Nudity Under A Naked Sky

So with excitement coursing through my veins, we finally left camp Novato and Rebecca's Mothers' immensely appreciated hospitality (thank you Kristin).

Our first stop after a short trip up Highway 101, was deep in Hendy Woods State Park, or more specifically at a small and remote resort called Orr Hot Springs. This visit was the result of Miss Rebecca's enthusiastic endorsement of the affect that the minerals contained within the local spring water could and would have on our bodies. I was skeptical about this, but eager as I was to spend our first night in the beast 'car camping' (official term... apparently), I gladly agreed to give the mystical local water and the above mentioned resort a go.

The resort comprised of an intimate collection of wooden huts each equipped to provide its inhabitants with varying levels of comfort (depending upon how much they pay). As we were sleeping in our car we immediately headed past these and went straight to Orr's moderately sized bath house. Once inside, the 'clothing optional' resort policy was immediately translated for us by the presence of a healthy number of middle aged woman, each blissfully in the nude. It was soon very obvious that there was no choice but to do this as god intended, so with a deep breath we both disrobed. Miss Rebecca, like the brave Californian that she is, headed straight to the public baths. I, being the predictable English prude that I am, did not.

Eventually, after a short and very relaxing soak in a private bath, I decided to take one for queen and country. So with my towel thrown boldly over my shoulder, I marched into the public bathing area to join Rebecca.

That night, after an awful meal of tinned soup and soggy pre-packaged bagel, we returned to the bath house to relax under a sky that contained more stars then I have ever seen. I'm not sure about the minerals; but laying in a warm pool in the middle of a forest staring up at the majesty of the nights sky certainly does something positive for your soul.

Our Orr Springs 'Car Camping' Spot

The next morning, after a disorientating but ultimately successful first night sleeping in the beast we drove west to Highway 1 and Mendocino. This undoubtedly pretty (self described) artist colony and museum town was the perfect place to eat breakfast and watch the morning mist evaporate into the sky.

Mendocino

© All Images By Paul