantly, and stopped only after it was full dark. 

The park has a lovely area for walking with a pond.  There were ducks (with ducklings), chickens, peacocks, a cat, quail, and fish.  One of the hot tub areas is clothing-free and we soaked one night under the light of the stars.  My skin appreciated the intensive moisturizing after the time in the desert.  The weather was perfect:  warm but not hot.  Shorts and a tank top during the day, and then just enough chill in the evening to make crawling under the blankets delicious.  Our stay included unlimited time soaking in the public tubs, and two hours of private soaking just for the two of us.  We went out for burgers at a place just a few miles down the road, and then we came back and soaked. 

This was my favorite kind of place: rustic, laid-back, filled with funky artifacts, and lots of wildlife to observe.  We will definitely be back.