Idaho Republican Fighting the Good Fight?

3.15.2007
I have to admit that I was surprised to see Idaho Senator Crapo join with a Democrat to introduce legitimate pro environment and wildlife legislation; the Endangered Species Recovery Act of 2007.

I say 'surprised' because the latest batch of political legislation introduced by Idaho Republicans the last few years has been loaded with a friendly front-end and typically nasty back-end that does exactly opposite of the marketed purpose of the proposed legislation. None the less, I was glad to read it.

Oregon's Hot Lake Hotel Restoration at Hand

3.13.2007
I have read a lot about the Hot Lake Hotel restoration project near La Grande, Oregon this last month. It sounds pretty sweet as far as commercial hot springs go. I'd really like to check it out. There's gotta be a primitive soak around there somewhere!

View Official Website

One Last Soak at Potosi Hot Springs in Montana

3.06.2007
Scenic Potosi Hot Springs, a commercial hot springs near Bozeman Montana, closes at the end of this month. Full Article...


If you can't visit in person, at least visit the official website - as it too will be gone at the end of March.

Stand Up for Wolves in Boise - TODAY!

Today's the day - finally a centralized effort of do-gooders composed of all types of those into the outdoors coming together to fight the good fight. It is time to protect Idaho wolves my friends.

When: Tuesday, March 6
Public Meeting from
3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Public Hearing from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Boise Convention Center on the Grove
850 W. Front Street, Boise, ID (
view map/directions)


Just to clear the air, here's a 2-minute wolf primer: Wolf Myth Busting - The Truth About Wolves

Today's meeting and hearing will hopefully be a stark contrast to the embarrassing blood-thirsty pro-wolf killing rally lead by political mastermind Butch Otter. I bet he has a room in one of his mansions that is made completely out of otter skin.... his war room where he dons an otter skin suit, sits on his otter throne and contemplates his next move.

Please, if you live in the Treasure Valley come to the Pro-Wolf rally tonight! We need every last one of you - the wolves need you even more!

The Bush Administration is poised to open the door to mass killings of wolves in the Northern Rockies by removing them from the endangered species list. Public hearings have been scheduled in western states -- and a hearing taking place on March 6 in Boise will be our only chance to oppose this deadly scheme in person in Idaho.

Governor Otter has announced that if the gray wolf loses federal protection, he wants to see 550 of Idaho's 650 wolves killed. Putting the wolves right at the threshold margin for going back on the endangered species list; which then leads to costly reintroductions efforts - just like the one we are still paying for.

I really hope you'll join us at the hearing to make your opposition felt. Everyone attending will have the opportunity, if they wish, to speak publicly for two or three minutes against the delisting proposal.

When: Tuesday, March 6
Public Meeting from
3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Public Hearing from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Boise Convention Center on the Grove
850 W. Front Street, Boise, ID (
view map/directions)

The federal government once allowed our Northern Rockies wolves to be shot, harassed, and poisoned into near extinction. If wolves lose critical protections under the Endangered Species Act, Idaho plans to immediately slaughter all but 100 wolves in the state. And, hundreds more wolves could be killed on sight in Wyoming by aerial gunners - not hunters!

As a resident of Idaho, your comments will have an especially big impact in stopping this terrible plan. Conservationists from all over the world are counting on you, so please take some time out of your busy schedule to be a voice for these magnificent creatures.

The public meeting will take place from 3:00-5:00 p.m. During the meeting, you can learn more about the federal proposal and take part in a question and answer session. Written comments will be accepted at this time.

Then, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the public hearing, you can offer testimonials in person about the importance of preserving crucial protections for our wolves.

I hope you can make it to Tuesday's public meeting. After all, if we don't speak up for the wolves, who will?

When: Tuesday, March 6
Public Meeting from
3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Public Hearing from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Boise Convention Center on the Grove
850 W. Front Street, Boise, ID (
view map/directions)

Miracle Hot Springs in South Central Idaho

3.03.2007

Miracle Hot Springs, located 9 miles south of Hagerman right off HWY 30, features an assortment of hot springs soaking and lodging options. There are 2 large, general admission pools; one is kept at 105 and is partially covered while the other is kept warm for exercising purposes. There are 19 private soaking pools, each with adjustable temperatures and changing rooms. The continuously flowing natural hot spring water is soft to the touch and odorless. And finally, 4 of the 19 private pools are VIP pools which are designed for use by larger groups (4+). Availability is on a first come first severed basis, and phone reservations are accepted (7 day cancellation policy).


Facilities
Aside from 5 tent and 11 RV sites right next to the river (with electricity), Miracle Hot Springs has 5 geodesic domes available for camping, events, retreats, workshops... etc. I noticed a teepee set-up near the tent and RV sites that may be available as well. Handicap access, restrooms and a gift shop with ample soaking supplies are available on-site.


Rates
General Admission (both outdoor pools)
Adults: $8 (Seniors $6)
Child age 2 or younger: $1
Child age 3 - 13: $4
Private Pools (in additions to general admission)
$2/hour
Romancing After Hours: $32
VIP pool: $6 for 1 hour or $18 for 2 hours
VIP Romancing After Hours: $37
Camping Dome: $34/night
Queen Dome: $54/night
King Dome: $59/night
Event Dome: $59/day
Tent Sites: $10/night
RV Sites $20/night

Hours
Monday-Saturday: 8am - 11pm
Closed Sundays
Lodging
Check In: 3pm
Check Out: 11am


02.26.07
I must admit it was more than a little weird visiting a private hot springs instead of non-commercial hot springs. However, weird can often yield pleasurable results. This was one of those good-weird times. Miracle Hot Springs was clean, the staff was friendly and the soaking excellent. The alligators and geodesic domes fit well in this unique geothermal-powered environment. It was a nice and quiet soak; the water was soft and hot and the pool design inviting. I may have to change my policy on commercial hot springs and visit one more than once every other year, especially if they are all like this.


Rating A

Maps, driving directions, additional images and more available on the complete listing for Miracle Hot Springs.