sbrobert
Rocky Pine Ridge “the easy way” is one of my favorite places to bring visitors who are up for a hike that does not involve a lot of elevation gain. It can be fairly easy or it can be quite a challenging rock scramble, depending how far we go. I recently led this for the Humanist Society and added a special side bonus for the first time.
The first section is slippery shale. Here is that first scramble up from the top of Gibraltar Road.
The trail soon climbs steeply above the neighboring farm or ranch. If I understand correctly, this trail is on their property.
A bit more climbing along the slippery shale trail brought us to the ocean side of the first ridge, which is made of grippy sandstone. Here the group posed for a photo at the first overlook.
I brought my fun new little Hover Air drone to capture this scene, but the battery failed! I have since received a free replacement battery from the manufacturer.
Good news: I had scouted this hike a couple of weeks earlier and made three 20 second video clips with the drone. Here they are stitched together into a one minute video.
Here is a clear view of the Rocky Pine Ridge.
Without revealing too much information, our group made it to a fun little cave. Thanks to Doyle for showing me the way two years ago and for coming on the hike. And to John, who had been coming up there since he was in high school. Each of us had a different idea of the best route, but together we figured it out!
We eventually made our way back to my regular hike. Katherine and Martin demonstrated how to open the secret Harry Potter door!
Here a bird perched under a pine branch.
Somewhere there is a trail through this beautiful scenery!
Here is the view back through that same section.
These pine trees drop big pine cones!
Fifteen years ago two fires raged through this area. This magnificent tree survived both fires, but eventually died during the subsequent drought.
This little tunnel makes for a great photo spot.
Then things open up for a wide view down to the Lauro Reservoir and beyond.
More caves and squeezes in this playground of sculpted sandstone.
A view toward our lunch spot.
Doyle posed at the lunch spot while John ventured far below.
Yes, that is me!
It was a warm day, so some preferred the shade to the panoramic view.
Katherine posed in a nearby little cave.
This lizard was enjoying the sunshine.
Sometimes I take the group all the way to the end of Rocky Pine Ridge, but after the side trip and the warm day we decided to head back.
More squeezes to get back out.
Glad that some manzanitas survived the fires.
I like to imagine that the Chumash ground their acorns in this perfectly round depression.
Some flowers and vegetation manages to grow in the shale.
The red stuff is wild buckwheat.
You can see the schedule of all of our local Humanist Society hikes and other events here on Meetup. Everyone is welcome! https://www.meetup.com/
BIG FAVOR PLEASE!
Please vote for Robert Bernstein for Best Columnist in the Santa Barbara Independent “Best Of” poll! Here is the direct link, but you must also vote for 20 categories or your vote won’t be counted!
https://bestof.independent.com
Yes, be sure to vote for Edhat for best website under Media. Below are all of my votes. Note that some were not my first choice because my first choice was not nominated. Here is where to vote for all of them: https://bestof.independent.com/
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ROMANCE
Event DJ: Darla Bea
MEDIA
Celeb: Jeff Bridges
Columnist: Robert Bernstein
Radio Station: KTYD
Website: Edhat
EATING
Bagels: Jack’s Bagels
Burger: Habit
Chinese: China Palace
Clam Chowder: Brophy
Goleta Restaurant: Jane
Ice Cream: Tondi Gelato
Indian: Masala Spice
Noodle Bar: Empty Bowl
Salad Bar: Savoy
Seafood: Brophy
Sushi: Arigato
LITTLE CREATURES
Pet Store: Pet House
LIVING WELL
Bookstore: Chaucer’s
OUT AND ABOUT
Annual Event: Summer Solstice
DRIVING
Auto Repair: Top Shop
Car Wash: Wash N Go
BIG FAVOR PLEASE!
Please vote for Robert Bernstein for Best Columnist in the Santa Barbara Independent “Best Of” poll! Here is the direct link, but you must also vote for 20 categories or your vote won’t be counted!
https://bestof.independent.com/media/sb-columnist
…and don’t skip over the important one:
https://bestof.independent.com/media/sbbased-website
it’s showing “EdHat” as the second choice 🙂
🚴