June 30, 2015, Tuesday, Glenwood Springs, CO
Day 61

Today was a rarity for us.  A spa day devoted to relaxation.  We arrived at the Glenwood Hot Springs Spa of the Rockies about 10 am. Got a locker, changed into bathing suits and hit the pools.   Two pools filled with the natural hot spring water.  The natural mineral water comes out of the spring at 122 degrees and has a daily flow of 3,500,000 gallons.  The “therapy pool” is 104 degrees, 100 feet long, 91,000 gallons and has some seats along the side that have Jacuzzi-like bubbles.  The “large pool” is 90-93 degrees, 405 feet long and 1,071,000 gallons.   We alternated between the pools until about noon.  After lunch at the Spa’s Grill, we headed to the spa area for our “treatment”.  This began with a steam room.  My attendant set it for 10 minutes.  At 120 degrees I lasted approximately 60 seconds.  After a minute outside, I tried again.  30 seconds later and I was having Vegas flashbacks with 100% humidity. Next was the “Signature Mineral Wellness Bath”.  I entered the dimly lit room with a large white bathtub and soft music.  My choice of Almond (and other fancy stuff) oil is added to the hot bath as is several scoops of mineral crystals. On went the bubbles and in I went.  At first I wondered how I was going to last 30 minutes as the water was quite hot. After a minute or so I started to really enjoy the bubble massage.  At the side was a washcloth in cold water which I plopped onto my head several times.  Also at the side was a glass of cold water with lemon.  When the time passed and the bubbles went off, I was sorry it had ended.  However, I was looking forward to the next stage.  Meeting up with Rosemary in the Serenity Room in our robes, we were served cold tea and a snack.  Next stage was the “Signature Foot Ritual”.  Turkish salts with essence of eucalyptus, basil and lavender massaged into our feet and lower legs.  A foot soak in Kerstin Florian FuB Balm rich in pine and rosemary while Neroli Water from the bitter orange was misted over our heads.  (Sorry folks, I can’t make this stuff up).  Next up was our 90 minute couples Swedish Massage.  Rosemary had masseur Mike, I had masseuse Lindsey.  The oil we selected was vanilla, blood orange and sweet almond. Rosemary claims to have fallen asleep for a few minutes.  If it had gone much longer, I think I may have also. Total relaxation. We managed to walk back to the serenity room where we were served hot tea and sat as we tried to wake up. Not being in any hurry, we stayed there until about 5:30.  Then long showers in the locker room with fancy shampoo, conditioner and body wash followed by lotions. We headed downtown for supper at Smoke Modern Barbeque.  A great deal for 2 included 4 meats and 2 sides.  Rosemary was a good sport eating only about a third of the meal.  I polished off the rest downing it with a Demshitz Brown Ale from Bonfire Brewing of Eagle, CO. After dinner, back to the pools for more relaxation and more showering. We made it back to the coach at almost 9:30 pm.  Twelve hours of utter joy.  Going to sleep well tonight.  Who knew relaxation could be so exhausting.

June 29, 2015, Monday, Glenwood Springs, CO
Day 60

Slept until after 9 am, much later than usual.  Must have been all that wine, or maybe it’s all that heat. Easy 80 mile drive to Ami’s Acres Camping in Glenwood Springs. High temp only 96, hooray! Our lot has a big tree that shades the middle of the coach which is exactly where the front a/c is located.  We leave the coach with both a/c’s running. Headed downtown to the visitor info.  Ran an errand to get Rosemary’s glasses repaired and a replacement for my sunglasses case lost on the shuttle bus at Zion NP. Then visited the Glenwood Caverns.   Although a smaller caverns than we have experienced in the past, we could not resist the temp in the 50's. Rosemary even wanted to go in spite of the aerial tram ride up the mountain to get there. Supper at JH Chen Asian Bistro was very good. Walked entire downtown, mostly rolled up sidewalks.  Headed back to the coach to find 2 functioning a/c’s and a temp of 71, aah! Should have brought a shovel so we could take that tree with us. Got duct tape. Upcoming Eisenhower tunnel may be problematic though.

June 28, 2015, Sunday, Clifton, CO (Grand Junction)
Day 59

Easy 110 mile drive to RV Ranch at Grand Junction in Clifton, CO, between Grand Junction and Palisade.  High temp down to 102 today.  I am now a firm believer in global warming. Lost front a/c again.  I think that unit is a goner when I get back home.  After lunch, we go winery hopping.  Palisade is Colorado’s wine country. Visited 4 wineries and had complimentary tastings.  Bought 4 bottles to restock my supply as I was down to my last bottle.  One unique purchase was a white cabernet at Colterris Winery, surprising good.  Supper in downtown Grand Junction at Il Bistro Italiano where I had mussels in a tomato, garlic, white wine sauce over linguini.  Delicious.  Wore 2 napkins to avoid spatters successfully.  Came in handy when the waiter spilled the cheese into my lap.  Rosemary had a salad and margherita pizza. Afterward, we walked the entire downtown and found the sidewalks rolled up.  Somewhat surprising for a town of 60,000. Guess the heat kept them away!