My host, Katherine ended up giving me some great places to visit in town. I did a short but steep hike in the morning. Katherine directed me to the Hill Valley trail just outside the city and figured it would take me 2.5 hours. It took me an hour because I made a wrong turn early on and ended up walking straight up the face of the mountain. If you are ever looking for a way to get a good cardio workout and leg burn, walk straight up a mountain (as opposed to switchbacks).
In the afternoon I ventured to the Orr Hot springs which are just out side the city, nestled away in the mountains. This little secluded hippy-esk resort provided for a relaxing afternoon in the sun and water.
The resort has 2 communal hot tubs, a cold pool and individual hot tubs all sourced from the same spring. It also has a clothing 'optional' policy which provided for an interesting experience. I felt a little out of place walking around in there in my bikini, which is odd.
I wrote about naked yoga in one of my blog posts last year and how liberating and empowering it could be. So in the spirit of adventure, I decided to embrace the 'optional' and stripped down. Was it liberating? Sure. But mostly it was nice to even out some tan lines.
After I finished in the hot springs, I made the 7 hour trek to Yosemite. Got stuck in traffic and didn't get to my hostel until 12:30 am. I was worried there would be some winding roads through mountains on the way but the drive was surprisingly smooth in the dark.
Coastal views!
More redwoods!
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Hah! Good for you for "strutting your stuff" at the resort.
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