Since 1990, I have been backpacking into the remote backcountry of Santa Barbara County on or near the first day of Winter. This past December would have been my 20th anniversary of the trek, the most recent trips into Lion Canyon. The rain, though, would have it's say.
Over eight inches of rain was reported in central California between Dec 18 and the 22nd, and left any road we normally take into the trailhead a muddy mess. We held off as long as we could the final decision of going or not going, but finally relented and decided to stay the few days around the Solstice at my friends Dave and Sherryl's house.
We had a great time. We ate like kings, drank wine around the fireplace, went on long, sometimes wet day hikes, saw an amazing rock art site, and played our guitars late into the night. It was one of the best solstice celebrations in near memory.
The only thing it lacked, and I'm sure most of us felt this way, was the living outside. Sitting on the ground around the fire, passing a flask, feeling how cold it had become, even a few paces from the fire. Nothing more, in my opinion, can connect you to the landscape than not being able to go inside for several days. I feel relaxed and at ease, very comfortable and confident in my surroundings, and I realize I missed this feeling very much.
The nice thing is, though, Lion Canyon will still be there the next time I hike in. Our inside solstice celebration is a great memory, and will be cherished as a most appropriate celebration of my 20th anniversary.
10 January 2011
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)