One time while hanging out at the Schieren's place, Laura went for a run up the road and noticed a realtors sign in front of these old cabins. "This is your view from the pool!" she exclaimed out of breath "you have to get them somehow". After discussing the reasons it wouldnt work to buy them (sadly, Syd and Erin had seen the sign), Bill couldn't stand seeing these beauties bulldozed by some new buyer (they were in pretty bad condition!) he woke his realtor-friend Susan up on the drive back to Salida and put in an offer, then called Syd with a surprise. After much financial finaggling, the Schierens and the Donavans became partners and prospective proprietors of the plumb-finest hot spring cabins in the west.

The summer of 2004 demanded everyone work two jobs to get the cabins rentable. With almost no plumbing or electric to speak of, and no pools; holes were dug and the cabins were gutted, refitted, stained, chinked and loved. Our friendship has grown stronger, our kids have gotten bigger and we've gone silly-deep in debt. Though there were dark days, people are turned on to the project.

We hope those that stay will appreciate the history and help to take care of these beauties. Many fine folks have stayed in them over the last hundred years, from Alma Cowgill to Foozie Underline to Cockeyed Liz. If you pull one of us aside, we'll be happy to pass on the stories we know. The more we learn about the cabins, the more we realize that we are just another chapter, passing owners, willing to upkeep the property in trade for a lot of hard work and a hot soak in the sun. We hope you'll come stay!

We hope you'll come stay!

Sincerely,
Syd, Erin, Charlie, Bill, Laura, Riley and Shea

P.S. Two offers came in right behind us, at least one offer called for the demolition of the cabins, and the construction of a rather large second home.