And as they turn 150 this year we spent a day, celebrating with old friends (and new) and were reminded how Birthday state Colorado always Springs a surprise.
Now having dipped my toe in Steamboat Springs’ Old Town Hot Springs where the Ute First Nation would soak in their reviving powers.
I was intrigued to learn more about the state’s other offerings.
There are ninety-three springs in all which means the interstate competition is fierce.
It is why Glenwood Springs have travelled the world and brought back their secrets.
All so that they can add to their local knowledge in their corner of their near square-shaped state.
Of course, looks can be deceptive and Colorado is not actually square but hexahectaenneacontakaiheptagonal, 697 sides.
What’s Up Doc?
Glenwood Springs lays claim to the world’s largest hot springs pool.
One of seven such, and a 107-room Lodge for clients to luxuriate in.
And a rich history which just keeps updating since our old friends the Ute and then it was opened in 1888.
With the locals referring to the source spring as ‘Yampah’ or ‘Big Medicine’.
And with 15 minerals in the water you’ll be washed clean of body, spirit and mind.
Now everybody who is anybody in these parts, and wider afield, have taken the Springs.
With ‘Doc’ Holliday, who was as known for his TB as his hot shot at the Gunfight at the OK Corral and card-playing visited Glenwood.
As a last vain bid to cure his ailment.
Although you’d hope that he had comfort in the waters.
And like all cowboys wanted, he died in his bed, and is buried in the Linwood Cemetery.
Bill and Teddy’s excellent adventures
He is perhaps the greatest figure from Wild West folklore, and there have been many, Buffalo Bill Cody was a frequent visitor.
And he even dropped in five days before his death in Denver, although of course, he didn’t know that then.
Our old friend Teddy Roosevelt too championed Glenwood Springs.
And the Hotel Colorado which for a time became known as the ‘Little White House of the United States.’
It is even said that the Hotel Colorado was where the first Teddy Bear was born.
After the Prez returned to the Hotel Colorado from a hunting trip empty-handed.
And maids fashioned a cloth bear from scraps of material and presented it to his daughter who was with him.
And she named the bear Teddy.
Spring a surprise
Not that all visitors were as welcome with Al Capone and Ted Bundy making their own infamous imprints on Glenwood Springs.
You, though, and me, of course, will always be greeted warmly in Glenwood Springs and Colorado as a whole.
Though perhaps not the obnoxious Aussie who was part of our party and I chased around the Springs the last time out…
But that’s a different story.
