I’m climbing up and down the hills of Angeles National Forest heading to the KOA campground in Acton that Janel and Optimist texted me about a few weeks ago. Descriptions of a pool and hot tub are propelling me. The hike isn’t bad except that I feel teased by the terrain. I can see the campground from the ridge, but the PUDS (pointless ups and downs) of the trail make the hike, in 100 degree heat, feel endless.

When I get down to the road, I follow the trail to the edge of the RV section of the campground. The bare dirt and litter make it feel super depressing. I pass by one RV and hear a guy yelling at a woman “yeah, you’ve got fake tits and a real attitude!”

I make my way past the trailers and find the pool and green grass. I take a shower with my clothes on, getting everything hiker clean simultaneously. I then jump into the pool and become a fish.