On a mind-numbing stretch of Interstate 5 in the vast California central valley, several signs sprouted up in the last couple years that caught my attention.

These signs announced exits to Mercey Hot Springs, located somewhere in the barren Little Panoche Hills west of I-5. Always on the lookout for new territory to explore, especially with hot springs, I made a mental note to visit this region in the early spring when the rolling high plains grasslands are verdant and central valley temperatures mild.

So, in late March between a string of incessant rainstorms, Dick and I took our bikes, boots and Musubi on a five-day outing to the Little Panoche Hills and Pinnacles National Monument. We coordinated the trip with Rich Blackmarr and Frank Farmer, who met us at the Pinnacles for three days of hiking following two days of biking and soaking at Mercey Hot Springs.

"Taco Bell"-style office and old hotel building