big sur

over thanksgiving, matt and i hiked 22 miles to and from sykes hot spring.

- relaxed and leisurely. we took it easy, hiking just short of it on the first day, camping in the same spot for two nights, and day-tripping it to the hot spring.  in fact, on the second day, we didn't even break a sweat!

- springs. the hot springs exceeded expectations -- there were several warm tubs, built into shelves above and below the trail, overlooking a river. we stayed until our hands were well-pruned. 

- treats. instead of following our usual spartan meal plan, we brought lots of fresh foods -- cold fried chicken, biscuits, mashed potatoes; apples & oranges; mac & cheese with broccoli!  

the microclimates along the trail varied tremendously -- from the dry, hot ledges to the cold, damp woods. a very lovely three-day trip.