With all the rain we been getting in Goleta, things are green.
Like, ridiculously green….
Like, hiking on green shag carpeting green.
So we’ve been getting out into the backcountry as much as possible.
We explored the Sherpa Fire area and marveled at how quickly nature bounces back from disaster.
The contrast from utter destruction to emerging growth was stunning.
Then we headed up to an old favorite swimming hole, but getting there was the adventure.
Paradise Road was closed at the first crossing due to all the wonderful runoff
flowing through the creek.
So we grabbed our trusty old bikes and dragged them through the water…
And on to adventure.
The road past the first crossing was in need of some work.
But that made it more fun!
So green.
And, we had the whole place to ourselves…
That doesn’t happen at Red Rock very often anymore.
Next we ventured a little deeper back into the hills, beyond Figueroa Mountain.
The drive in was breathtaking.
Lots of green, and the beginning of the wildflower bloom.
The Manzana Creek was running nicely.
And there were a few nice little pools forming.
And Enzo and Reina were eager to jump in every chance they got.
Even the side creeks were flowing strong.
We found a nice little spot to enjoy our lunch and take in the scenery.
This little pool looked pretty inviting….
So we took a dip to rinse off the poison oak. It was cold.
We’ve been hiking this trail our whole lives, and it’s always good to get back on it.
And we will be back……Soon.
