Water, in so many forms, and fire

The vapor caves . . .

Ah, the Yampah Vapor Caves!  It is one of those things that pretty much has to be experienced to be understood.

I mean, how many people jump at the chance to spend 90 minutes sweating like they’ve never sweated before in a dimly-lit cave with an air temperature of about 112 degrees enveloped by the natural geothermal vapors from 125 degree mineral water that is trickling, dripping, running through the grotto where you’re lounging on a marble bench?

My second time at the vapor caves - if I lived nearby, I would utilize it weekly.  I emerged feeling as if I had sweated out every toxin that ever considered being in my body, and my skin was silky smooth - a really rejuvenating experience!

Back to Iron Mountain . . .

. . . and its delightful small mineral water pools of varying temperatures, where we enjoyed conversations with several folks.  

One couple, especially, was delightful to talk with - fascinating to hear of people’s lives and families.  They were from Dallas/Fort Worth, in Colorado to attend a country music festival in which their grandson is playing fiddle and lead guitar.  It was fun to hear their adventures when their son has invited them to events that he works as a photo journalist, the most notable being a rattlesnake festival.

Still more water . . .

. . .  in yet another form:  Diane joined us for a boondock culminating at Rifle Falls State Park.  With no idea what to expect, we thoroughly enjoyed our drive up into the mountains through lush farm and ranch land, and were bowled over after our short hike to the falls!

Wow!  What an overwhelming sight as three cascades roared over the cliff, water running in a delightful clear stream through the profuse creekside vegetation.  Delightful refreshing spray cooled us as we neared the falls, with voices lost in the roar of the water’s force.

An absurd number of photos and videos later . . .

 

 

 

. . . we opted to climb the trail to the top of the cliff for a view, as the signage invited.  My mind went to distant views from the heights, but the reality was the sight of the water roaring over the edge of the cliff - very heady indeed, especially when we walked onto platforms jutting out over the abyss.

Our exertions required an ice cream treat, or so we unanimously decided, an indulgence we located back in the small town of Rifle.

Thus ended a lovely reunion and adventure, made a bit harrowing by witnessing three wildfires starting in three days, the last that brought smoke and devastation not far from our lodging, relieving us of any reluctance to depart.