I hate you. I hope I never see you in a hotspring- thanks for letting even more people know about hotsprings in Idaho, the more people that can fit in one the better right?
Don't bother replying, you are on my spam list...
Mark Morasch
Idaho native
Research Technician
University of Idaho
Fish & Wildlife Resources Room: CEB 108A
Specialty: Fisheries Research
Phone: 208-885-4225
mora@uidaho.edu
markmorasch@gmail.com
------------------
Above is an e-mail I just received from an admirer, apparently he's a University of Idaho Fish and Wildlife Research Technician. That explains his presence in the outdoors. I don't think this guy has ever actually read the text on my site. As most of you know, I advocate conservation, preservation and education. People are going to find hot springs regardless of the source. And, to that end, I don't even have directions posted of the actual hot springs. If he wants to go after those that post directions he should at least send his hate mail to the correct destination. Many of the National Forest websites post directions, so do Tribe users as well as hundreds of personal homepages... he's got a lot of hate-mailing work ahead of him.
I've probably even picked up his trash, put out his leftover fire and almost been run off the road by him. That's just great, this crazy guy is probably sitting in a hot springs somewhere with his rifle in hand, drunk with a sneer on his face - waiting to shoot at anyone coming to his own private hot springs that just happens to lie on public land. Although, I don't see a guy like this going to any hot springs you actually have to hike or backpack to unless they are accessible by ATV.
Hopefully this wanker realizes he needs to stay in the city with the rest of the idiots that truly don't appreciate hot springs, the environment and basic education. Get a hot tub and stay home.
Here's Mark's review of Evie's Hot Springs Book, he likes to shoot his mouth off. And for someone who doesn't want anyone to find hot springs why would he review a book on hot springs?
Hate is such a powerful word; to Mark - I don't hate you buddy. I think you're a jerk, and I too hope I don't see you at a hot springs.
Alright, I'm done now - Peace Outside
Show Some Love to Yellowstone Buffalo
5.30.2007
Yellowstone Buffalo, the last genetically pure breed of Bison in the WORLD, are at the cusp of slaughter at the hands of the Montana Department of Livestock. They say the slaughter is in the name of brucellosis, but yet they don't even test them.They hide their true agenda. Read on...
Dear Buffalo Supporters,
Montana intends to capture and slaughter wild buffalo, starting this week. Please take a moment to read this alert and contact the three decision-makers listed below, demanding that they cease plans to capture and slaughter approximately 300 wild buffalo, including little calves, their moms, and families.
The Montana Department of Livestock (DOL) has set up a bison trap near the West Yellowstone airport, on state land and they intend to begin capturing approximately 300 wild buffalo - including tiny newborn babies and their whole families - starting Thursday.
At an "emergency" Board of Livestock meeting in the Governor's office Tuesday, the decision was made by Montana's acting state veterinarian Jeanne Rankin: the agents will capture and ship all the buffalo to slaughter without testing for brucellosis exposure. Little buffalo calves between one month to a week old will be captured, separated from their moms, and join their family members at the slaughterhouse.
Yellowstone Superintendent Suzanne Lewis was asked at the meeting Tuesday if capturing and transporting the buffalo deeper into Yellowstone would be feasible. While (ironically) the DOL said it is feasible, Suzanne Lewis shot down this option. Apparently Suzanne Lewis would rather forfeit the lives of America's last wild buffalo. She said, "it has never been a policy of the Interagency Bison Management Plan to haul bison into the Park." In other words, she's attempting to wash her hands of this atrocity, handing the fate of these buffalo over to Montana, who intend to haul them all to slaughter.
These buffalo are being charged with the "crime" of trying to live wild and free; in other words, they didn't "stick in the Park" (as if they were velcro) and they are not "responding to hazing" (as if they should behave as cattle). The decision to trap and slaughter comes hot on the heels of brucellosis being discovered in a Montana cattle herd, far to the north and east of Yellowstone, far from any migration route of wild buffalo, far from Yellowstone National Park. There are no cattle currently in the West Yellowstone area and the majority of the bison to be captured and slaughtered pose NO risk of bacteria transmission. Because the bacteria can only be transmitted through contaminated reproductive materials, bison bulls, yearlings, non-pregnant females, calves, and mothers with calves CANNOT transmit the bacteria. Bison are not to blame. Wild bison have never transmitted the livestock disease brucellosis to cattle, and this incident is not their fault either. But the cattle industry wants to blame someone, and as always, they set their sights on wildlife.These agencies are correctly concerned about the black eye they will receive for committing this act against the nation's last wild buffalo, and with your help, they will get it.
> > > > HERE'S WHAT YOU CAN DO:
PLEASE CONTACT these three decision-makers TODAY demanding that they cease plans to capture and slaughter the buffalo who are trying to live wild and free! Contact each by phone, fax, and email and let's not let them forget that the world is watching!
* MONTANA GOVERNOR BRIAN SCHWEITZER: Demand that Schweitzer keep his campaign promise to provide tolerance for bison in Montana.
(406) 444-3111 (phone)
(406) 444-5529 (fax)
governor@mt.gov (email)
* MONTANA ACTING STATE VET JEANNE RANKIN: Urge her to withdraw her decision to slaughter Yellowstone bison calves and family groups. Remind her you are boycotting beef and your friends are joining you!
(406) 444-1895 (phone)
(800) 523-3162 (phone)
(406) 444-1929 (fax)
(406) 444-1929 (fax)
jrankin@mt.gov (email)
* YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK SUPERINTENDENT SUZANNE LEWIS: Ask her if it's really worth the lives of 300 wild buffalo, including newborn calves, to have Montana ship them to slaughter rather than deeper into the Park.
(307) 344-2002 (phone)
(307) 344-2005 (fax)
(307) 344-2005 (fax)
suzanne_lewis@nps.gov OR yell_superintendent@nps.gov (email)
It's crucial that we flood these offices today! Capture could begin as soon as Thursday, with transport to slaughter beginning Friday.Willow Creek Hot Springs Rainbow Pic
5.24.2007
*sigh* It has been too long since my last soak here; long live the SE Oregon Desert.
View more pictures of Willow Creek Hot Springs in Oregon
View more pictures of Willow Creek Hot Springs in Oregon
Something Special
Here's a great picture of a Bison in the hot waters of Yellowstone National Park. Sweet shot.
Hot Springers are from Mars
5.23.2007
Mars May Have Had Hot Springs
WASHINGTON: A little NASA Mars rover has come across soil that scientists said on Tuesday suggests hot springs may have percolated long ago on the Martian surface, providing an environment conducive to life. The six-wheeled rolling robot Spirit, exploring the expansive Gusev Crater just south of the Martian equator, detected a patch of light-coloured soil that was 90 percent pure silica, an indicator of the past presence of water, they said. Scientists using the rover to glean information about Mars said the discovery is the latest strong piece of evidence that dusty and desolate Mars was once wet and wild. Read the rest here...
Source: Reuters
WASHINGTON: A little NASA Mars rover has come across soil that scientists said on Tuesday suggests hot springs may have percolated long ago on the Martian surface, providing an environment conducive to life. The six-wheeled rolling robot Spirit, exploring the expansive Gusev Crater just south of the Martian equator, detected a patch of light-coloured soil that was 90 percent pure silica, an indicator of the past presence of water, they said. Scientists using the rover to glean information about Mars said the discovery is the latest strong piece of evidence that dusty and desolate Mars was once wet and wild. Read the rest here...
Source: Reuters
Hack: Turn a $5 Flashlight into a $95 Flashlight
5.22.2007
$10 Police Flashlight Hack! - video powered by Metacafe
Step 1 - Buy the Flashlight (to be hacked)
Step 2 - Purchase New Krypton Bulb
(link to bulb on RadioShack.com)
Step 3 - Purchase 3 Lithium 123-Size Batteries per Flashlight (3-volt)
The Guide to Visiting Backcountry Hot Springs, Squidoo Style
My first Squidoo Lens: The Guide to Visiting Backcountry Hot SpringsBoiling Spings Hot Springs Taking Summer 07 Off
The Boise National Forest website and recreation.gov are both reporting that the Boiling Springs Guard Station, located north of Crouch and about 2.5 hours from Boise, will be closed for repairs until September 2007.
I would imagine that the late-season, riverside pools that are near the campground of the same name are still a viable soak. However, the more private pools, located near the Guard Station, will more than likely be closed until September 2007.
Enjoying a Soak in Skinnydipper Hot Springs in Idaho (video clip)
Source: Unnamed Google Video Author
Hot Springs Bag Dispenser Tote
5.09.2007
If you are like me, and you have oodles of plastic bags shoved under your kitchen sink (amongst other places) here's a great way to save space, and make use of those pesky plastic bags for trash retrieval purposes while visiting hot springs.
It's simple: stick em in the top - pull em out the bottom. Here's the full-on directions.
Keep one under the sink, and when it fills up - stick it in the hot springs rig. No more getting stuck at your favorite hot springs without extra trash bags. Sweet!
It's simple: stick em in the top - pull em out the bottom. Here's the full-on directions.
Keep one under the sink, and when it fills up - stick it in the hot springs rig. No more getting stuck at your favorite hot springs without extra trash bags. Sweet!
You Better Knot Ask Me Again
The top 10 most useful knots
What more could you ask for? Besides examples of usage... any ideas?
What more could you ask for? Besides examples of usage... any ideas?
Campground Hot Springs in Idaho
5.07.2007
Campground hot springs, located on the other side of the seasonally busy Banks-Lowman highway from the aptly named Hot Springs Campground, features one large soaking pool that sits in the base of an old structure. Hot water is piped into the pool from old pipes that remain from a historical bathhouse. The bathhouse's structure can bee seen from the pool and is closer to the Payette River. There is a second pool, but the water temperature is luke warm. However, this particular pool is actually designed to be a stand-up shower - perfect for a warm summer day! The pools are shallow, with rock lined walls and are sand/gravel bottomed.
Seasonal Notes
Be wary of the mud and rock slides that are a common occurrence along the Banks-Lowman Highway. Otherwise, HS CG is accessible year-round!
Camping Notes
Boise National Forest camping is right across the street.
04.08.07 Trip Report
Things are looking good around these parts! A larger pipe with increased flow has replaced the old, providing for much needed additional flow, which means the pool is a bit hotter.
The area was clean, the soak stellar and the views of the Payette sealed the deal. I wish my visit to Little Anderson hot spring was more like this. The good folks that soak here take excellent care of the hot springs.
Rating B+
Bog and Hart MTN Hot Springs in Nevada Collage
Picture collage is from a late Fall 06 high desert trip...
Valiant Soaking at Vulcan Hot Springs in Idaho
5.04.2007
At the end of a short hike through the Boise National Forest you will find one of Idaho's most unique hot springs. There is so much flow at Vulcan that the US Department of Energy has been salivating over it's geothermal potential for years. I've heard many a rumor that uncle Sam wants to develop the Vulcan complex into a geothermal power plant. Let's hope that doesn't happen!
Vulcan Hot Springs used to have a couple different soaking options. Now there is primarily one. There are others, but because of the design of the main pool, difficulty awaits for the opportunist soaker. The main pool pool is huge. Without a doubt the largest in Idaho. Almost too large if you ask me, I'm worried that there is too much slow moving water. And yes, Red Spider Mites AKA Chiggers are active at this hot springs, but in low amounts. Just keep your clothing and towel away from the hot springs area.
Accessible all year - dirt forest access road is not plowed during winter; access on horseback or snowshoe.
There is plenty of Boise National Forest camping nearby along with some great primitive sites near the trailhead. Trailhead camping features a pit toilet, around 5 to 10 nice primitive sites, tons of trash, legions of ATVs and is extremely popular. Avoiding the crowds here means coming during the off season. I.E. not summer.
Nearby Attractions
Nearby Attractions
04.29.07 Trip Report
I don't know how, but our soaking party somehow managed to get Vulcan to ourselves on a busy Sunday afternoon. We hiked in as two groups were on their way out. We soaked, got out, ate a snack and headed back. On our way we passed two more groups on their way in. The second group was dragging along the fixins for some serious drinking. I had a sinking feeling when passing this last group that there would be a tremendous mess left behind.
I don't know how, but our soaking party somehow managed to get Vulcan to ourselves on a busy Sunday afternoon. We hiked in as two groups were on their way out. We soaked, got out, ate a snack and headed back. On our way we passed two more groups on their way in. The second group was dragging along the fixins for some serious drinking. I had a sinking feeling when passing this last group that there would be a tremendous mess left behind.
The size of the main pool has been increased again, lowering the temperature to 103°. The soak was pretty good. I didn't say 'stellar' because I have a feeling that the main pool is too big, meaning the flow is too slow. I have recently been given additional hot springs measurement criteria that will shed some light on this. Next time I visit I will post the new results. Thank you Rick!
I came away with only 1 Red Spider Mite / Chigger bite. Out of my soaking companions, only one came away with bites, and only a couple at that. Once again, all 3 of us filled our extra bags with trash. This was quite the regular routine on this trip. Everywhere we went we were filling up bags with trash. On drive out I felt a quiet, sad feeling hit me as the realization that half my truck was full of trash set in.
Rating B
Rating B
Idaho's Roadless Areas Under Attack
5.03.2007
Long Story Short (here's the long version)
- Pre-Bush: Roadless areas nationwide are protected as a whole. No roadless development is allowed.
- Bush Takes Office: Repeals roadless rule; revoking nationwide protections for roadless areas - our public lands! Puts in hands of local governors.
- Former Idaho Governor Kempthorne immediately begins petition process to plan road building regardless of wishes of hunters, backpackers and other outdoor enthusiasts.
- Recently: Bush found to have acted illegally in a court of law in regard to revoking the nationwide roadless rule. Rule reinstated!!!!!
- The Bad News: Out of all the states, Idaho has decided to go against federal law and continue the petition to develop thousands of acres of roadless land in spite of tremendous public outcry.
Many of Idaho's best hot springs are located in roadless areas.
Now is the Time for Action - Tell the Forest Service to Keep Roadless Areas Instact!
Click Here to Send the Forest Service a Pre-Written E-Mail
Click Here to Sign the Care2 Idaho Roadless Petiton
You may also send in your comments directly:
Email your comments to: IDcomments@fsroadless.org
Mail to:
Roadless Area Conservation – Idaho
PO Box 162909
Sacramento, CA 95816-2909
Fax to: 916.456.6724
Additional Information
Click Here to Send the Forest Service a Pre-Written E-Mail
Click Here to Sign the Care2 Idaho Roadless Petiton
You may also send in your comments directly:
Email your comments to: IDcomments@fsroadless.org
Mail to:
Roadless Area Conservation – Idaho
PO Box 162909
Sacramento, CA 95816-2909
Fax to: 916.456.6724
Additional Information
Vulcan Vid
At the end of a short hike through the Boise National Forest you will find one of Idaho's most unique hot springs. There is so much flow at Vulcan that the US Department of Energy has been salivating over it's geothermal potential for years. I've heard many a rumor that uncle Sam wants to develop the Vulcan complex into a geothermal power plant. Let's hope that doesn't happen!
Vulcan Hot Springs used to have a couple different soaking options. Now there is primarily one. There are others, but because of the design of the main pool, difficulty awaits for the opportunist soaker. The main pool pool is huge. Without a doubt the largest in Idaho. Almost too large if you ask me, I'm worried that there is too much slow moving water. And yes, Red Spider Mites AKA Chiggers are active at this hot springs, but in low amounts. Just keep your clothing and towel away from the hot springs area.
The Time to Defend Wolves is Now
5.01.2007
We have just one week left to prevent the slaughter of hundreds of wolves in the Northern Rockies. Unless we stop them, federal officials could eliminate vital protections for these magnificent animals and spark the biggest wolf massacre in the lower 48 states to occur in decades.
There are just 8 days remaining in the public comment period on this awful proposal.
Please take action now!
Wolves were eliminated from this area in the last century trapped, poisoned, hunted and harassed. Their re-introduction to Yellowstone National Park and Central Idaho in the mid-1990s was a major conservation accomplishment.
Now that achievement is at risk as officials in Idaho and Wyoming gear up to kill hundreds of wolves.
In February, officials in the Bush/Cheney Administration proposed removing gray wolves in the Northern Rockies from the Endangered Species List... and turning over management of wolves to Idaho and Wyoming -- two states more concerned with eliminating wolves than
managing them.
Lawmakers and anti-wolf extremists in Idaho and Wyoming have already announced plans to kill hundreds of wolves, putting the gray wolf's future in the American West at risk.
Wolves were eliminated from this area in the last century trapped, poisoned, hunted and harassed. Their re-introduction to Yellowstone National Park and Central Idaho in the mid-1990s was a major conservation accomplishment.
Now that achievement is at risk as officials in Idaho and Wyoming gear up to kill hundreds of wolves.
In February, officials in the Bush/Cheney Administration proposed removing gray wolves in the Northern Rockies from the Endangered Species List... and turning over management of wolves to Idaho and Wyoming -- two states more concerned with eliminating wolves than
managing them.
Lawmakers and anti-wolf extremists in Idaho and Wyoming have already announced plans to kill hundreds of wolves, putting the gray wolf's future in the American West at risk.
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