Date: 5/14/21 – 5/15/21
Training Day: 112 & 113
Miles: 7.25 + 7.25
Elevation Gain: 2000′ + 800′
Weather: Partly cloudy, high 60s & rain showers, high 40s

How It Felt: The hike in was easy for the first six miles, but then it got steep! My muscles tired some, but my cardio felt good. The hike out wasn’t bad even though I was a wee sore from the day before.

Commentary: A friend planned a one-night backpacking trip to his favorite hot spring. It’s scheduled for next weekend, but he asked a few of us if we wanted to go this weekend to scout it out. He was worried the water crossings might be too intense.

Four of us (which included my husband!) set out yesterday afternoon. The weather was absolutely perfect, and the water crossings weren’t as bad as feared. The dreaded climb at the end of the hike in was just as steep and horrible as everyone said it was, lol.

As soon as we got to the hot spring we set up camp. My husband and I bought a three-person tent last year to give us a little more room, and this was our first time trying it out. I must say, it was a worthwhile investment. I love the shape and spaciousness of it, and it has way more ventilation than our two-person tent.

Since it’s early in the season, the hot spring hasn’t been used frequently. A lot of hot spring scum and algae covered the rocks in the pool and floated on the top. We did a bit of maintenance and cleaning of the pool before hopping in with our cups of wine.

After a couple of hours my friend suggested a nap and then coming back for a soak after dark. He had strung up fairy lights and said they made the pool look magical in the dark. A sounded great, so I went to the tent and laid down.

I fell asleep at 8pm, and although I tried to get my ass up to enjoy the warm water and fairy lights, my tired body had other plans. I slept for 11 hours! I must say, I feel sooooo much better!

Luckily the rain held off until we were all packed up and heading back. I hate hiking in the rain, but knowing the hike ended at our car made it a little better.

And we’re doing it all over again next weekend!

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