2024/10/20 Alive-Alive-O at Live Oak

 

A panoramic view of Lake Cachuma, looking across the water, over Arrowhead Island to the coastal mountains to the West.

In this aerial view you can see the island easily, and orient that the first photo was taken from the lake edge on the center right.

We are SO fortunate that this man-made lake was created in 1953 with Bradbury Dam placed on the Santa Ynez River. It provides water security for the city, and a fine equestrian recreational spot.

Today's track was a leisurely walk, just a stroll on one of our favorite places.

To access the trails requires driving up into the mountains from Santa Barbara, on the 154, a road that is becoming increasingly dangerous.

But no matter the angry speeders behind me, my mule and I drive the legal speed and periodically use lay-bys to let them careen past. I don't drive faster than my Guardian Angel can fly.

Last winter the river so far exceeded its banks that giant sink-holes appeared in the parking lot. Even now the width of the area it expanded across is enormous.

All this gravel was washed down from the mountains above.

But now, in the early Fall, it has shrunk back down to an easy to cross shallow stream. My companions and I let our animals cool their hooves and get a drink in preparation for today's walk.

As soon as you hit the trail the mountains stretch away. After spending weeks in the downtown corridor, it is a restful sight to look to a distant horizon with minimal human presence.

Today tres caballeros came along for the ride, happy to be out in this jewel of a landscape. Jose on borrowed Pistolas, Graviel on El Capitan, and Arturo on Hurache.

Plus my constant riding companion Jamie on Mosca.

 

And Tobe Mule and I.

It might seem odd to call these former ranch roads trails, they are kept wide enough to permit access by emergency vehicles should that be necessary.

There are are other more challenging single-track trails, we'll leave those for another day.

As the trail winds back and forth, the sight of the lake on the horizon makes this trail special, like no other mountain trail experience in this area.

And although the trail never goes to the water's edge, it is a sparkling delight.

We went a little over 3 miles and that was enough for me today, so this was our last viewpoint, where I took the panoramic.

Then it was back across the plateau, that always feels to me like we are traversing the African veld. 

Today we saw no cows, bucking horses or deer. We are used to seeing many of each, so it felt strangely silent and empty without a glimpse of the locals.

But with a trusty Kentucky mule and competent riding companions on their assorted horses, 

a fine way to spend an afternoon.

Back across the river we go, and then to return to civilization.

On the bumper of my SubUrban.

I encourage every reader to find their dream and make it happen.

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Mule Trail Blog by Pat Fish