The Magic of Outdoor Winter Baths: A Refreshing Experience

Winter often brings to mind cozy moments by the fire, hot cocoa, and warm blankets. However, for the more adventurous souls, it also presents a unique opportunity: outdoor winter baths. Imagine sinking into a hot tub surrounded by a snowy landscape, with the cold air and the steam creating a surreal atmosphere. This experience can be both invigorating and hilarious, as unexpected situations often arise.

For years, I’ve wanted an outdoor bath. When we bought our property, Tofata Park, there was an old enamel bath in one of the paddocks being used as a water trough. So, I had this bright idea of digging it out and cleaning it up to use as a wood-fired bath. Well, it took four men to lift the bath; it was that heavy. Staggering across the paddock and over the fence, we realized that putting it on a trailer and driving it around would have been a much better idea.

It took a while to clean it up enough that I was happy to use it, and in the meantime, my lovely husband built a frame so we could keep it steady when climbing in and out. Being off-grid, we purchased a wood-fired boiler. That first winter was interesting because we didn’t have any paper or dry wood to use as kindling, and it seems that I was the only one who could light a fire. We learned that it took about three hours to heat the water and that after two hours, it was better not to keep stoking the fire; otherwise, it would be too hot to get into. I have almost managed to boil myself on a few occasions, even having to go as far as putting the fire out to stop it from heating up. There have been times when it just wasn’t very warm either, which in the middle of winter is not very pleasant. Last winter, we didn’t have hot water in the Motorhome/RV, so the bath was very necessary every time we were home and basin washing when we weren’t.

My husband almost got caught in the bath by the postie when they had a delivery for us, and he was in the bath. Talk about diving into the RV to get dressed wet and still meeting the postie at the gate! Now we remember to have at least a dressing gown close at hand.

I have had the alpacas come and investigate what I was doing sitting by the fence in the bath. They couldn’t quite work it out, but I love watching the sunset with a glass of wine in one hand and a book in the other. It's such a great experience when you get the temperature right.

An outdoor winter bath can be an unforgettable experience, combining the serenity of nature with the thrill of braving the elements. Whether you're looking for a moment of relaxation or a funny story to share, taking a bath outside in the winter is sure to deliver. So, gather your courage, prepare for some laughs, and enjoy the magic of an outdoor winter bath.