I hiked in from Bowen Ranch yesterday morning and had a great day at the springs. There were just a couple cars in the lot when I arrived. At 9:30 the weather was cool and breezy at the ranch, but it was very comfortable hiking in and simply great at the springs. The creek is a bit colder and a bit higher than on my last visit. On me, the water was a just below hip high. It was a quiet, peaceful day with no more than 6 to 8 folks while I was there. Two guys from Palm Springs were on the trail behind me and had a nice visit but stayed in their suits. Most everyone else was nude or top free. A young couple read and rested under the trees or in the pools and a nude hiker arrived from the Bradford Ridge Trail (my usual route). The grounds and pools were pretty clean. I soaked, snoozed, read, hung out on the beach, and talked with the BRT hiker about his recent PCT hiking experience. I just enjoyed the day (and got a little sunburn too).
I hiked out nude around 3 and passed two groups hiking in; a couple (who startled me…. guess I better keep my head up!!) and a group of 2 girls and a guy who smiled and giggled, but were pleasant. I also saw two hunters on the trail. That was a first… not sure what there is to hunt other than squirrels. I did not hear any shots coming up or after I passed.
It was a very nice day and I feel refreshed.