Taming The Wild West Fork

Joani, Paul, and I headed out to the West Fork of Cold Spring Trail this weekend to clear downed trees, clear brush, and rake shale. The photos speak for themselves, trail now clear and open! D



Down tree near the water pipe

Joani and Paul chopping

Looking good

Paul using a hand saw to cut the tree that had broken but not fallen

The tree down

All clear

This section of trail was completely blocked

Completely open

The shale sections are a continual problem

Joani and Paul raking shale

Improved trail after

Santa Barbara County Search And Rescue 50th Anniversary Celebration May 19th &20th

Jesusita Fire - 3 Years Later, The Recovery Continues

Volunteers rake ash and "dry ravel" off of Tunnel Trail in June of 2009

Same Location, 4/2012

View the entire photo album

Camuesa Connector And The Case Of The Curious Baby Rattler

F.B. and I decided to head over into the Santa Ynez Valley to get away from the grey and rode the Camuesa Connector Trail today.  The trail is in good shape partially due to the recent work by SBMTV and the river section is low enough to ride without stopping.  On the way back along Paradise Rd we encountered a baby rattler sunning itself on the pavement. We stopped and found this little guy to be very curious about us. He started to leave only to come back around the rear of F.B.'s bike to take a little rest. During his adventure he checked out my sunglasses then decided after about 5 mintues he had enough and dissappeared into the bushes. - D
 

F.B. cruises through the meadow nearing the S.Y. River

Dropping into the S.Y. River

Taking a closer look at the rattler

The rattler takes a closer look at F.B.'s bike 

The rattler likes Smith Sunglasses

Camouflage

Rattlesnake On Rattlesnake Canyon Trail - 4/21/12

This rattler was spotted on Rattlesnake Canyon Trail today sitting about one foot from the side of the trail. I would have never spotted it had it not rattled. I took a few snaps then scooted it off the trail with a stick so the next person or pet would not get a leg full of fang. The location was about 1/4 mile below the meadow and it was full grown. Be aware, they could be just about anywhere along your favorite trail. D

DFG Rattlesnake Safety Page

Can you spot the rattler?

SCE Clearing Fire Roads In The Tunnel Trail Area This Week

Be cautious while using the fire roads around Tunnel Trail this week! Southern California Edison will be plowing winter damage today(4/17) through Friday. Below - Hikers move out of the way of the grader clearing the area in front of Tunnel Trail.

One Last Powder Day On Mt Pinos, 4/15/12