Wow, the nighttime sky is so clear here! I can’t believe how sharp the stars are. I can even see the Milky Way from horizon to horizon. Damn, it is spectacular. I could never see it back in the States. Ah, there’s a shooting star. They’re always fun to look for. Hey, what is that streaking across the sky? It’s moving like a plane, but it’s going way too fast and there are no blink lights on it. It’s not leaving a streak across the sky or burning out like a shooting star. No it can’t be, damn it really is, isn’t it? I’m actually watching a low flying satellite reflecting sun light back at me … Cool! Like I said, with no bright city lights to wash it out, the nighttime sky is crystal clear here while laying on my back peacefully floating in the Thermes (hot springs) on Kos Island, Greece.
The Thermes might be one the best hidden treasures of the Greek Isles. Katrina and I love coming here to relax and heal whenever we’re on Kos Island. The sulfur rich salty waters, which many believe to be medicinal, have been especially soothing for my ascaris skin infection. The Thermes are a natural hot spring bubbling up into the Aegean Sea on Kos’ southern coast located on the eastern edge of the island about 12 kilometers (7.2 miles) south of Kos Town under majestic cliffs and a wonderfully spooky old building. The pool is large enough to accommodate at least 60 swimmers. Plenty of room to allow for cooler spots that you can float into when you need to dissipate some heat from the warmer waters that can range as high as 42o C (108 o F) – 50o C (122 o F). If you are planning a trip to the Greek Isles I highly recommend spending some time in Kos to take in the soothing waters of the Thermes, and while you’re there enjoy Kos’s other beautiful sites and delicious Greek Cuisine.
Alas, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that the Mother Nature demonstrated her humbling might when an early storm struck the island and completely filled in the large pool with boulders and rocks in less than one day on October 1st. However, there is no need to worry. The Thermes will return again next spring when every year, to the delight of Kos’ many visitors, local merchants sponsor to dig her out from the harsh winter storms that normally hit the island..
