This is our tenth trip across the US. We’ve explored over 30 National Parks, camped in every state but Alaska and Hawaii, driven iconic roads from Route 66 to the Natchez Trace, biked hundreds of miles on RailsforTrails and swam in rivers, lakes, oceans and hot springs. We wondered what could we explore next that’s a little off the beaten path. Well, why not cold springs? Wait, what? Yep, places where millions of gallons of crystal clear cold water bubble up and create amazingly blue swimming holes, some filled with wildlife. Thus, this trip we are calling the Cold Springs Tour. Florida has the highest concentration of springs in the world, with over 900. Texas also has an abundance of these amazing springs. Of course we’ll also continue to eat our way across the USA sampling the local fare and visiting other bean to bar chocolate makers. Oh, one thing I forgot to mention. The temperature of cold springs vary between 50 and 70 degrees - so pray for warm weather. Adventurous sure, sadistic possibly. 
We started our trip visiting Ned’s sisters in Pacifica and Arroyo Grande. Nothing helps you transition more from the hectic world of chocolate making to vacation than a warm send off from the sisters. After enjoying several days of visiting, playing with great nephews, imbibing in too much good food and lots of laughs our first night of camping is finally here.
Southern California beach camping at its finest. It’s a bit misty and cool, but heck I’ll take it! Nothing a good glass of Zin won’t fix. It’s our reward for making it thru the “belly of the beast”, i.e. Los Angeles traffic.
While this camping spot is far from remote or exotic it does come with two incredible great features, Josh and Marlina! The kids made it to the campsite around 8:30. We got caught up over burgers and beers and took a late night stroll along the beach. What a perfect way to kick off our road trip.
