Chasing Waterfalls and Making Burgers

We purchased a new toy for camping, a Biolite Camp Stove and Grill-top. We were excited to try out our new toy; but before we did, we headed off to chase waterfalls at our new favorite campground, Arroyo Seco. Yes, we were just there less than a month ago, but we enjoyed our stay at this pretty spot that we decided to head back before the warm-weather campers make it difficult to reserve a spot at the campground. Plus, it was Spring Break for our college son, and we thought he would enjoy seeing the waterfalls and hiking the region.

So, off the three of us went to hike closer to that waterfall my husband and I tried to hike to on our last trip. This time we brought with us water shoes for crossing the Santa Lucia Creek.

This time the water level was higher due to the rains the previous week.

We had to cross the creek twice to get closer to the falls...

And do a lot of bouldering to make it to this little island in the creek just below the falls. Doggy wasn't happy with the wading across the creek-she isn't a water dog.

A couple of smaller falls were running. We saw a newt trying to run for cover while we hiked through his lush, green habitat. He was too bashful to pose for a photo; so, my son posed.

The seven mile round trip hike took us by a hut that was used by rangers in the 1920s.

Swimming holes along the Arroyo Seco river can been seen from the trail we hiked along. The weather was warm enough for a swim that day, but we wanted to get back to camp to set up the Biolite grill camp stove.

I collected twigs, while husband looked after the burgers. Surprisingly, not a huge pile of twigs and sticks were needed. I only needed to pick up the fallen sticks around our site; which wasn't too much, but more than the amount in the photo.

The first batch of burgers were so yummy! We were so happy with the performance of the stove and grill top that I cooked the last two burgers as the sun was quickly setting. 

Arroyo Seco Surprises!

Arroyo Seco Campground has been on my must visit list for sometime since its location is on the east side of the Santa Lucia ridge in the Los Padres National Forest. My husband and I have frequent the west side of the ridge, the Big Sur coastal region, numerous times. Curiosity got the best of me! We headed off without reservations, but we were very fortunate to get a spot that just fit our travel trailer and car. To our surprise, almost all of the spots were reserved or already had campers occupying sites since the weather was unseasonably warm for February. It was awesome seeing families camping, hiking, and enjoying nature!

Our closest camp neighbor was blocked by our RV.

After settling in, the camp host informed us on where to find the Horse Bridge and a waterfall. So, off we went for an eight mile hike into the beautiful hills. First, we hiked the fire road around to Marble Peak trail.

The views from the fire road looking into the Arroyo Seco were stupendous.

Along the way were many mountain flowers in bloom. The pretty flower below is one I had never seen before; it's called Santa Lucia Sticky Monkey Flower.

The Horse Bridge is a suspension bridge that was built by the CCC in 1938. It is the only suspension bridge within the Los Padres National Forest. 

Below the bridge is a sandy beach with a nice size swimming hole. Even thought the water was surprisingly warm, we didn't go for a swim.

After a short rest and a snack, we headed off to find the waterfall. We had to backtrack a short way on the fire road to the junction of Spur Road. From there, we walked down to the old CCC house. Luckily for us there were some hikers coming out from the trail that we needed to use to get to the waterfall; otherwise, we would have never seen the trail. The trails in this region of the Los Padres NF are not well marked-or marked at all. We followed the Santa Lucia trail in the direction to Last Chance Camp for a short distance and then took an unmarked trail that follows the Santa Lucia Creek. We did a lot of bouldering until we decided to call it close enough. My legs were getting tired,  and it was getting late in the day. I knew we still had at least a three mile hike back to camp. Clambering over rocks is best done earlier in the day when one is full of energy. 

Next time we will get closer to the falls and enjoy its beauty while taking a lunch break.

On the way back to the campground, we walked by a group of much younger hikers that had just climbed out of the gorge and onto to fire road. Everyone looked just as tired as my husband and I were feeling; but at the same time, everyone looked happy and content- just like us!

Back at camp, we enjoyed resting while listening to the sound of frogs that was coming from below our campsite. Just below the fence, the hill drops steeply to lake bed.

The next morning, we discovered that the lake below was the ideal breeding ground for the frogs.

Will we come back to camp here again? You bet we will, but only in late Fall, Winter, or Early Spring since we were told that the campground is always full during warm weather months.

Spanish Flat

Since the weather forecast was going to be Spring-like over the weekend, my husband said, "Let's go camping somewhere we haven't been before and within a two hour drive." CA State Parks aren't friendly with dogs on trails; so, that eliminated camping and hiking at a state park. First, I researched places to hike with the dog. After an hour of hunting, I found Smittle Creek trail at Lake Berryessa, along with a campsite not too far away from the trail. I called the campground to check if they were open. There was a recorded message stating if nobody was at the kiosk then drop off the envelope with the filled out paperwork and money in the box. So, off we drove not knowing what we would find.

We were surprised! There was only one other couple camping in the campground. We took site # 31 since it was far away from the couple and the views were great.

After settling into our site, we headed off to Smittle Creek Day Use area for the five mile round trip hike on Smittle Creek trail that snakes along the shoreline. 

Even with all the rain so far this winter, the water level is still extremely low. 

Along the trail, there were many spring flowers and manzanita trees in bloom.

There were numerous folks walking the trail, picnicking, and enjoying the beautiful warm day. By the time we got back to the car, the parking lot was empty.

Back at the quiet campground, we enjoyed watching the boaters return while snacking on appetizers and relaxing. 

The next morning we explored the campground. During our walk, we discovered an area of abandon campsites and roads. Later in the morning, we met a lady that told us that the campground was once much larger. There once were hook-ups, cabins, and a concession stand to the facility. The campground was once part of the State system, but after the 50 year lease expired the State didn't renew. Now the campground is under the Federal Bureau of Reclamation. It will be interesting to see if the Bureau of Reclamation plans to restore those abandon campsites and roads leading to the sites. 

We were rewarded with such a beautiful, relaxing day and quiet evening that we plan to return here again. 

Memorable Journey

This is a road trip that started in Houston with a detour east to New York City before the long drive west to S.F. Bay Area. It all started with me promising my daughter that I would help her move from Houston to NYC and then drive the car west to home. When my mom heard that I would be driving the car across country alone, she offered to be my companion along the long trek home. I couldn't turn her down since this trek would reward her with new sights and experiences- as she likes to say "new wallpaper is good for the soul". After dropping my daughter off to her new apartment, new job, wonderful boyfriend, and new adventures in life, I drove to Baltimore to rest for a couple of days before heading off with Mom west. The east coast to west coast trek took nine days and introduced us to memorable places, foods, and people.

First stop was beautiful downtown Greenville, South Carolina.

Day two, we took a slight detour to see Stone Mountain outside Atlanta before heading to Mobile, AL for a delicious dinner of shrimp boil at the Shrimp Basket.

Day three, we strolled the grounds of the beautiful Oak Alley Plantation situated by the mighty Mississippi River before heading to Beaumont, Texas for the night. 

Day four, we told ourselves we have to experience a Buc-ee's before leaving Texas. So, we ate lunch at the Buc-ee's before heading into San Antonio, TX to see the Alamo and the Riverwalk. In my opinion, Buc-ee's is much more interesting than the Riverwalk. We ended the day with a wonderful meal at the Saltgrass Steak House and learning about the Saltgrass Trail.

Day five we drove from San Antonio past beautiful mesas and ugly fields of oil rigs until we reached Carlsbad, NM for a wonderful time shopping at a tiny art gallery and an excellent dinner at the Trinity Hotel. Sadly, I didn't stop to take any pictures that day- just a serious day of driving.

Day six started off with a visit to Carlsbad Caverns (sadly, the elevators were not in operation) with short climb down into the cavern to the bat area of the cave. And then after walking back out of the cave, we watched a video about the history of the cavern. From there we headed to White Sands NM in New Mexico by passing by the highest point in Texas (El Capitan) and skirting El Paso. After watching folks enjoying their day at White Sands, we headed into Las Cruces for the night.

Day seven, we drove to Tucson. We enjoyed the day of eating tasty tamales at the Tucson Tamale Co, visiting the White Dove Mission (San Xavier del Bac), and strolling the beautiful gardens of Tohono Chul.

Day eight was a delight!  Before wandering around Borrego Springs looking at the interesting metal sculptures, we visited Dateland for the famous, yummy date milkshake and drove by Yuma which was full of Snowbirds with their RVs. We tootled along the Borrego Salton Seaway to the Salton Sea before heading into Indio, CA for the night.

Day nine was spent driving from Indio to the S.F. Bay Area, home. The highlight of that day's stop was lunch at Harris Ranch on I-5.

Total miles traveled with mom were about 3,950. We were both surprised at the diversity of the topography and vegetation while traveling across the US-so many beautiful places. I'm so happy that my mom was able and willing to make this long trek with me. I love her so much....and thank her for being my companion on this memorable journey.