The Latest Adventure

This morning after my chiro appointment, BigTea decided he wanted to track down some nearby hot springs. So, we packed our snacks and hit the road, driving through the gorgeous spring weather and hills of tan and green scattered with moos and horsies enjoying the morning sunshine. After driving around a bit, we found the way past the freeway and the entrance to Gaviota State Park, where the Las Cruces Hot Springs are a .7 mile trek up a hill.

I did not make the hike. I hung back, planning to catch up on Middlemarch (I'm almost hopelessly behind on the book club), but instead discovered that I could actually get my email on my Kindle (and Tweet) and it was all over for me, especially since it didn't take BigTea long to hike the trail--exposing himself to poison oak along the way--take the photo and come back. We will return with swim suits and towels soon.

After that we cruised up the 101 between Highways 1 and 246--a section that we never drive because we either approach our new town from below or above, and wouldn't you know it? This part of highway was holding out on me. Something I'd been looking for since we moved was right there: a local organic produce stand. Classic Organic, complete with peace-sign integrated logo, was just what I've been looking for. We bought some beautiful red lettuce, Nojoqui sweet onions, and kale. The stand was empty--except for Shadow the cat--and we paid by dropping our money into a box and writing down what we purchased on the register. I'm going back for beets as soon as I figure out how to make borscht.

After that we went up toward Nojoqui Falls. Although we didn't make the hike up to the water, we found a lovely spot to eat our snack under the canopy of oak trees. Lizards basked on rocks nearby. Squirrels eyed our picnic basket. The scent of California sagebrush intoxicated me, and I renewed my vows to this state, wondering how I could have ever thought of moving somewhere else. Yes, California, I will visit other places, other climes, but I will always come back to you!