Friends To Help Scenic Hot Springs's topics - tribe.net

current status of Scenic?

spam — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 20:42:36 GMT

I haven't been up to scenic for a few years; since before the sale happened. However, as the winter turns to spring, I'm getting the call to return again. So I have a couple of questions:

What is the current access policy? Can/Do people just head up in there to soak for the day?

What are the current conditions of the trail? Is it accessible or still more or less blocked to non-snowshoers?

When are work parties scheduled?

posted in Friends To Help Scenic Hot Springs - 1 reply

Hot Springs From Seattle

ericblair — Sun, 31 Dec 2006 05:13:41 GMT

Does anyone know of the closest hot spring from Seattle that would be open tomorrow? Thanks

Eric

posted in Friends To Help Scenic Hot Springs - 3 replies

Scenic Clean Up Party Oct 27th, 2007

banged_up_shins — Sun, 07 Oct 2007 08:58:06 GMT

Participate in a Clean Up and Get to Soak at Scenic

When: October 27th, 2007 at 9-10am

Where: FS850 (Scenic Access Road) at gate (confirmed volunteers will get detailed directions)

What: Erosion control; trash cleanup, etc

The snow's not far behind us and this is our last chance to join with Mike to clean-up the springs area in preparation for the winter season. We need to do a substantial bit of winter erosion control and cleanup.

Dress for the weather and be prepared to get dirty. It's hard to predict where the snow will be so dress in layers; have good, sturdy boots; and work gloves. We have need of shovels and picks for some of the work.

We will try to meet at the gate and drive further in . . . but those plans are dependent on weather. It's important that those who can (or plan to) participate RSVP so we can keep you updated on where to meet up. RSVPs can be made to me at bangedupshins AT gmail DOT com

The work party will be clothed but the soak afterward will be an enjoyable soak au' natural in the hot springs Monster Tub with pure natural hot springs water at 110 degs F while we enjoy perhaps some snow flakes drifting down on the valleys and mountainsides around us. Plus, those who participate in more than one cleanup get credit and consideration for permission to visit again (legally) . . . while we are in the 'realization' stages of bringing Scenic Hot Springs back to the public.

posted in Friends To Help Scenic Hot Springs - 1 reply

Is Scenic still open?

CreamyGoodness — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 07:32:18 GMT

Hi everybody, long time Tribe member, just joined the group.

I am traveling to the Olympic Pennisula next week for a lttle hiking/camping.

First question, is Scenic still open, and if so, would a Toyota Corolla get me close enough to hike to it?

Second, I am probably gonna be spending some time on the Hoh River Trail, and at Enchanted Valley. Does anyone know of hot springs around those sites, or of a site (outside of soak.net), that will give me my hot spring fix? Preferrably without GPS coordinates because mine is broken, but I could always figure out how to get there beforehand if thats all you got.

Thanks!
Steve

posted in Friends To Help Scenic Hot Springs - 2 replies

Clean Up Party is Scheduled for Sat, Sept 9th

banged_up_shins — Tue, 29 Aug 2006 21:15:16 GMT

While we still await decisions from the county in regards to slopes and stream restoration permits we have erosion control measures that need to be addressed prior to the coming Fall and Winter wet seasons. So, for all of you who wanted to participate in a clean up event, this is your opportunity as there are few that can be scheduled while we still in permit-limbo.

This clean up party is to deal with some of the erosion problems in the BPA clearcut area and involves a fun time working together with others who love these springs. Two main goals: 1) Make sure the culverts on the upper road are clear and that drainage will be unimpeded, and, 2) Do some diversion work on the slopes below the upper BPA road.

The slopes are steep so I do ask all participants to wear appropriate clothing (especially sturdy boots). Bring your favorite pair of work gloves and if you have trenching tools like picks or mattocks and narrow blade shovels, bring them along.

We will meet at the gate at 9am and then proceed on up to the clear cut area where there will be parking for most vehicles. 4x4s may proceed further up with our tools and equipment. After the day's labor . . . well, it's soak time and food.

Please RSPV directly back to me if you intend to participate. Let's also try to arrange carpooling to limit the number of vehicles.

Rick

posted in Friends To Help Scenic Hot Springs - 5 replies

New friend?

Tue, 08 Aug 2006 01:14:42 GMT

Hey, I just found this "Tribe" and I have been searching all I could think of for more information on Scenic. Though my wife and I haven't (and have NO intention of going uninvited!) been there, we would sure like to! How can I get on the notice list to HELP out??
I think I saw that you had a work party today (I found it late and had to work today anyway :(
When might the next one be??

posted in Friends To Help Scenic Hot Springs - 7 replies

lookin' for a soak...

tyler — Fri, 04 Aug 2006 02:52:27 GMT

ok, i have stayed away from the springs for 7 months now, so as not to get me or anyone else in trouble, but i really want to see what has happened there and what is currently going on. if i venture up there, am i going to get arrested? hassled? or worse yet, BANNED??? i want to help, doing clean up, construction, riff-raff control, anything and everything. i was a scenic veteran, and returned from 9 years in alaska sort-of-recently. one of the first things i wanted to do upon my return was go up to scenic- luckily i did a search on the internet first and learned of the atrocities that have transpired in my absence. but i really want to go up there... can i get permission? a chaperone? a blind eye?? thanks anybody........Tyler

posted in Friends To Help Scenic Hot Springs - 3 replies

Mike could use a few helping hands this week and into next . . .

banged_up_shins — Tue, 27 Jun 2006 03:43:26 GMT

Hi folks. This is Rick and I want to thank everyone who helped out
during the last cleanup effort.

Mike is at the springs now attempting to clean up the brush and burn
it before a fire burn goes into effect anyday now. He sure could use
help up there . . . an hour, a couple of hours, whatever. This is not
an organized effort by any stretch . . . if you have some free time
and want to visit the springs, drop on by . . . hike up and find Mike
. . . give him a hand getting this stuff cleared out.

The problem is that when the contractors do the trail improvement thy
will just push old trees and brush over the side and that makes for an
ugly mess months later. Mike is attempting to clear all the brush and
trees in the trail route and burning them before machinery does their
thing.

Here's a chance for the old hands as well as new folks. Got a friend
who has wanted to visit the hot springs but missed a cleanup event?
Just tell them to show up practically any day this week and weekend .
. . mention to Mike that they are there to help as advertised. They
enjoy the soak afterward.

Please RSVP me at bangedupshins@gmail.com if you intent to help so I can keep the record straight
for Mike.

posted in Friends To Help Scenic Hot Springs - 0 replies

back in WA and i want to help

tyler — Thu, 08 Jun 2006 07:32:50 GMT

hello all Friends of Scenic Hot Springs! my name is Tyler, and i grew up here in WA, in Arlington, although i spent many many hours at Stevens Pass back in the late 80's and early 90's snowboarding. that was when i first went to Scenic, back in the days of the Lobster Pot and the big pool, what seemed like acres of beautiful decking, and not another soul there ever. i moved to Alaska in 1996, but came for a visit in 1999, and spent my birthday at Scenic, my girlfriend and i, and a billion stars, and nobody else. one of the most amazing and magical nights of my entire existence.
i just relocated back to WA recently, and one of my first orders of business was to go to Scenic. imagine my horror when i googled it and found the blogspot and saw photos of the TOTAL DESTRUCTION of one of the most beautiful, and personally special, places on this planet. i honestly had tears in my eyes while i was scrolling down the screen. it seems like such a waste, a travesty, an injustice. but i have now found this tribe of people who may have had a special place in their heart for this extraordinary spot and want to do something to help right this wrong. i have been working construction for nearly 22 years of my life, and i spend a great deal of my time in Sultan, where my girlfriend lives (not the same girlfriend as in 1999), and i want to help, in any way i can- volunteering, building, hauling, cooking, cleaning, campfire stories, stargazing- you name it and i want to do it. whatever little bit i can do to repay Scenic for the great times, the long soaks after a day on the hill, and the priceless memories i will always have. i appreciate all you people have done, and all we can do in the future to restore Scenic back to it's former exquisite glory. thanks everyone...

posted in Friends To Help Scenic Hot Springs - 1 reply

Returning to Scenic

Nakedgourmet — Sat, 13 May 2006 14:50:15 GMT

Dear Friends i have been out of touch for some time now.
A very hard, dark, cold winter has taken hold of my spirit.
Now with alot of help i am getting it back, ready to take part again
And god how i need a soak.
May 27th is the next work party i would take part in this work party in a big way.
Please if you can, spend the day with us cleaning up the mountain side.
Removing debris from the old Scenic pools & decks.
Please have lunch with us.
Would be camping out that weekend just off the Old Iron Goat Trail old road Hwy #2. driving my Chev. 93 dark blue high top van with BRC on the back & front of it.
if you would like to meet up friday afternoon on the river side of the road.
Hope to see my friends once again.
NG

posted in Friends To Help Scenic Hot Springs - 10 replies

Mike . . .

banged_up_shins — Thu, 27 Apr 2006 07:49:02 GMT

. . . will be down at Scenic this coming Saturday.

Monday, May 8th, DDES will be doing a site survey of the wetlands on the property. Do not plan on visiting for a soak that day.

Rick

posted in Friends To Help Scenic Hot Springs - 7 replies

Has anyone been up this week?

banged_up_shins — Tue, 18 Apr 2006 20:45:26 GMT

New batch of snow and I'm wondering what the effect has been. Hope to find time to get up there later this week but really needing to know current conditions for Mike.

Rick

posted in Friends To Help Scenic Hot Springs - 2 replies

Dislike Ice Berms?

banged_up_shins — Sat, 25 Mar 2006 06:47:33 GMT

sooooooooooooooo . . . I was thinking (dang, the hurts) . . . anyone have the urge to head up there and demolish the three-foot ice berm the snow plows left piled up across the access road?

posted in Friends To Help Scenic Hot Springs - 14 replies

Scenic and Sasquatch

kimba — Mon, 20 Mar 2006 16:51:14 GMT

I'm wondering if there have ever been Sasquatch sightings up at Scenic?

posted in Friends To Help Scenic Hot Springs - 4 replies

Trip Report 2.27.06

RyanT — Wed, 01 Mar 2006 18:13:13 GMT

I visited the springs this last Monday the 27th. The day started out partly cloudy with a little drizzle, and ended with increasing rain. The snow is pretty deep in places and required considerable effort to get to the top. I think going up it took us a total of 2 hours and 15 minutes. There were many times that we stepped into "soft" snow and sank to our thigh, which was an eerie feeling. We spent a couple hours at the top, and took a bunch of trash out with us. I was pretty frustrated at seeing some of the trash that was there. I won't go into details on the public forum, but suffice to say whoever did it is lucky I didn't catch them at it. Looking at the parking lot, road shoulder and trail, it appeared that noone had been there for at least 2 days. The human tracks that were on the trail were melted in and crusted over.

As we started to come down the trail around 4:15, it started raining a bit. Amazingly as we were coming down an 1/8th mile from the top of the springs, we passed a couple that was just going up! To say the least they were shocked to see us. Considering they were going up to the top at that time, they were not dressed for the conditions. The girl had on tennis style shoes with jeans/sweats, hat and a light jacket and no pack. They guy had on a bit heavier jacket with a small back pack. She looked at us, saw our snowshoes and said "Are THOSE snowshoes?" I indicated yes they were and asked if she came all the ways to the top dressed like that. She indicated she had, which was shocking considering the conditions. Considering the falling darkness, lack of total winter clothing, no obvious pack for winter conditions and the naivety of their endeavour I was quite frustrated. I didn't see their vehicle on the way out and got no license plate. If that were to happen to any of you given those circumstances what would you do/say? Would it have been appropriate to demand they turn back around? I know that by the time we got back to our vehicle, we were very wet and glad to change out of our clothes.

I took a digital thermometer to measure pool temps. They colder of the 2 was 98.7, and the warmer was 101.6. At the source coming out of the warmer tube it was above 109 and my thermometer maxed out.

I've attached some pics of our trip. I'll get more uploaded when I get a photo CD made of the trip.

posted in Friends To Help Scenic Hot Springs - 14 replies

And Now For Some Good News . . .

banged_up_shins — Thu, 02 Mar 2006 04:06:13 GMT

Without going into any detail of the negotiations with King County Health, it looks like they are going to capitualate on the chlorination requirement. At a meeting today in Seattle, they went out of their way to suggest approaches that would not trigger the requirements of the Water Recreation Act . . . and suggested that if we took one of several suggested approaches, County and State Health would not be involved at all (i.e. no permit required . . . no chlorination required).

We're not out of the woods yet . . . the suggestions take the onus off the shoulders of Health and put them squarely on DDES (Development and Environmental Services). But it is a positive step.

Rick

posted in Friends To Help Scenic Hot Springs - 9 replies

Deletion of 'Inappropriate Behavior' topic

banged_up_shins — Tue, 21 Feb 2006 02:27:06 GMT

Good discussion but I felt this topic was going in directions it shouldn't go, so since I started it, I've decided to delete the topic having, I believe, gotten a point across to those who love and would understand.

I would like to suggest setting up a private forum with vetted members . . . those we know who would work (thru words, thoughts and such) to getting Scenic up again. Any ideas, anyone. I'd love Robert to take a lead here but I haven't heard from him in some time. I'll give him a call tonight.

Anyway, just musings . . .

Rick

posted in Friends To Help Scenic Hot Springs - 3 replies

What's everyone doing

Tue, 07 Feb 2006 05:05:24 GMT

because we're not doing Scenic: re winter conditions...? Just curious...

posted in Friends To Help Scenic Hot Springs - 5 replies

SNOW SHOEING UP THIS WEEKEND

kimba — Thu, 26 Jan 2006 17:20:26 GMT

We are thinking about snow shoeing up this weekend. Has anyone been lately? We last went NYE..... I'm sure there is a burm now....

posted in Friends To Help Scenic Hot Springs - 8 replies

Cant remember exactly where to park???

Rich — Fri, 13 Jan 2006 20:48:10 GMT

Can somebody give me specific directions to the beginning of the trailhead? It has been several years
THANKS!!!

posted in Friends To Help Scenic Hot Springs - 0 replies

new years at scenic

kimba — Mon, 02 Jan 2006 05:05:23 GMT

Spent a wonderous NYE up at Scenic. Had a great time. Snow shoed up although you could just hike - just makes you slip less......

posted in Friends To Help Scenic Hot Springs - 2 replies

Scenic Help???

Rich — Fri, 30 Dec 2005 21:56:12 GMT

Just moved back to Seattle and would love to revisit. Who do I need to contact for permission for myself and my wife???
Thanks!!

posted in Friends To Help Scenic Hot Springs - 0 replies

snow shoeing to the springs

kimba — Sat, 24 Dec 2005 02:07:39 GMT

We are thinking about snow shoeing up to the springs on Sunday. has anyone been up lately???

posted in Friends To Help Scenic Hot Springs - 3 replies

Trail to the springs

Fred — Mon, 31 Oct 2005 19:50:25 GMT

The trail looks great and I appeciate all the hard work. "The day-job" got in the way again and I wasn't available to partake of the effort. Maybe when the work schedual changes I'll get week-ends off. Yes, The Springs are a special place and needs to be taken care of and respectected. Thanks to the owner and his concern. It is good to know that there are responsible people in this world. Fred

posted in Friends To Help Scenic Hot Springs - 5 replies

Thank you!

Nakedgourmet — Thu, 27 Oct 2005 05:33:22 GMT

Hey i just got an e-mail from Mike thanking all that came up to help clean the trail
We did alot that day!!!
Thank you all for your part to bring Scenic hot springs back!
Those that know me, knows how much i love that place.
So from my heart i say THANK YOU!!!
NG
PS i added two photos of the trail as it is now.)"(

posted in Friends To Help Scenic Hot Springs - 3 replies

Thank you my friends!!

Nakedgourmet — Mon, 17 Oct 2005 23:34:56 GMT

We had 23 people up at Scenic helping with the clean up.
What a very sweet day it was, Thank you for all the hard work and great spirit! it was fun! NG

posted in Friends To Help Scenic Hot Springs - 1 reply

Scenic Hot Springs Clean Up on Oct 15th

banged_up_shins — Sun, 02 Oct 2005 21:50:32 GMT

Scenic Hot Springs Work Party

There will be a Scenic Hot Springs Work Party on October the 15th for those who wish to attend. In general, we are looking at clearing some more brush from the trails and in the area just west of the present pool. We would also like to do some proactive clearing of culverts on the BPA road and, if possible, installation of water bars on the trail to control erosion that spring snowmelt and rains will likely bring.

This is a volunteer effort with the knowledge and blessings of Mike, the owner, who will also be present. We will meet at the gate on FS 850 at 9-9:30AM and for those vehicles capable, proceed on up to the BPA clearcut area to park. A limited number of high-clearance, 4WD vehicles will be able to drive all the way to the trailhead but parking is limited up there.

After the work party we will, of course, head up to the springs to enjoy a much-earned soak . . . and if we are lucky, a gourmet meal from Robert (NG).

Note that cold, wet weather is here and snow is not far behind. Dress appropriately. I recommend:

* A complete set of dry clothes in your car should you get soaked.
* Wear lightweight thermals if appropriate. The weather can turn cold very fast up there.
* Avoid cotton jeans . . . if they get wet they will not dry and will sap the heat right out of you body. Cotton Kills. Wear a water resistant outer shell (rain suit) and dress in layers so that you can remove or add as appropriate.
* Sturdy, water-resistant work boots or hiking boots with two pairs of socks (the inner preferably a polypro wicking pair). Lightweight hiking shoes or sneakers are inappropriate on the wet and oftern muddy slopes. Keep your feet warm.
* A good pair of work gloves to protect your hands. This is wet weather so I also recommend you tuck a small towel in your waistband to dry you hands; and that you carry another pair of gloves to warm your hands.
* Carry extra socks, a wool sweater and a few other comfort items in a knapsack. I stuff a trash bag as well to protect the knapsack from the elements.
* A towel for after enjoying the hot springs.
* Water

Rick (aka Banged_up_shins)

posted in Friends To Help Scenic Hot Springs - 4 replies

Scenic Clean-up party

banged_up_shins — Wed, 13 Jul 2005 06:54:05 GMT

For those that are interested and wanted to help out at Scenic, there is a work party being scheduled for July 23rd (Saturday). We plan to meet at the FS Road gate at 9:30 AM and do some brush and timber clearing. If we can convince The Naked Gourmet, we will have a great spread of food and then afterward spend some time soaking in the springs.

Bring work gloves. We should have all the tools we need. Let all your friends know as well . . . this is a good opportunity to introduce them to Scenic Hot Springs and get an idea from the owner of the property as to his ideas to re-open the springs to the public legally once more.

Plus, its a chance for us to help UNDO all the damage years and years of disrespect have done to the area.

Let Robert (the Naked Gourmet) know directly and please CC me at scenichotsprings@yahoo.com if you plan to . . . or can make it.

Rick

posted in Friends To Help Scenic Hot Springs - 2 replies

Epitaph for Scenic (Poem) A true story

bear — Sun, 03 Jul 2005 14:35:57 GMT

I was cleaning out my office the other day and came across this. I wrote it in 2001 before the raid at Scenic. It was written on a day I was alone at the springs and the wind was howling almost as if crying.

I heard the wind crying today,
It made a sound that won't soon fade away.
It cried for a Hot Spring that always should have been,
able to be used by our childern and grandchildern again and again.
It cried for the people who will never see this place of such beauty with it's water running free.
It cried for the people who have came here for years, now the only water to flow is their tears.
It cried for the couples who would have met, under a canopy of stars they would never forget.
It cried for the babies who would have been conceived, from the love shared by these couples, now never to be.
It cried for a place now taken away, joining the long list of others someone else saw fault in and decided to close and take away, tearing a piece of the heart of thousands out along the way.
Shut down and closed by the same goverment we pay, thru our taxes each and every day.
They didn't know, they didn't care, the joy this place gave us is something WE share.
The think they won, but we've only just begun.
Scenic will rise like the new born sun. A new day will dawn at Scenic and again we'll all be as one.

Written by Bear 2001

posted in Friends To Help Scenic Hot Springs - 2 replies

Scenic and County Negotiations

banged_up_shins — Fri, 17 Jun 2005 05:38:15 GMT

Guess I've been remiss is keeping people updated on Scenic so I'll try my best to give you what I have to date.

Mike's idea for Scenic has been well described earlier so I'll briefly touch on it.

At the time Mike bought the property, one soaking pool remained in place from the sheriffs department destruction of 2003. That is the Monster Tub up at the original upper springs location. When Mike purchased the property he also inherited the original Code Enforcement Action requiring the owners to remove the illegal construction and materials on the mountainside. That includes this tub and probably thousands of pounds of construction material squirrelled away in the trees nearby.

That tub is still there and in use, being maintained by a couple of unofficial volunteers who change out the tarp occasionally and clean the pool. The soak is still a marvelous one with this large tub being segregated into two to accept different temperatures from the four springs sources up there. One is scalding hot from the Lobster Springs, the other really comfortable from Bear Den springs. The water is as clear and silky as it ever was.

Mike Sato has held off tearing this tub down as he likes to soak as well and enjoys others at the springs. He has said more than once that the tub will not come down until he has replacements in use. The county isn't pushing the issue right now . . . concentrating, instead, on his proposals.

The original plan was to develop natural rock pools in the lower NW corner of the property . . . a reasonably gentle sloping area below the BPA corridor that would accommodate a secured parking area as well. That was to be Phase I. Phase ii would have been putting in rock pools at a higher location for the more adventurous soaker . . . these pools to be clothing optional.

This plan was quashed last week when the county (with FS reps) objected to the meandering nature of the streams in the lower area and said 'no pools down here'.

Since then, we have been looking at the original upper springs area again, with input from a geotech engineer who believes that it may be possible to reinforce the slope enough to put in pools either at the original location . . . or approximately 150 ft to the west along the access trail where slopes are more gentle.

In all considerations, the plans have to address toilet facilities, changing rooms, shower facilities and some sort of options for clothed versus clothing optional. These are not much up for negotiation . . . the county insists on them. Mike is committed to providing for clothing-optional and that is always part of his plans. However, textile-impair-eds' have to be addressed also. So there will be several soaking areas.

The designs of the pools are local, natural rock. Mike will strive to keep them appearing natural and as if they belong there. However, he must address the sanitation aspect, and that is an area we are running into brickwalls.

The applicable state regulation (sorry, don't have the number on me right now) is the Water Recreation Act; and the regulation does not give much room for wiggle. We have been to two formal Health Department meetings (the most recent this afternoon) and been rebuffed for our proposals to keep it natural. The act of moving boulders around to create a soaking pool makes the pool artificial by their definition, and thus it comes under the swimming pool rules . . . which means chlorination and safety barriers. There is no recognition or exemption for flow-through natural hot springs (as there are in Alaska and Montana). They are artificial pools subject to the chlorination requirements.

The quality of the water is not even an issue . . . though we addressed protecting the spring sources and such. The issue becomes one of the soakers sharing the pool and shedding harmful germs from their own bodies that might infect other soakers.

We tried to address this with restrictions on who can soak and the flow-through nature of the pools where the water is completely changed every couple of hours. However, this scenario does not exist in the minds of the Health Department. It is a swimming pool and requires RESIDUAL DISINFECTION in the waters, themselves, to kill off harmful organisms before they infect a nearby soaker.

At the last meeting I pointed out that Cryptosporium (Crypto to the backpackers) is not rendered noninfectious by normal pool levels of chlorine in a reasonable amount of time. In a swimming pool or spa, where the water is constantly recirculated, chlorine will inactivate crypto in 8 to 10 hours . . . but meanwhile anyone in the pool is at risk.

By contrast, in a flow-through pool, such as Mike envisions, that same resistant pathogen is flushed long ago down the side of the mountain. It just doesn't stay in the pool that long. You are actually at more risk in a swimming pool than in a natural hot spring pool . . . because the recirculating water keeps the crypto around.

Additionally, hot spring soakers traditionally do not dive or dunk their heads under water . . . nor swallow the water . . . the transmission route for every one of the identified harmful organism Health is concerned about.

Our position is that a properly designed flow-through pool can be made safe within the intent of the regulation and that chlorine or bromine treatment in ineffectual as it does not have enough time to inactivate the bad bugs. However, we are still butting heads. The lawyer says a variance is possible but unlikely . . . so I work on a HACCP plan just in case they accept our arguments.

Meanwhile, an acclaimed pool designer has come on board and is of the opinion that he can sway requirements with the use of an ozone generator. We are looking into that but ozone require electricity . . . and that means generators . . . certainly not someone I want to hear in the tranquility of a soak.

Your opinion does count. The survey responses were presented to Health and ruminated over. I do apologize for the poor design of the survey but it was a rush job. But it helped to define to the county just what expectations were . . . and just how vocal some respondents could get.

Our biggest problem is working around the sanitation issues and personally I could use all the help I could get. This is not my area of expertise, though I am learning. Nor do I have much patience when I have to deal with a Mutt and Jeff routine at these meetings.

Mike has good ideas and can make Scenic really beautiful . . . and seemingly as rustic as it ever was. That he is going to charge is acceptable to many if it keeps the place open and clean . . . and provides safe parking. I don't begrudge him that.

Rick

posted in Friends To Help Scenic Hot Springs - 12 replies

New post on the Scenic Hot Springs Blog

banged_up_shins — Mon, 23 May 2005 06:30:06 GMT

General happenings and information; a few plan schematics, piping from the 1900s Scenic Hotel.

Later this week I'll be posting and detailed outlay of the development plan along with the problems being encountered at the state and county-level in trying to bring Scenic back to the public.

http://scenichotsprings.blogspot.com/

Rick

posted in Friends To Help Scenic Hot Springs - 0 replies

Naturist Action Committee Action Alert for Washington State

banged_up_shins — Tue, 01 Feb 2005 11:34:26 GMT

**********************************************************************
NATURIST ACTION COMMITTEE
ACTION ALERT
**********************************************************************
http://www.naturistsociety.com/NAC/
**********************************************************************

DATE : January 30, 2005
SUBJECT: Washington State
TO : Washington naturists and other concerned Washington residents

Dear Washington Resident,

The Naturist Action Committee is asking you to take immediate action on
Washington House Bill 1333, legislation that proposes a significant
change to the state's indecent exposure statute. Current law calls for a
second conviction under the state's indecent exposure law to be punished
as a felony. HB 1333 would amend the law so that convictions under
municipal indecent exposure ordinances would count toward felony status.
State or municipal convictions from courts outside the state of
Washington would be counted, as well.

The measure was introduced by Rep. Al O'Brien (D-Mountlake Terrace).

BACKGROUND

Briefly, police in the city of Everett consider the state's current
indecent exposure law to have a loophole because it does not include
convictions under local ordinances in the ratcheting of punishment. The
bill was introduced on behalf of the Everett police and city government,
who have a lobbyist pushing hard to get the bill passed into law.

House Bill 1333 is similar to a bill (HB 2645)introduced by Rep. O'Brien
in the 2004 legislative session. As part of its vigorous opposition to
that bill, NAC hired a legislative lobbyist and presented testimony
before the legislative committee considering the bill. NAC issued Action
Alerts calling for a letter writing and telephone campaign that put
citizens in touch with Washington lawmakers. The gratifying response -
YOUR response - was a key component in assuring that the 2004 bill did
not pass. NAC thanks you for your important part in that victory!

WHAT IS NAC DOING THIS TIME?

The Naturist Action Committee opposes House Bill 1333. NAC has once again
hired a professional legislative lobbyist and is working with state
lawmakers. NAC will be testifying against HB 1333 at a public hearing at
the state capitol on February 3.

NAC IS ASKING YOU TO TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION!

The Naturist Action Committee is asking naturists and other concerned
individuals who are residents of the state of Washington to write or call
the members of the House of Representatives. Those who live outside
Washington are asked NOT to contact Washington lawmakers during this
initial period. If it becomes necessary, you will be asked to weigh in at
a later stage of the legislation..

WRITE OR CALL

For a full list of members of the House of Representatives and hints on
what to say when you contact them, please go to the web site of the
Naturist Action Committee:

http://www.naturistsociety.com/NAC/

Select "Alerts," then click on "View Current," to select and view this
NAC Action Alert. The Action Alert includes links to a list of Washington
lawmakers on the Rules Committee. It also has links that will allow you
to view the text of the existing Washington law and the complete text of
House Bill 1333..

ATTEND THE HEARING

House Bill 1333 is one of 6 bills scheduled to be heard by a legislative
committee at 8:00 a.m. on February 3, 2005.

House Criminal Justice & Corrections Committee
House Hearing Rm E
John L. O'Brien Building
Olympia, WA

The appropriate number of speakers is small. NAC has those bases covered,
and no other speakers are needed at this time. However, your presence in
the hearing room will lend a great deal of support to the effort. If
you're able to attend, please be at the hearing room a few minutes early.

PLEASE HELP NAC HELP WASHINGTON NATURISTS!

The Naturist Action Committee exists to advance and protect the rights of
naturists throughout North America. Because we don't have a membership
roster on which to assess dues, NAC relies on the voluntary generosity of
its supporters.

To donate to NAC, use the address below, or call toll free (800) 886-7230
to donate by phone using your MasterCard or Visa.

NAC
PO Box 132
Oshkosh, WI 54903

Thank you for choosing to make a difference!

Naturally,

Mark Storey
Board Member
Naturist Action Committee

---------------------------------------------------------------
Naturist Action Committee (NAC) - PO Box 132, Oshkosh, WI 54903
Executive Dir. Bob Morton - <ctnudists@aol.com>
Board Member Mark Storey - <storey98@aol.com>
Online Rep. Dennis Kirkpatrick - <naturist@sunclad.com>

posted in Friends To Help Scenic Hot Springs - 2 replies

RFP: Construction Skills?

banged_up_shins — Mon, 07 Feb 2005 09:48:46 GMT

We are approaching phases that will require the design and building of small structures such as changing rooms and a few shed-sized structures up at Scenic. If you have the skills, this may be an opportunity for you to both contribute to the re-opening of Scenic and getting a piece of the contracting.

Can you build natural wood structures? Do you have ideas for ascetically-pleasing structures that fit into the natural surroundings? This is still a few months off into the spring . . . still quarreling with state and county for permits yet, but heads-up. No guarantees . . . just an opportunity to get in the loop at this stage.

Other possibilities: excavation and grading for a parking lot, septic/composting facilities, civil engineer, trail/steps/footbridge/viewpoint construction, piping (distance) over terrain, security equipment. Approaches we haven't thought of . . .

This is also your opportunity to suggest ideas for Scenic Hot Springs that can be put to the owner as the plans are evolved. You are familiar with the area . . . what would you like to see up there . . . and how can Mike justify it? Picnic areas, hiking trails, the pools, of course.

Contact me directly so that I may offer suggestions to the owner as these phases are planned.

Rick

posted in Friends To Help Scenic Hot Springs - 5 replies

Update on Scenic

banged_up_shins — Sun, 23 Jan 2005 11:00:29 GMT

Well, there isn't much going on in this tribe so I thought I'd ramble just a little bit about what's happening at Scenic Hot Springs.

Mike Sato, the new owner of the property, is still jumping through the hoops of bureauacracy in order to get the permits to take the springs public and I have been accompanying him on almost a weekly basis in surveying the terrain of the property . . . charting the location of all the springs (we've discovered a dozen new sources of hot water so far) and figuring out how best to meet the needs of King County and the State with the least impact on the beauty and rustic-ness of the area.

It is winter and hiking the property is an exercise in misery. Wet and cold . . . but rewarding for me, personally. But then again, my major interest is in the geothermal science and processes of the area and this is a perfect, pristine laboratory for me. On top of that, I love to hike and rough it.

The one pool is still up there - divided down the center to make two pools fed from Lobster and the other springs. Temperature fluctuates. With all this rain and snowmelt, Lobster is running pretty cool which dampens any enthusiasm for taking a soak. The last time I measured Lobster it was running at a tepid 90 degs F. This has given rise to talk of having to provide for reheating or boosting the water during wintertime and now Mike has to consider pumps and propare heaters at the spring locations if he wishes to keep them open during the winter months. Mike assures me that is his desire.

Speaking of winter (and rain and such), this unseasonable weather has taken a toll on Scenic with lots of erosion and damage to the Forest Service road and the BPA Access road. To the credit of all those who labored to get those five water bars in place last fall, the actual trail up to the springs has faired well and is in excellent shape with little erosion. There are a few locations further up that beg the use of ice-cleats but all-in-all the trail is fine.

The BPA Access road is a different matter. A few weeks ago a significant slide buried the culvert that took Honeymoon Creek under the road, causing runoff to do a lot of damage to the road surface. BPA crews were in there later to repair the damage but the road surface remains in poor shape.

Emergency drainage measures were made in a lot of locations along the FS road to control all the water but these measures make access untenable except for high-clearance 4-wheel drives. I used to be able to make it up to the first BPA tower in my Civic (even in the snow). I won't attempt that now until we can get in there with a load of drainage rock to make the FS road drivable.

Access was impossible last Thursday until we hacked down the snow berm blocking FS850 at Hwy 2. The plows will probably pile it up again when (and if) we get anymore snow. The short drive up to the gate is trecherous . . . slippery as hell with thick snow half melted with a slick semi-melted layer of water and ice. If you're going to try it, 4wheel with the right tires (or chains). Mike ended up in a ditch just the other day and had to be pulled out.

We are looking for solutions to several problems. If you have ideas or expertise, speak up. Toilet systems: composting or septic . . . if septic, where can we put the septic field; structures (caretakers cabin, changing rooms, etc): designs, who to build them, where to site them; parking: this has become a real challenge . . . I spent most of my trips in the proposed lower parking area siting plans for parking and figuring out cut and fill requirements that don't trigger massive stabilization issues. It is a long and involved labor of love. It gets pretty bad when you can recognize where you are by the shape of tree branches.

George has been right up there with us in the rain and snow, sliding on our butts down slopes and sloshing through mud. And I do thank those individuals (specifically Sushi Bob and Rocky) who are looking out for the upper pool by cleaning it and keeping up the integrity of the liner. Visitors continue to trudge their way up to the springs in even the worst weather and that seems to make Mike pause in the middle of a measurement on the lower slopes, stare at the distant shapes on the upper road and crack a smile. He really wants people to enjoy the springs.

Springtime is coming. And a lot more work. The springs remain open to those who respect the place. Let's work together to help out in any way that will bring these springs florishing again.

Rick
(aka banged_up_shins)
scenichotsprings.blogspot.com

posted in Friends To Help Scenic Hot Springs - 2 replies

Leavenworth NEWS EVENT

Sat, 15 Jan 2005 15:48:36 GMT

The Seventh Annual Hazel Wolf Environmental Film Festival
March 17-20, 2005
at The Sleeping Lady Mountain Retreat,
Leavenworth, WA.

SEE http://www.hazelfilm.org/festival05.html

The seventh annual Hazel Wolf Environmental Film Festival returns to The Sleeping Lady Mountain Retreat on March 17-20th, 2005 to provide a weekend of activism, inspiration and entertainment for all those who are passionate about our environment and interested in environmental films. Filmmakers, environmental activists, educators, scientists, students and concerned citizens come together for four days of films, workshops, expert panel discussions, all focusing on new issues and ideas about our culture and environment.

Over FORTY FILMS will be screened throughout the weekend. A YOUTH PROGRAM will feature the latest environmental films created for and by youth. Over a dozen WORKSHOPS are designed to help filmmakers, educators and organizations collaborate to improve the quality and effective use of environmental media. Educators can explore ways to introduce teaching video production skills in the classroom. Filmmakers participate in workshops on creating, funding and broadcasting environmental media and special screenings and programs related to film and the environment.

Themes for the 2005 festival include "Wildlife", "Sustainable Living" and "Climate Change."

posted in Friends To Help Scenic Hot Springs - 0 replies

Merry Christmas to all

banged_up_shins — Fri, 24 Dec 2004 06:50:34 GMT

. . . the lovers of Scenic Hot Springs

Rick (aka banged_up_shins)

posted in Friends To Help Scenic Hot Springs - 3 replies

Awfully Quiet in here . . .

banged_up_shins — Wed, 08 Dec 2004 08:25:50 GMT

Everyone hiding from the snow?

posted in Friends To Help Scenic Hot Springs - 12 replies

why no camping?

spam — Tue, 16 Nov 2004 02:48:24 GMT

I hope this isn't a FAQ.

I've been just a casual user of Scenic over the past few years, having made the trek perhaps a dozen times since I first learned of it. I always wanted to become involved in the community so I could give back, but I could never find contact information. So hey, I'm glad to have found this tribe.

Anyway, I understand that there's a no camping rule there now. I respect that, but I am curious why. I've never camped there, but there's a number of beautiful spots and have longed to camp overnight there.

So, what is the rationale?

Thanks,

-mike

posted in Friends To Help Scenic Hot Springs - 8 replies

Scenic Work Party was a success

banged_up_shins — Sun, 07 Nov 2004 08:51:04 GMT

Sometimes you just have to get aboard to protect what you like. I read the previous topic on Announcing the Work Party and some business mumbo-jumbo about project management and tit-for-tat. I think NG has it absolutely right. You get a feeling about a person who goes out of his way to meet the people who share his dreams about revitalizing Scenic Hot Springs. Mike, the new owner, has his complement of lawyers, consultants, experts and professionals as any good businessman should. Yet Mike goes out of his way to ask those who have experienced the special nature of the springs about what to do . . . often at odds with the advice of his consultants.

I remember one conversation we had when Mike was relating about how his lawyer . . . a technically-competent lawyer . . . just did not get what he was trying to accomplish at Scenic. If Mike had never befriended the previous-cadre of Scenic soakers would Mike have gone ahead with his consultants advice for a 'steel-concrete-and plastic monstrosity of a resort? That is what his consultant could not understand . . . why would Mike give up the easy money for the much harder task of giving us something truly beautiful and spiritual. As Mike said . . . he just doesn't get it!

Well, I do . . . and so do many others. Some things in life are just not slated to be the subject of Business Economics 101. I have known Mike for some time now and one thing I do understand is his love for natural hot springs in the Japanese-tradition of rock pool onsens. He is an artist with rock and water and like an artist you sometimes do things differently than in the business world. No doubt that this is, or will be a business. He must recoup his costs somehow and he must be able to pay for caretakers. But within those bounds Mike creates.

That is who Mike is. I met him because of comments I made about behavior at a hot springs and we got to talking. Mike has gone out of his way to listen to what others say but I do not ever remember him asking that we volunteer to help out on the small things while major hurtles were being negotiated. I volunteered without any expectation of recompense because I believe in his concept. And if I never get a single special privilege for helping that is perfectly fine by me because I will always know that I helped bring about the re-emergence of Scenic Hot Springs. The more business astute may say that that does not make economic sense but who cares. This is not about business . . . this is about beauty.

That others make disagree and say 'where my cut?', you were not asked to volunteer by Mike. We volunteered our services. Those that said, let's OFFER our help stood up and helped. The reward was in pride and personal accomplishment. You have to make the decision on what counts in your life. Much like Mike, this is a hobby to me. Unlike Mike, I do not have to pay the bills to realize my hobby. He could have hired contractors to do the work . . . contractors would couldn't care in the least; or he could have accepted the offers to help out with the grunt work. Mike is not a wool suit, white-shirt type of owner . . . he was right in there with us doing all the dirty grunt work and listening to all the advice we gave him. If anything is invested at Scenic . . . it is our hearts and souls and there is no place in there for a pocketbook or tally sheet.

Rick (aka banged-up-shins)
scenichotsprings.blogspot.com

posted in Friends To Help Scenic Hot Springs - 6 replies

Vandalism at Scenic

banged_up_shins — Thu, 11 Nov 2004 06:29:37 GMT

It seems that some people just don't give a f**k and are going to ruin any chance that Scenic will open again in the foreseeable future.

Today, or more precisely sometime last night, some a**hole removed all the signs we had put up in accordance with the wishes of the sheriffs department. Those signs were carefully worded to protect the owners liability without being too rejecting of those headed up to the springs. Those signs cost a f**king lot of money (I know, I had them made), and now they are gone. Not simple over the side of the mountain, but gone!

Mike is upset. Mike is probably pissed and I wouldn't blame him. George is angry. I am in a killing mood (it's a good thing I don't own a gun). What does it take to get it through your minds that as long as vandalism and disrespect for Mike's property continues that at some point he will just shut everyone off and enforce the No Trespassing.

Why do couples come waltzing down the trail with a dog off-leash and believe that it is okay despite the prohibition against dogs because they had the damn dog tied up while they soaked? That to the owner within reading distance of the sign saying 'No Pets'. What is wrong with everyone? They didn't even bother to pick up the dog shit on the trail! I don't come into your house or property and behave like that.

What part of NO CAMPING doesn't make sense? Why is it everytime George goes up there, some idiot is either heading up or coming back down with tent and sleeping bag?

I said hello to the sheriff department deputy today at the gate. Good thing I had authority to be there cause they must be checking now.

For the irresponsible . . . get realistic. You want Scenic? The only way that is going to happen is to follow the rules and give Mike a chance to prove to the county that this can work without the public nuisance morass of the past. Scenic is on probation!

Rick (aka banged_up_shins)
scenichotsprings.blogspot.com

posted in Friends To Help Scenic Hot Springs - 6 replies

SOS we need your help!

Nakedgourmet — Thu, 04 Nov 2004 22:13:44 GMT

With winter coming upon us this would be the last work party of the year.
Please if you can help this saterday Nov 6 9AM start
Meet you at the gate.
What are we up to???
We need to place logs on the side of the new trail & to re_bar them in.
We have a chain saw but if anyone could be another it would help alot.
Get a hold of me at nakedgourmet@hotmail or 206 784-3762
Would be up saterday morning.
Need a ride? i am heading out of Seattle late night friday or early saterday. if you can lean a hand this would insure that we have a trail to come back to in the spring!
Thanks Robert NG

posted in Friends To Help Scenic Hot Springs - 1 reply

How is it going with the Springs

Ted — Fri, 29 Oct 2004 01:47:13 GMT

With Winter Coming I doubt there will be any work parties soon. Are you planning some for Early Spring?

I hope that the project is going well and that Scenic will be clothing optional for years to come.

posted in Friends To Help Scenic Hot Springs - 0 replies

Trail Conditions

Mike — Mon, 25 Oct 2004 11:37:24 GMT

Hi Tribe,
I was just wondering how the trail to the Springs is now that we have had some snow? Are the roads into the trail still open? Are the State Patrol still ticketing vehicles parked beside the highway? I'm really needing a soak and am planning on going up on Thursday if I can get an update from someone that has been up there recently.
Thanks,
Mike

posted in Friends To Help Scenic Hot Springs - 2 replies

Scenic work party

Nakedgourmet — Tue, 03 Aug 2004 04:21:10 GMT

If you are coming up to help with Scenic hot springs work party please bring gloves.
If you can bring rake, hummer, rope, trash bags
or just you!
We have alot of cleaning to do!
camp area is a mess.
The goal here is to restore as much of the land around the springs.
August 7th AM start (saterday)
Hope to see you! Naked gourmet

posted in Friends To Help Scenic Hot Springs - 4 replies

Scenic Preservation Association?

Thu, 16 Sep 2004 23:27:57 GMT

See http://www.wta.org/~wta/cgi-bin/wtaweb.pl?7+ds+SCENIC%20HOT%20SPRINGS+exact+trails+wta++all+3+on+browse

May 31, 2003 by Dick Morrill
Scenic Hot springs. - The Alpine Lakes
I'm on the board of the new Scenic Preservation Association, now a 501c(3) non-profit corporation. The springs are officially closed, and the SPA hopes to purchase, restore and manage the springs, within appropriate conservation guidelines - no obtrusive structures.

--------------

Does this association still exist? If yes, what are they doing to help out with the new business venture, if anything?

posted in Friends To Help Scenic Hot Springs - 0 replies

Meager Hot Springs picture

Adele — Sat, 11 Sep 2004 02:51:31 GMT

Whoa.. that is so weird.. the small version of the last picture posted looks like there's a monk scooping water out of the spring with a bowl...hmmmm.. maybe I need new glasses.

posted in Friends To Help Scenic Hot Springs - 0 replies

Back to Scenic this weekend!

Nakedgourmet — Thu, 12 Aug 2004 05:04:22 GMT

Thank you all, for all the great work!
Heading back to Scenic saterday,
the gate would be close.
Yet the hike would be fun!
More cleaning to do.
Come on up if you have the time!
Thanks

posted in Friends To Help Scenic Hot Springs - 0 replies

Thank you!!

Nakedgourmet — Wed, 11 Aug 2004 07:58:36 GMT

Thank you, To all the volunteers that showed up to help Scenic!
Alot was done that day & Mike the new owner was very happy with the job we did!
The great soak at the end of the day was great!
Thank you all,
i need to get a list so if you can help me out with names
that would help me out!
Getting old next time i would bring a pen & paper!
NG

posted in Friends To Help Scenic Hot Springs - 1 reply

Update?

Thu, 29 Jul 2004 02:59:13 GMT

Hi everyone! It's been a long time since I've been up to the beautiful Scenic springs. I hear they're destroyed.

I found an article the other day that says the springs will re-open sometime in 2004, as a commercial venture. Is this true? If so, who bought the springs and who is developing it?

Thanks,

Brian

posted in Friends To Help Scenic Hot Springs - 9 replies

is SPA still invovled?

John — Thu, 05 Aug 2004 22:31:00 GMT

Hey guys, just joined. I'm curious if Dale and SPA are still involved at Scenic? I also heard the temporary soaking tubs are gone. Is that just a vicious rumor? Thanks for any info.
naturally yours, John Brower
president SLUGS

posted in Friends To Help Scenic Hot Springs - 1 reply

Friends to help Scenic August 7th AM strat

Nakedgourmet — Wed, 04 Aug 2004 17:18:42 GMT

Please bring work gloves.
i am going to bring up lunch for all the volunteers.
And we do have one pool The big one for a soak.
The road in is now in good shape & the gate would be open to volunteers saterday morning.
Really hope you can lend a hand to such a wonderful place!
Robert NG

posted in Friends To Help Scenic Hot Springs - 0 replies