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Eat, Rest, Soak (Repeat)
"I just saw one," I told my friend. "Oh, and another." We giggled. We had just arrived at Orr Hot Springs for a few days of R&R and were walking by the gated area where Orr guests were enjoying the waters. After seeing our 3rd or 4th unclothed penis we were, "ho-hum." We definitely became desensitized to the various human forms after seeing a woman doning male genitalia. Then the conversation ensued as to whether was she was born with the extra parts o they were was added. When I told my friend our lodge was clothing optional, she was game "as long as I don't have to cook in the kitchen next to someone nude." Fair enough.
Orr Hot Springs is about 30 minutes west of Ukiah (about 3 hours north of San Francisco) and offers yurts, cabins and 7 tent sites. The fully stocked communal kitchen allows guests to bring their own fixins. Dang, if I knew there were going to be two blenders, I would have brought the works for margaritas! Anyway, the two bottles of wine was plenty. Orr's beautiful grounds were dotted with white Adirondack chairs, colorful blooms and a dragonfly here and there. A mix of old and young, singles and couples made up our fellow bathers. We lucked out our first night with mandolin strumming neighbors, which offered us a welcomed serenade.
Our super helpful check-in person, Nancy, had us sign all the appropriate paperwork where we agreed not to stare at anyone, take photos without permission and that we didn't bring any pets. She was adamant that we report any untoward gazing, glaring or inappropriate behavior. There are no cars on the grounds and we used big carts on wheels to lug our "too much stuff" from the car to our campsite.
Besides the opportunity to chillax, people come for the water. There were two, small communal pools of 95-105 degrees and a bigger pool a bit cooler. A sauna and steam room were cooking. My favorite was the small, private, individual rooms with clawfoot tubs. Ah... Situated on the upper deck under the open sky were 2 more clawfoot tubs, which reminded us of the Cialis commercials. Laying on our backs we stared at the darkening nighttime sky each star, one-by-one, star made an appearance.
Everyone has their reasons why Orr Hot Springs fit their bill for a relaxing vacation. For me, it was because there was no entertainment, internet connection, wi-fi, cell service(1), no library, TV, yoga classes, workshops or Watsu. If these things were available, I would have done them (all) and what I needed most was time to unplug and undo. Instead of the outside stimulation that is so attractive, Orr allowed me to meditate in the morning sun, do gentle yoga on the damp lawn, sip my Taylor Maid Jasmine Green Tea, heal my shoulder in the toasty waters, and above all spend time with my cherished friend. I couldn't think of anything better. Oh yes I can--doing it again, this time with my husband!
(1) No surprise to AT&T users!
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