Everybody has a place in our public lands.
It doesn’t matter if you’re steeped in the 805 backcountry or have never stepped foot on a dirt path in your life — we’ll discuss destinations, gear, local lore, flora, fauna, skills, etiquette, ethics, and volunteerism … and get out there!
Pick a post and head down the rabbit hole with me!
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Sespe at Spring
When the vernal equinox ticked over late last April, a hearty crew of backcountry wanderers were bedded down amongst the palm trees and cobbles of Hot Springs Canyon, deep in the Sespe Wilderness. It seemed appropriate that spring should, in fact, begin at the Springs. The Expat Returns, Very Late Winter 2014 My first visit…
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Return to Cuyama Peak
Some time ago, I posted a short history of the Cuyama Peak lookout. Since then, I’ve visited the site a few more times after its 2011/2012 collapse and also uncovered some additional historical images of the old lookout. Madeye Bags Cuyama Peak, Fall 2013. Hauling I-beams to the Peak, 1934. Image courtesy LPNF Archives. Madeye…
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Condor Call: Sespe-Mutau-Fishbowls Loop
The most recent issue of the Sierra Club’s “Condor Call” newsletter carries an article penned by yours truly and Bryan Conant. See below for the content, and the link here for the full pdf of the newsletter. Top-shelf Backcountry Treks by Craig R. Carey and Bryan Conant As part of this year’s Wilderness Basics Course,…
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Chumash IX
Beware the Ides of March! Yep, it’s that time again, when the pack gets antsy and the wee ones have their backpacks ready to go and waiting, leaning against their nightstands for the “go” signal. And so it was on the Ides of March this year, when we departed on a breezy and cool Saturday…
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Return to the Pines
“My girl, my girl, don’t lie to me Tell me, where did you sleep last night?” In the winter of 2013 (you know, back when this stretch of the Los Padres still received on occasion this thing we once called “precipitation”), Trailmaster Cobra, the Cubmaster, and Bardlero Primero and I enjoyed a day trip to…
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Old School Signage: Yellowjacket
(No, the Other One) For those who dig deep into the southern Los Padres backcountry, numerous diamonds in the rough remain. Yellowjacket (or Yellow Jacket, and no, the other one) shines especially bright among them. A shout-out of gratitude to the Three Kings — a hearty trio of backcountry explorers (known by mere non-LP mortals…