We are starting our 10th week residing in a dry cabin in Healy. The snow melted from our shower over a week ago. We discussed using it this weekend but with other options so convenient, are waiting for it to get warmer.

Yesterday we used our favorite but most expensive local showering option – Totem Inn. For $10 per person per hour we can use the 2-lane endless pool, sauna, & spacious bathroom with shower. The downside is that if anyone else is at the pool or shower we have to wait or come back later.

The other public option in town is $5 for a tiny pay shower at Vitus gas & laundromat. Moving quickly, I had completed everything but conditioning my hair when the hot water ran out. I didn’t time it, but am guessing you get 5 to 7 minutes of hot water for $5. At least you still get water – albeit VERY COLD water to finish rinsing off when the hot water disappears without warning. So if you are taking one shower per week & have long hair, 3/4 of a shower for $5 and you can do laundry ($7.50 per load) at the same time.

Driving 20 minutes to an hour offers additional shower options. C can shower at work in return for cleaning the office shower. I haven’t tried Riley Creek Mercantile’s pay showers yet. Cantwell Vitus appears to have a great option with 20 minutes in a nice bathroom for $5, but it is 45 minutes to an hour drive each way depending on construction.

Fairbanks has several awesome options! I got a UAF drop-in pool pass for $5 which gave me unlimited time at the showers, sauna, AND 25-yard mutli-lane pool. Next time I want at least 1.5 hours so I don’t have to rush. If I remember correctly, for $10 I could have also had access to the large fitness center including climbing wall. Parking is an additional charge unless you arrive after 5 p.m. Unfortunately Fairbanks is 2 hours away by car or 4 hours by train.