May 20

start: hill near Holcomb creek
End: deep creek hot springs
Daily: like 21 miles, but only 17 PCT miles
Total: 307.8

Today was all about Seahorse being in water. We woke up late and left around 8:40. We kept crossing Holcomb creek and at one point I told Chris that we were going to swim today. The water looked so nice and inviting.  We were taking a while to get anywhere though. We felt really lazy and tired. I think it was from sleeping too much. We both had dreams where we were in danger of being killed too, so we definitely shouldn't have slept so long.

Eventually we made it to the bridge over Deep Creek and I immediately plunged in. It's always a little awkward when there are day hikers around and you're swimming in your undies. Mine look like a bathing suit (that's why I brought them), but still. 

Then we had a choice: original deep creek trail (which had a bridge down and rock slides), or official detour. We chose the detour, because we're good law abiding citizens, but after walking on OHV trails and pavement for three hours, we came to a note that told us about a back route to the hot springs on deep creek. There was also a note from Katie (Bubbles), Boots,  8-mile and Pepe saying they went to the hot springs. So we decided to join. It meant another 3 miles, though. The last mile was basically like jumping off of a cliff. Straight down. 

The hot springs are amazing! We heard they were crappy. I don't think they are. They are clothing optional, however. It's always weird being chatted up by naked dudes in the dark. I'm glad Chris was there. I didn't feel threatened - it's just like being at a nude beach (which I've never done, but I've heard) - but still. 

Now were cowboy camping, hoping rangers don't come to give us tickets at 5:30 am like the naked dude said they had in the past. Apparently the hot springs are closed after dark. How dumb is that?