Arnold, California
Five stars. (★★★★★)
I'm tempted to ding a star out of devastation over my beloved fall/winter destination, Desolation Hope Valley, being closed this season.
But that's not Arnold's fault. The area is lovely and I've found a new place to visit.
Day 1: Another Horrible Drive
Tue, October 27
You'd think I was new at this. Out of an unnecessary sense of work responsibility, I left at 3 p.m. which added 90 minutes of traffic to my trip. I arrived dazed, frazzled and hungry just before 8 p.m. It was not the best night.
Day 2: Weird Remote Work
Wed, October 28
Eeking out a workday from a vacation spot is a discordant vibe. I put in a full day (more or less) and was too zonked at the end to venture out.
The Airbnb is... Interesting. I hate clutter, but I love cozy. The sparse, mid-century modern furniture and decor is not cozy - and not what I'd expect in the middle of the woods. It is spotless, and well equipped. I'm not sure how I feel about the bear.
Day 3: Full-On Hiking
Thu, October 29
Determined to slam into hiking mode, I headed out early for the Woodchuck Basin to Avalanche Meadow trail. The first couple of uphill miles were beautiful, but the wind was biting and I'd left my insulated jacket in the car. Once the trail took a steep plunge into a valley, I assessed the situation and turned back. I felt uneasy about the remoteness (nobody knew where I was) and had no desire to teeter down a precarious hill and climb back up. It was still a respectable 4.3 miles.
I drove on to the Mokelumne River to Deer Creek hike, adding another 4 miles. At the Hermit Valley Trailhead I found an unusually verbose and poetic routed-wood sign: "The route downcanyon is unmaintained and often indefinite ... This most wild place deserves our protection and respect."
The trail followed a stream and ended with cascading waterfalls. I love a hike with a payoff at the end.
I got back to the cabin at 2 p.m. for a hot shower, lunch, a work check-in and laptop time by the fireplace. Not a bad day.
Day 4: Calaveras State Park
Fri, October 30
The morning's spotty rain forecast and Thursday's workout were good excuses to stick to shorter, calmer hikes. Calaveras State Park was beautiful in the misty, grey weather and I had the park to myself; I didn't see another soul (or vehicle) for the first three hours. I hit the Lava Bluffs Trail, then checked out the Stanislaus River, and finished with the easy Grove Overlook Trail near the park entrance. I left as the rain started.
Quiet afternoon on the laptop, capped with a video chat with Elizabeth. Then wine by the fire, dinner, and TV.
Day 5: Rainy Halloween
Sat, October 31
The weather brought everything: Thunder, rain, even hail.
I spent the morning wrapped in a quilt by the fire, knocking out tasks on my laptop. It's amazing how much I can accomplish when I'm away from the pull of housework.
To avoid an entirely sedentary day, I estimated the best break in the rain for a midday walk through the neighborhood to a "back entrance" fire road trail into Calaveras park. I had a rain jacket and water-resistant shoes but my pants got fairly soaked. I listened to episodes of Spooked for the Halloween spirit. That was enough adventure.
More laptop projects, some yoga, much snacking, and adoring Sofia in the Halloween outfit I sent.
Day 6: Early Departure
Sun, November 1
Deterred by the soggy weather and fearful of Sunday afternoon traffic into the Bay Area, I decided to skip the hiking plans and attendant rigamarole. I hit the road before 8 a.m. (thanks, Daylight Savings!) and got home before 10:30. The drive that took over 4.5 hours Tuesday afternoon took less than 3 hours Sunday morning. I felt a little guilty about not squeezing out one more hike day, but it was the right call.
I got home in time to unpack, do laundry, wash my hair and relax before the work week. What a nice trip. Five stars.
