Car thoughts/brief history

I hear the term “shower thoughts” on occasion, but most of my thinking is done when I’m driving my son to and from school. It’s about a 15-20 minute drive (depending on how fast you drive…) and today I thought,

How beautiful this is.

It’s not sunny, but there is still so much life along this highway. The massive trees along the road are getting their leaves, the ditch line is filled to the brim brim with water and life. I watched as a pair of mallard sucks flew over the road and slid into the water together. I saw a pair of Canadian Geese with their brand new babies wade in the waters and feed.

It’s been wet and rainy here this week but, seeing all the growth feeding off of the Waters of Life… it’s stunning.

Nestled between my town and where my son has school is the Hot Lake hotel. A historic building and landmark. A hospital back in its day, now a resort, and one of the most haunted places in Oregon.

LaGrande Oregon Hot Lake Springs hotel nestled and the base of the mountains — Hot Lake Springs LaGrande Oregon

The sulfur springs were first used by native Americans to heal the sick. And it was a popular stopping point for settlers walking the Oregon trail. The brick structure you see above, was only a section of the original building built back in 1906, and in 1934, there was a devastating fire that burned all the wooden structure of the building.

Hot Lake Springs back when it was whole, and a hospital

Hot Lake Springs during the devastating fire in 1934

I stayed in this hotel once when it was being remodeled, I believe that was 2013. We were given a small tour of the first and second floors, the third floor was said to be too damaged to walk through. I saw one of the old operating rooms, and I admit, it gave me chills. Some of the rooms you’d pass by gave you bad feeling, but I wasn’t lucky enough to see any paranormal activity. Although, I did not sleep well that night due to hearing many noises in my room.

Dilapidated antique surgical table in the historical Hot Lake Springs hotel, a mural painted on the wall of medical equipment, framed photo with two men, presumably the doctors at the time, small whit hexagonal tile on the floor — This picture doesn’t show, but in the center of this intricately tiled surgical room, is a big drain in the floor. The tiles all slowly drop to a hole in the floor where a metal grate sits.

Antique massaging chairs in the Hot Lake Springs hotel — I believe these were massage tables? I don’t fully remember but they sit in a room with a view of the sulfur springs from the balcony.

Hallway in the Hot Lake Springs hotel, red and green carpet. The red strip of carpet has cream designs throughout, bordered by thick green strips of carpet against the walls. — This is what you’ll find walking the halls to your room should you decide to stay!

Now while this place may have a jointing history, it is very newly renovated and has wonderful outdoor soaking tubs! I do recommend using them!

A hot springs sulfur water soaking tub at the Hot Lake hotel in LaGrande Oregon, overlooking the Hot Lake at sunset, mountain range covered by the steam from the lake. — View from the sulfur spring soaking tubs

I pass by this hotel every day, and I don’t look at it as anything more than a hotel. But it is beautiful, and the life that it holds is beautiful. It’s a warming spot for birds of all kinds to endure the cold weather. And it’s lovely to see the plentiful and diverse species it caters to.

Have a wonderful day friend, remember to see the beauty around you, no matter how small.

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