Backpacking

My new banner picture above shows me standing in my favorite place in the world, Montgomery Potrero in the Santa Barbara county, CA, backcountry. The trail winds seven miles, sometimes through dense chapparal, until emerging onto these immense grassy meadows (potreros) that cover the ridgeline for many miles. The potreros are dotted with large sandstone rock formations that harbor windblown caves and rock shelters, some painted with elaborate designs many years ago by the Chumash tribe.

Another view of the potreros

This coming December will be my 20th annual trek to this area on (or near) the Winter solstice. Two of my solstice trips were not to this area, my first trip in 1990 and one other were to areas nearby, but every other time, rain or shine--or deep snow--have been to these potreros. We have encountered weather ranging from wearing shorts and t-shirts well into the evening to bitter cold where every piece of clothing in our pack doesn't seem to be enough. Lately, I actually prefer the cold, and would be dissapointed if it was warm.

It's hard to describe why I love the place so much. I feel welcome there, and very comfortable. Civilization melts away and only the singular moments remain of finding the trail, or gathering wood, or cooking food, or sitting on the ground around the fire with good friends...nothing else matters. As silly as it might sound to some, I believe the place loves me. I can feel it when I'm there.