Calistoga {in pictures}

Well, our lodging at Indian Springs was just as I imagined, very 1960's Palm Springs fresh and vintage.  However, the spa services were another story. Before I go any further, I will say that after talking to my co-workers (microbiologists) they thought wearing bikini bottoms in the mud was a must and since I was already a little nervous, it was an easy choice.
After getting into the hot mud, I felt great! It was a new experience, nice and warm and I felt very comfortable considering the circumstances. That feeling vanished, quick. Even though you are "only in the mud for 12-15 minutes" every minute felt like an hour. I was feeling super anxious and claustrophobic but kept trying to assure myself the attendant would come free me any second.
After the agonizing mud bath, I was helped to a shower to rinse off and was told to come get someone if I felt light headed. After a hot mud bath you'd think the showers would be set to cool, not so. They were warm and steamy. Not the best combo after a mud bath, a morning of wine tasting and a non-existent lunch (whoops, did I forget to mention that?). The feeling of light headedness came FAST. I made it out of the shower and onto a near-by bench before fainting. Don't forget I'm topless and covered in mud. Next thing I know, I wake up (who knows how long I was out?) to one attendant pining back my shoulders so I don't fall and another attendant hosing me off with cold water with a garden hose! YUP. Then they move me to the floor to lie down, elevate my feet and place cold towels all over me and make me drink some cucumber water. Good thing I had on those bikini bottoms, eh? I was on display for the entire locker room! After I started to feel better, the treatment continued as scheduled and wasn't as noteworthy. I can safely say I will not do that again.