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Yarn Bomb
updated: Jun 17, 2012, 3:51 PM
By Aquaholic
I had planned all week to pay a visit to the yarn bombed tree, high above the
city on the Cold Springs Trail. The weather and other things conspired against
me, until I finally woke up Saturday to what seemed like a chance at sunshine.
My trusty trail companion Luke (a 100lb yellow lab) was eager and we set off,
much later than planned. My plan was simple, we would drive to the top of the
trail via East Camino Cielo and hike down. It would be shorter in this
direction and give us great views, all true, except that the temps up on top
were pretty warm by 11:00...I'd say in the 80's. We set off, despite my better
judgement, and I carried only my backpack with camera gear and a cell phone.
For some reason beyond what I know is prudent, I left with only a 16oz bottle of
water for the both of us. I had figured the distance to be about 1.5 miles to
the tree, and I knew the trail at the top to be a fairly gentle descent. We
made it there easily, although Luke was having a harder time as the midday sun
was very hot. I gave Luke all the water I brought and luckily other people at
the tree gave him some of theirs. At this point I was starting to question my
wisdom now facing a climb back to my car which I calculated to be closer to 2
miles.
I called my husband who happened to be in Montecito on business and told him my
predicament. He said just go slow and stop a lot. Easy for him to say! About
3/4 of the way back, Luke was in trouble, he was stopping every few feet and
resting under any shade he could find, and vomited twice. I was super worried
now and I wasn't doing much better, at 50+ years of age and way out of shape I
was starting to recognize the signs of heat exhaustion. My skin was dry, I was
lightheaded and muscles were starting to cramp...not good. We found some of the
only shade around and sat down to contemplate our options. I called my husband
again, but this time he didn't answer...uh-oh. Luckily for us a young man
appeared on the trail above us. I had seen him earlier and thankfully his plan
was to return back to his car at the bottom. He stopped to help us without
hesitation. I was worried about myself, but more so about Luke. He agreed to
accompany us back up to the car. He had what we both needed, WATER. Neither of
us had food with us, nor adequate amounts of water, he didn't have a hat...and
so on. I've worked in public safety most of my life so I certainly know better.
This was a good reminder that anyone can become a statistic at any time.
Happily, Luke and I made it back, and none too worse for wear, although Luke is
not quite back to 100%. He is recovering today.
I want to thank Will, who despite being tired and low on water himself,
accompanied me and Luke, assuring we made it back to safety and back home. I
made some very stupid choices and I'm very grateful that it all turned out well.
Happy Father's day to all the Dad's out there!
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