Hot Springs LTVA - West of Yuma

Steve Hunter - Campground Host

Hot Springs Long-term Visitor Area (LTVA) is about fifteen miles East of El Centro, California on interstate eight.

The springs are 75 feet behind two  concrete-block pit toilets that double as changing rooms. The water comes out of the ground at 118 degrees Fahrenheit (47.7 C), but is cooled to 103 (39.4 C) by management. There's a lawn-sprinkler like device for the kiddies and two cement tubs. The larger tub can hold half a dozen friends or four strangers. The smaller, cooler tub is a one-person or "intimates" deal. The rules ask you to shower before getting in.

But then there's the oasis!!! Immediately adjacent to the springs, it's 80 feet across, with reeds, palms swaying in the breeze and (Lucky Herrmann!) a lovely bathing beauty.

The springs are free. Swimsuits are required.

Across the street is the LTVA. Steve Hunter, the campground host, had spent the previous 30 years in the area and gave me a list of places to visit that'll keep me busy for a while.

The LTVA permit is good for eight different LTVAs in Arizona and California.

Bathing Beauty

$180.00 per season or $60.00/28 days or $40.00 for 14 days.

The Julian Grade

Longer Than Wide

Steve Hunter (camp host at Hot Springs Long-term Visitors Area - west of Yuma) said anyone travelling in these parts was missing something if they didn't go to Julian for apple pie.

It wasn't as if I *needed* any, so I rationalized with "It's my patriotic dooty."

I exited I-8 at Ocotillo where a banner advertised for help wanted in the windfarms...in case you need a job of work. (What other kinds of jobs *are*  there?)

Ocotillo Blossom

Wind Farm - Help Wanted

It was sunset when I topped a ridge and spied a track disappearing over a knoll. I went to the edge of a precipice overlooking the valley (top picture) with spectacular 360-degree views.

Entering Julian the next day I noted the elevation of 4500 feet and shuddered with horror at the patches of roadside snow. If not for the beckoning pie I'd have turned around then and there.

Setting my cap, I strode the boardwalk with numerous others -- an assortment that included boisterous teenagers throwing snowballs and oldsters in walkers venturing to cross the busy main street. The place was hot!

Given the temperature (cool) and presence of white stuff (snow), I steeled myself to eat and run. I wasn't ready for a night of freezing temperatures just yet.

I selected the venue by whim and took a table at the back near the register.

Tastes vary as do results (see mileage ratings for vehicles) so I'll simply say it was not Mom's or The Julian Pie Company. While not bad, it wasn't quite worthy of a troo patriot. The apples were over-cooked and the cinnamon was so strong there wasn't room for another flavor. There just ain't nuthin' like Mom's (my Mom's, that is).