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Not far from the cabin was a Greco-Roman drinking fountain. In the old days, when the mineral springs were bubbling at full throttle, one could sample four "flavors" of water - white sulphur, black sulphur, soda, and iron. I spoke to a park ranger and asked if the flavors are still available. They are not, the only flavor now is called "city water." The mineral springs are not exactly "gushing" these days. The rocks seep with a fetid, poisonous goo resembling soapy green water. Insects seem to like it.

In the late 19th century Alum Rock Railways began a narrow gauge steam line into the park from San Jose. Train service ended in 1932 as the park began a steady decline into obscurity and the auto became dominant. At various times the park has been graced with a restaurant, hotel, zoo, Chinese tea house, natatorium (indoor swimming pool), merry-go-round, dance pavilion, Meteor, and God knows what else. All this activity kept the albinos at bay, and the park populace relatively safe.

It was time to enter the bowels of the park. The afternoon was wearing on, and I was strangely cold.

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