I grabbed a cup of coffee from the motel lobby (which was fairly good, surprisingly...I'm not usually a fan of the styrofoam cup brew that is typical of lower-end lodging.) After scavenging up a granola bar from the car, I packed up and hit the road.

I high-tailed it out of Santa Fe, not because I dislike the town/city, but because it just didn't seem this was meant to be for this trip. I decided it was time to hit another place that I'd missed on other trips, so I headed north to Espanola and veered north-west from there.

Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort and Spa has been attracting visitors since the mid-1800s, when prominent citizen Antonio Joseph opened both a mercantile and a health spa there. For centuries before that, however, it was well known to Native Americans and their ancestors. A detailed history of the property is available on the resort's website.

I was ready to relax and this seemed like the perfect place. I'd been to a few other mineral springs in other parts of the country. But this was my first time here and I was glad to be able to add it to my "collection." I booked a room in the Historic Hotel, grabbed a bite for lunch at The Artesian Restaurant, conveniently located just across the lobby from my room, and then headed out to the pools.

There are four minerals that emerge from the various natural springs in this area: Soda, Iron, Arsenic and Lithium. Each is believed to have different benefits to those who partake of the waters. In keeping with the modus operandi at these places, I decided to hop from pool to pool, spending a little time in each one before moving on to the next.

I managed to catch the Soda Pool when no one else was using it, which felt like a luxury, considering the resort is a popular spot for both locals and travelers. Located in an enclosed building, it had sort of "secret pool" type feeling to me.

The Iron Pool, located right next door to the Soda Pool building, is open to the skies and sits beside wonderful rock formations (as do several other pools.) Hot, but comfortable once I became accustomed to it, I soaked up the water (along with the smell of iron - not as bad as it sounds) before moviing on to another pool.

Now, the Arsenic/Iron Pools (the two minerals are mixed together) drew comments from more than one person stepping in. I was hesitant myself, never having thought of arsenic in a positive way, but I have to say I liked these pools the most. Backed up against the cliffs and out in the open air, these pools felt spacious to me, in addition to smelling the best, in my opinion.

In addition to these pools, there is a large pool, where children are allowed during limited daytime hours. And then there is the Lithium Spring, which isn't a pool at all, but a hand-pumped well in the center of the complex of pools.

But, of course, Ojo Caliente doesn't just offer mineral pools. There's a full-service spa (massages, facials, body scrubs, etc.) and I decided to give them the money that I didn't give the hotel in Santa Fe the night before. Ahhhhhh, smart decision. By the time I returned to my room, I was Ms. Tranquility.

I hit the restaurant again for a chicken quesadilla, which was excellent, and then retired to my room to enjoy the wireless access (which was supposedly only available in the lobby, but my room was the first one down the hall.)

All in all, it was a darn good day. I edited some photos, read a little, slept well, had breakfast (not included with lodging, but served in the restaurant) and hit the road once again. I didn't have a chance to explore the hiking trails or take a yoga class or walk the labyrinth. But you just can't do everything.

Many believe that the mineral waters at Ojo Caliente have healing powers. I know they certainly healed my disappointment and irritation over the events of the day before. I left there relaxed, calm and ready for the next adventure.