I took my first bath and massage in Hot Springs, Arkansas in the first years of the 21st century. The idea of another person bathing and massaging me, was strange, but I persevered and found it comforting. Eventually, the massage became part of my health maintenance routine, and now my massage therapist is a vital weapon in my battle with age and despair. When my muscles knot, my head refuses to turn, or my back aches, she reaches inside and chases away the demons.

This morning, in Ojo Caliente, New Mexico I rise after a day of baths and massage. Soothing waters and a firm touch have brought me peace, and I would do it again today, but we have to check out and continue our road trip. Of course there might be time for a quick dip in the hot mineral waters, and we’ll see but for the moment I am comforted, and that is good.

Of course, there is a cost to everything and this is one of them but some are worth paying and this is one of them, too. I might even try to find my way back on another day just for the experience of hot water and the human touch in the mountains under a clear sky with nothing around me except country, because mountains and escaping the city are good for my soul as well and sometimes you just have to get away.