Outdoors Features
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In depth stories about places to go, things to see and what to know. Focusing on the Santa Barbara area but featuring the western states.
County Fire Thanks the Community
Forest Service Announces Additional Restrictions
County thanks the community for its cooperation during the Gap Fire and for its generosity and support for firefighter efforts. Read story.
Gap Fire Intensifies
Residents Gather at Foot of La Patera Ranch To Watch the Fire's Progress
Though not moving quickly at this point, the Gap Fire could be the big one residents have always feared. Read story.
Basin Fire Expands Dramatically
Big Sur Community Lifestyle May Be At Risk
Last night, the Basin Fire expanded dramatically as it burned through dry, heavy brush, forcing new evacuation warnings. Read story.
Getting a Good Night's Sleep
Choosing the Right Sleeping Bag Makes All of the Difference.
Ray shares his thoughts on getting the right sleeping bag for the Santa Barbara backcountry. Read story.
Going Ultralight — The Pack
Your Choice of Pack Will Determine How Serious Your Are About Going UL
Ray takes a look at the first piece of ultralight gear you'll want to buy. Read story.
Adventure on the Sisquoc
Going Lightweight in the Backcountry to Check Trail Conditions.
Ray heads into the backcountry on a trip to check trail conditions after the Zaca Fire and winter rains. Read story.
Going Ultralight — The Basics
First in a Series on How to be Ultra Cool and Lite on the Trail
Ray takes a look at the nitty gritty of ultralight weight backpacking in a three part series. Read story.
Fire and Ultralight, a US Forest Service Recon
Ultralight Backpackers Scouting Post-Disaster Trail Conditions for the US Forest Service.
Jhaura recounts a trip by several of the Lite Hikers who are doing recon trips in the wilderness areas to access the fire damage. Read story.
I Madonnari Shakes Off Cool Weather
Despite Early Morning Rain the Festival Kicks Off in High Gear
Though early morning rain threatened to put a damper on the chalk art festival, by mid-afternoon the sun was out and the chalk dust flying. Read story.
Reyes Peak Hike
High Country Views Atop Pine Mountain and a Mellow Day Hike
With views in either direction on this day hike and massive sandstone boulders giving a feeling of being on top of the world, there is no better place to get out into what some would call a “real forest” — the big pines. Read story.
A Guide to Bouldering Lingo
Chalk Up & Pull Down with the Best of Them
If you have friends who engage in animated conversations about “crimps” and “slopers,” spend their time swapping “beta,” or whine about their “shredded tips,” there’s only one rational explanation: You’re hanging out with boulderers. Read story.
From Muggle to Cacher in the Global Treasure Hunt Known as Geocaching
High-Tech Outdoor Scavenging
When I opened the well-hidden Altoids box on a sunny afternoon not too long ago, I immediately morphed from a “muggle” to a “cacher” in the global treasure hunt known as geocaching. Read story.
Six Great Places to Get Outdoors
Hiking Blue, Hiking Green
There’s a warm breeze as I hike up through the tall stands of mustard near Gaviota State Park. Read story.
Lions and Rattlers and Bears, Oh My!
Wild Things
When I first took to hiking in Los Padres Forest alone, amid the bear scat and cougar paw prints, I carried a large rock, prepared for an encounter with a large predator. Read story.
2008 Blue & Green Guide Listings
Adventure for Hire
Adventure for Hire. Read story.
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