Where to find a shower in DC (or elsewhere)

[quakerboy]

I am in the middle of a multi month road trip. Strangely one of the hardest things this trip has been finding places to shower.

We are traveling on a pretty severe budget. There's money for gas. There's some money for food. And that's about it. We've gotten good at finding free museums and very modestly priced attractions. And we have done a combo of staying with friends, camping, and partaking in the couchsurfing website.

Sometimes this is nice. Others it's a little less nice. We've had a few that were really questionable, in some regards. Usually this seems to focus on the washroom facilities. From the one person who had outright removed his plumbing, to the current location where the shower is literally black with mold.

All that said, I would be very interested if anyone has advice on where I might obtain a free or very cheap shower in DC. Or, past the immediate need, since I am still a ways from home, anywhere else.

[hlthe2b]

1. two thoughts...

when on the road, truck stops have them available for a modest fee (or so I am told).

The major national health clubs often allow out-of-town or new potential members to get a guest pass to try out their facilities. If you are willing to go with what that entails (a marketing pitch if you present as a new potential member), that would gain you access as well as a work-out. And if, by chance, you have a membership, you could plot out their locations ahead of time.

[formercia]

2. Truck stops with private showers

Just pick your location and check the box that says 'Private Showers.'

http://www.truckstopguide.com/

Enjoy

[quakerboy]

5. Thanks

Apparently dc is not home to a truck stop. It's about a 40 minute drive to the nearest, for a 12/person shower.

[cbayer]

3. Not sure about DC, but have you considered strapping a solar shower to your roof?

Then, when you get to your location, you have some nice hot water to shower with. The only issue would be finding some privacy.

How often do you feel you need to shower? IMHO, americans shower way more than is necessary. It is possible to clean your dirty bits every day, but only shower when you really need that. That can vary, depending on your level of activity and heat exposure, but could be as little as once a week with spot treatments in between.

I would also consider swimming areas - lakes, rivers - where you could at least get all wet and apply a little soap.

Anyway, I hope you are enjoying your road trip.

Two sites I highly recommend are:

roadsideamerica.com
roadfood.com

And staying off the highways as much as possible!

[quakerboy]

4. Heh

I don't think that's ideal for a little economy car touring the continent. Adding a huge water tank to the roof would be problematic on several levels.

I can go a day or three. But we are doing a lot of walking, and i am a big guy, and it's been fairly humid. I smell unpleasant, and the residual moisture in areas can breed issues, if you get my drift.

[cbayer]

6. Not a huge water tank, just a 3 or 5 gallon solar shower.

They are basically big plastic bags with solar absorbing material on one side. They heat the water during the day.

Sounds like you do need more frequent showers, which is totally understandable. A solar shower would provide you with enough water to 1 - 2 showers (assuming there are two of you). They are relatively inexpensive and easy to use. They sell them at sports stores and big box stores. As long as you had some privacy, you could shower wherever you drop your tent.

Check it out.

[formercia]

7. Plenty of woods in the Northern VA area where one could discreetly shower.

Those solar showers work well. I used to heat a pot of Water and use a plastic tub when I lived in the woods. Staying clean is important.

[cbayer]

8. You could string a sheet between trees and have a pretty idyllic shower spot.

As long as there is some sun, those solar showers can heat up - sometimes too much!