The official travel journal of Jerry & Ann Linebarger
                           www.linebloggers.com

The rock formations in Hot Springs State Park are most interesting, some looking like circles. 
The "teepee fountain" was built in 1909 to vent steam from hot mineral water that was piped throughout the park.  As water flowed over the structure, it cooled and deposited layer upon layer of travertine.  This process is similar to the formation of terraces seen throughout the park.
The travertine terraces are unique and beautiful in their own way.
Also within the state park is a free bath house.  Starting with Native Americans hundreds of years ago, people have been enjoying the therapeutic benefits of the hot mineral water.  The State Bath House fulfills a treaty requirement with the Shoshone and Arapaho made 117 years ago.  The tribes required that 1/4 of the spring waters always be made available to the people, free of charge, for bathing.  
There are indoor and outdoor pools, cooled to 104 degrees, and perfect for the free 20-minute soaks.  You know that Linesteen LOVED the "free" part as we enjoyed our soak in the outdoor pool.
Before leaving Thermopolis on Sunday, July 28, we attended the Methodist Presbyterian Community Church.  Seems that the two congregations merged a number of years ago and answers to both the Methodist and Presbyterian conferences.  Interesting!
It was a lovely service attended by about 50 people.  Next stop - the Flaming Gorge in Utah.