Sykes Hot Springs and San Francisco China Town

Another day, another adventure completed. Though my geographic location is not as exotic as Nepal or Bali, the outstanding options for outdoor exploration is not shortened. Sykes Hot Springs is a gorgeous trail loop through Pfeiffer National Forest in Big Sur, California. Hiking into the springs has an arguable distance. Some have said it to be 10-miles oneway, others say it is closer to 12miles. Regardless, endurance is recommended as the trail traverses hillsides and has an unwavering up and down battle.

If one is capable, I recommend bringing gear and food to stay the night at the hot springs. Although the trail passes through other camp options, staying at the springs themselves is a magical and rewarding option. There are nearly a dozen sites along the river and within close proximity to the lower spring.

My adventure partner, Kevin, and I spent majority of our time in the upper spring. Sipping our backpacking beer and wine while talking and smelling the delicious sulfur. A friendly gentleman who claims to be an avid swimmer felt the temperature and guest the spring to be at roughly 95degrees - comfortable to soothe our tired legs!

In total, hiking in took close to 5 hours with a 30-minute lunch break. Hiking out took closer to 4 hours with only a 15 minute break. We did this trip in early March and did get rain in the evening, as well as for 2 hrs during the hike out. Coming in during a Friday was perfect because we were virtual alone except for one other group of 3 guys and the occasional day hiker. However, when leaving on Saturday, close to 20 other people were trekking in for an overnight trip so beware of your chosen day!

After the trek, Kevin and I indulged in delicious sandwiches and alcoholic coffee drinks at Nepenthe along the Highway 1 coast in Big Sur.

The next day, we drove from San Jose up the Highway 1 coast again at a leisurely rate. Stopping along the way to walk along the California cliff sides and taking in the breathtaking views. The most entertaining sight was watching a small sea lion swim onto the beach. Kevin and I hide behind rocks like stealthy ninja's to sneak up close pictures of the now name seal; Ned.

"Turning water into something drinkable" was the slogan for Highway 1's brewery where we stopped for some live music, beer sampling and a game of chess. The crabby patty sandwich was heavenly and especially paired with the Curious George Banana Stout - Mmmmmm!

Once in San Francisco, the days truly flew by. I had been invited to attend a hiring event to become an Adventure Tour Guide for the summer season while Kevin meandered to a gaming convention. Afterwards, we walked through downtown San Francisco and particularly explored Chinatown. We had found Tin How Temple, however it close at 4pm and when we arrived at 3:45pm.. the doors were already locked.

Therefore, we switched our hunt to finding the original fortune cookie which is where the now traditional treat was first invented! Afterwards, we met with the other potential future guides and indulged in a few beers at the Monarch (a trendy bar showing old black and white silent films and offering a free Photo Booth). To end the night, we indulged in some delicious Totcho's (Tater tot nacho's) while failing epically at a round of bar trivia.

All in all, another great trip. Keep your fingers crossed for me and this guide position! If I get it, I will soon be adventuring around America and then the real blogs and photo fun will begin! Muwahahah