Today we turn our backs on the mountains as we head north on the second half of the loop. We still have some ups and downs but more downs than ups. I'm sorry to leave the views of the Alps and prefer hilly riding to totally flat terrain.
However, before we leave I want to give you a glimpse of where our bicyles spent the night. Bad Kohlgrub is a spa town, denoted by the word "Bad" meaning bath, a place with hot springs that for centuries have been said to have curative properties. In addition to hot soaks, mud baths are also offered in Bad Kohlgrub.
Somewhere in the Internet I read: "In the warm mud bath (up to 42 ° C) even the fingertips get an intensive blood supply and warmth flows through them. The body floats, muscles and joints relax with almost weightless ease. Meanwhile, the healing ingredients of the mountain pine raised bogs penetrate the skin, have a hormone-regulating and skin-tightening effect."
When we put our bicycle in their shed for the night, first of all I notice an enormous vat, and then other intriquing pieces of equipment. I am told it is all used for preparing the mud baths. This morning I take the opportunity to photograph the scene, or rather behind the scenes of the mud bath which doesn't look quite as enticing as the description of its salubrious effects.
I found the place fascinating and am including several pictures.
The vat is for heating the mud and the tubs are what you sit in for the treatment.
It looks like the dampness in the walls is creeping up to the fresco (on the building above) depicting St. Christopher, patron saint of travelers and also said to offer protection against lightening, pestilence, flood and epilepsy. The house was built in 1527.
Charmaine RuppoltI think it's great that both of you like to take pictures along the way and take your time riding. :) Makes it more enjoyable to ride with someone who enjoys doing the same as you. I think bicycling and photography goes together like peanut butter & jelly! :) Reply to this comment 2 years ago
Nancy GrahamStunning. If I could possibly bike around there, and especially with you, I would truly be in heaven. Spectacular photos Suzanne. Reply to this comment 4 years ago
Kathleen Jones+1 on the photos and ride, Suzanne. Just so lovely.
I used to take a mudbath every now and again in Calistoga, a town north of San Francisco at the top of the Napa Valley, where there are many natural hot springs and even a geyser. You're right, it is a messy business. Amazing how mud can get into all your nooks and crannies. But that and a massage and you're good for days. But I didn't really think about how much prep is required for the mud.
Years ago I took my mother to the mudbaths. It was a new experience for her but she was usually game for anything. We were in adjoining tubs. I asked her how she liked it so far. She said, "I feel like I'm the womb, but - there you are!" Reply to this comment 4 years ago
Suzanne GibsonTo Kathleen JonesLove your story, Kathleen! I had never heard about mud baths in the USA, so I guess they are not quite so unique as I had imagined. Reply to this comment 4 years ago
