Nomad Life - Day 53

My body still had not adjusted to the Central Time Zone and I was wide awake just after 0415.  I didn't fight the situation, though, and spent about 45 minutes reading and getting ready for my day.  After beginning my telework day (0500), I took one break for breakfast (very good and very filling) in the lobby of the Rodeway Inn.  Since most of my meetings were canceled for the day (due to travel requirements for our management team), I was able to catch up on reading and some ad-hoc phone calls.  One thing I noticed along the way, though, was that my work computer didn't automatically update to the new time zone - I put in a trouble ticket but it appears I'll need to stay vigilant as I move around the country... Still feeling full from my breakfast, I didn't eat lunch - instead, I just worked through to the afternoon.  During the morning, the rain started in earnest and it became clear that my options for activities in the National Park might be limited in the afternoon.  My hotel (through the check in clerk, Carol) had given me a brochure for the Buckstaff House and I thought "maybe I should check out the spa there."  After a quick call, which informed me of the updated prices and that the facility was "first come, first served", I took a break from work (1300) and drove down the street to try my luck.  It was still raining and, since closer parking cost money, I had to walk through the weather and soggy sidewalks.  Still, though, I was at the front desk of the Buckstaff at about 1315 when the queue began moving.  Almost all the other patrons were women - this worked to my advantage because there were separate men and women areas for the services.  My thinking as I reached the counter was "in for a penny, in for a pound" and I purchased the Deluxe Package.  This option afforded me a chance to experience nearly all of the historically accurate spa treatments that might have been available for patrons when the Buckstaff opened in 1912.  Once inside, I was given a locker for my clothes and de-robed (down to a large sheet).  With the prep staff, I received a paraffin treatment (three full immersions in wax for each of my hands) and then given a bed to relax on in a quiet room.  I relaxed there for about five to 10 minutes and then had my hands cleaned (the wax was removed).  After this, I moved into the larger bath area and was taken to a small alcove that had a huge tub in it.  The staff were very discrete as I got into the water, which was from the famous hot springs.  Then, the "hydrotherapy" began - I didn't have my watch but I believe I got about 20 minutes of time with the jacuzzi-like jets.  Meanwhile, I scrubbed down all of my skin with a luffa glove.  The water temperature was close to 105 and felt quite pleasant - I definitely started feeling quiet relaxed as the time went along.  When my "spa guide" returned, he guided me over to a special sitz-bath, which allowed hot, sprinkling water to target my lower back.  I got 10 minutes at this station and can definitely attest to the healing properties of the hot spring water on my body.  I forgot to mention that I was provided with little cups of water as I went along and it felt quite nice.  The next stop on this wonderful spa tour was at a kind of sauna-cabinet.  The contraption was all metal and had a bench inside it, along with a little hole at the top for my head.  To cushion the sharp (and very hot) edges, a towel was inserted between my skin and the metal.  The steam inside the box warmed my body constantly - I think the temps were closer to 120 degrees.  My helper (Mason) walked away, telling me that he'd be back in three minutes.  I started counting and, somewhere around 90 seconds, the experience began to feel as claustrophobic as I have ever imagined.  I called out for assistance and Mason returned, telling me I'd made it about 2.5 minutes (he added that he only likes the steam chamber for one minute).  Feeling more relaxed again, I was escorted to a nearby bed and wrapped in hot towels (sort of a cocoon).  Actually, the hottest one was on my back and my forehead got an ice cold compress.  The overall effect was quite pleasant and I enjoyed the fact that only one other patron was in the entire bath area.  At times during this roughly 20-30 minute period, I nearly fell asleep.  Mason changed out the cold towel at one point and it made such a difference in my overall comfort.  Once the bed/cocoon portion of the treatment ended, I was escorted to the massage area and was given about 20 minutes of work on the table by a young man named Josh.  He did a great job massaging away the tight muscles that I'm sure were the result of over 50 days of driving and life on the road.  He made my heel bursitis feel better too - a nice bonus.  With this last last stage of the spa treatment complete, I got dressed again and tipped the spa staff.  By the time I looked at my watch, I noticed that over 90 minutes had elapsed since my arrival.  What a great experience - I felt rejuvenated and, even better, the rain had stopped!  This allowed me some time to walk around near the Bathhouse Row, including a stop through Fordyce Bath House (the National Park Visitor Center), which included displays of nearly all the spa stations I'd experienced at the Buckstaff Bath House.  Next (1450), I walked around nearby to rediscover the many exposed hot springs nearby - I'd taken photos the previous day but it was in the dark, so today's pictures were much better.  I thought about re-visiting the Superior Bath House Brewery again (for some more tasters) but then noticed a sign about Happy Hour at the Hale Bathhouse (this was the same building I'd visited the evening before that I learned was also a special boutique hotel).  I got inside just as the HH was beginning (1500) and was the only patron at the bar.  My bartender (Maggie) was very friendly and assisted me in selecting several local beers that were on tap - I tried all of them and they were great!  She also gave me a bottle of clear water that came from the hot springs (it was so refreshing).  For my early dinner (after my missed lunch), I had a delicious smash-burger and some thinly sliced fries.  The conversation with the bartender was great and I also had the freedom (without anyone around) to accept a call from my friend, John T., who was asking about my arrival at his home in Northwest Arkansas.  Maggie told me that she had observed that I seemed relaxed and happy and I believe this was a combination of nearly two months of Nomad Life and the earlier spa treatment.  Wrapping up my dinner and delightful happy hour at 1645, I continued exploring along Central Avenue (AR-7), visiting some more springs, checking out the Ohio Club (meeting place for gangsters during Prohibition), read signs that focused on the baseball history of Hot Springs, found the 93 foot street that is the site of the annual St. Patrick's Day Celebration (it was painted Kelly green) and then took a walk on the Grand Promenade, which was located on the hill behind Bathhouse Row.  By the time I was done exploring, I'd walked more than two miles on my feet and was interested in checking out more of the National Park.  Carol had told me about a beautiful viewpoint on West Mountain and I followed signs to the parking lot at the summit and then started hiking on the Sunset Trail (1755).  The trails were pleasant and I passed at least one fearless deer on the way; only a few people were in the woods with me and the sounds of the town and traffic were very subdued.  By this point, the temperatures had dropped into the mid 70s - what a relief!  I did, indeed, get some wonderful views of Hot Springs and the surrounding mountains and was happy for such a good ending to my visit.  After finishing the rest of my 10K steps, I returned to my car and descended West Mountain.   Driving through town, I briefly considered doing a bit more exploring but then decided to just return to my hotel.  Back in the room (1900), I resumed teleworking until I was able to complete my last hour for the day.  After that, I read, relaxed and watched movies on my streaming services (a first since early in the trip).  The "laziness" was a wonderful respite from my normal routine...  Bed time was 2215 again and I fell asleep quickly.  What a relaxing day!