As an Eagle Scout, I have undergone my fair share of hiking. The longest, consecutive hiking trip I have done thus far was fifteen miles. It included the backpack, the camping, the self-made food, the pooping shovel named John (if I remember correctly), the filtering of water from the springs and creeks, and the great Appalachian Trail. I have experienced the enjoyment, peacefulness, and satisfaction of completing merely one of the small segments which this trail has to offer. I think the connection to nature is key to this experience. The people I have come across were filthy, scraggly, and determined. It did not bother them that there was dirt under their nails or that they hadn't showered in days or even weeks. All that mattered was the pal beside ya, the irresistible call of nature and that next step forward. So when a true hiker comes to this bath house we are designing, they are usually not going to be there for the bath house itself. This would probably be more of an added bonus to the already grand journey. I would like to consider the bath house as the cherry on top of the sunday. It certainly does not need to be extravagant or elegant, simply a place of sanctuary. The visitors do not need to feel as they are back in civilization because it is not what they came to do. The bath house should have the best connection to nature as possible, bringing out all that is has to offer and exemplifying it in a way that would truly make it that simple treasure one comes across when exploring the Appalachians. I believe this design does not need to be a tourist attraction, but rather a hidden treasure for a hiker's rejuvenation and relaxation.
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| This is me, conquering nature |
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| I wish this was me (McAfees Knob, Virginia) |
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