Thursday, June 11, 2009
Thermopolis Hot Springs Trip
What a relaxing afternoon we had today. Roni, Leslie Stratmoen, Mark's wife, and I drove to Thermopolis to go soak in the hot springs. This was really fun because Leslie took us to some neat shops to go look for antiques. Our first stop was a group of antique shops. Next, we went to a café to get some shakes. I got a cake batter drink that was fabulous! They made it special for me by putting whipping cream and sprinkles on top. It was like an ice cream shake but not as thick. It was really, really good! Last but definately not least was the hot springs.
The hot springs have a long and interesting history. I was surprised to learn it is the only state park in Wyoming that doesn’t have an entrance fee. This is because the land was given to the government by the Shoshone Nation under one condition, that the park always be free for people to enjoy the pools. If the government doesn't follow this rule then the land reverts back to the Shoshoni Tribe and the state would lose this amazing site with all its buildings and water parks. I am told that when they were setting up the fees for parks in Wyoming, decades after recieving the land, legislatures had forgotten about this agreement with the Shoshone tribe. Right before establishing the fee for the Hot Springs State Park, Mark O. Harris, one of Ed’s current deputy coroners, one of Willie’s adopted sons, a previous Green River resident, a past Wyoming state representative and senator for Sweetwater County, and a really nice guy that ran the only 5th round in the sweat lodge that I’ve gone through and thought I wouldn’t make it, stood up and informed the Wyoming legislature that they couldn’t do this unless they wanted the land to revert to the Shoshoni Tribe. So today it remains free for everyone, unless you want to go to the water parks which do charge useage fees.
A picture of a rock that is located in the middle of town.
The hot springs have a long and interesting history. I was surprised to learn it is the only state park in Wyoming that doesn’t have an entrance fee. This is because the land was given to the government by the Shoshone Nation under one condition, that the park always be free for people to enjoy the pools. If the government doesn't follow this rule then the land reverts back to the Shoshoni Tribe and the state would lose this amazing site with all its buildings and water parks. I am told that when they were setting up the fees for parks in Wyoming, decades after recieving the land, legislatures had forgotten about this agreement with the Shoshone tribe. Right before establishing the fee for the Hot Springs State Park, Mark O. Harris, one of Ed’s current deputy coroners, one of Willie’s adopted sons, a previous Green River resident, a past Wyoming state representative and senator for Sweetwater County, and a really nice guy that ran the only 5th round in the sweat lodge that I’ve gone through and thought I wouldn’t make it, stood up and informed the Wyoming legislature that they couldn’t do this unless they wanted the land to revert to the Shoshoni Tribe. So today it remains free for everyone, unless you want to go to the water parks which do charge useage fees.
A picture of a rock that is located in the middle of town.
Now back to our relaxing day. The water was very nice and warm when we first got into the mineral pool and even more so when we got out. It was extremely relaxing and I learned that those living in Thermopolis gather in this pool daily to talk to their neighbors and chat with friends- it is the local hang out for the older residents. But, as always, the good trip had to come to an end and Roni and I had (and wanted) to return to Riverton to assist Ed in meeting with Devon Energy Services.That night we got back to Riverton (about 30 minutes late) to go to the Bull restaurant (one of the best restaurants in town) where Devon Energy Services was putting on a steak dinner for the county elected officials and their families. It was a very nice dinner and I met Stacie, a Devon representative that has kids playing on the Gillete traveling soccer team that knew of the Green River U-10 girls and how well they were playing that year. She was amazed at how intense the sport gets with the traveling team and we discussed how the families react at these games as being more supportive and competitive then she has seen before. Traveling soccer really is a different kind of way to play soccer – oh the memories. Roni and I didn’t know how hungry we were until we had finished the salad, prime rib, and potato without a problem. An excellent dinner and the perfect end to a relaxing day.
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