Darned if those hills don't look greener

Hello Everyone, 

Tonight will be my third night staying at the Hollister Hills state recreational vehicle area (SRVA) over a four night period. My feelings toward the place have evolved considerably in that time. 

The first night here, I had been turned away from a state park that was full to capacity. As mentioned, I hadn't planned ahead and didn't realize it was Saturday. I haven't completely lost track of time, I just thought it was Sunday. Anyway, I wasn't in a great mood.  

I had biked a bit that day, but only the trails closer to town, which are nice but not amazing. I went to the state park first rather than here because it was closer, and to be turned away was an indictment of my planning and meant I had to drive the better part of an hour to get to this spot. It's much cheaper to camp here, but those savings are lost in the cost of gas to get here. And it was late when I pulled in, and also hungry. A bad combination. 

Driving up, I was frustrated because instead of staying at a cool beach front park next to a hip city, I was going to a backwoods site, past some rough looking country towns.

But then I discovered that amazing trail in the demo forest, which brightened my mood about the whole area. On the second night here realized that this place offers free hot showers. And last night, I fell asleep to the sounds bullfrogs and coyotes. Just like at the cottage.

Now those aren't rough looking country towns, they are quaint villages with rustic charm and easy going, down to earth country folk. This campsite is a hidden gem, tucked away in the hills away from the city, to be discovered by the intrepid traveler. And damned if those hills don't look greener to my eyes as I drive in. 

Wes