Outside Insider
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Get the inside perspective on what's happening on the outdoor scene. Weekly column by Ray Ford explores a variety of issues and topics.
Starbucks Leaves a Bad Taste in a Very Needy Guy
Great Tasting Instant But Is It Right for the Trail?
Ray checks out the new VIA line of coffee. Read story.
Good Deed Gone Really, Really Bad?
County Fire Investigators Say Trail Gnomes May Have Sparked Jesusita Fire
Ray takes a look back at the Jesusita Fire investigation. Read story.
Pano Provides Perspective
Image from Colson Canyon Ridge Shows Difficulty of Task
Why take just one picture when you can stitch five together? Read story.
Time to Rebuild Local Trails
Jeusita Fire The Perfect Opportunity to Rehabilitate Fire-Damaged Trails to Meet 21st Century Needs
A look at why it may be better to go slow in opening fire-damaged trails. Read story.
A Closer Look at the Wildfire Problem
We Have Met the Enemy and It Is Us
While others focus on managing the chaparral, Ray takes a closer look at urban vegetation issues. Read story.
Which Canyon Will Burn Next?
Homeowners Must Do What’s Necessary to Stop Vicious Fire Cycle
As the smoke blew away on Friday morning and it became clear that more than 200 homes had been destroyed by the Tea Fire, Santa Barbara was left pondering the impact of a blaze whose costs may tally close to a billion dollars—this in just a little over 12 hours. Read story.
Westmont College Owed a Public Apology
School Was Savaged by the Way Sheriff Brown Handled Tuesday's News Conference
It is time for Sheriff Brown to apologize for the way he handled the news conference Tuesday, and the lack of information provided since. Read story.
The Trail Tools Are Being Sharpened
With last week's rain the soil is almost ready to work and it's getting time to start working the trails again. Read story.
New Wilderness Map Available
Detailed Backcountry Map Is a Must for Every Hiking Enthusiast
New Dick Smith map will provide a valuable addition to any wilderness enthusiast's collection. Read story.
Coming Like a Freight Train
The Time to Prepare for Post-Gap Fire Impacts Is Now
New County emergency post-fire plan deals with the impacts of the Gap Fire which could be heading our way once the rainy season begins. Read story.
First Look at the Gap Fire's Aftermath
With Wet Weather Coming Soon, What Will Happen to the Canyons Above Goleta?
With wet weather coming soon, what will happen to the canyons above Goleta? Read story.
Learning from the Gap Fire
Probably no one had the anniversary of the Zaca Fire on their mind two weeks ago when smoke was first spotted near the top of the mountains. Read story.
Hot Days, No Water, and Dead Dogs
Erin and Brian Caramadre are from Thousand Oaks, but they visit Santa Barbara often because they love our trails. One of their favorites is Romero Canyon because of the variety of scenery and the views from the top of the crest. Read story.
Trail Picture Becoming Brighter
City, County and Forest Service Reach Historic Agreement
Though it may not seem like it, a lot is happening on our local trails, including a new agreement among the agency partners. Read story.
The Lure of Going Lite
Shed the Pounds and Have Way More Fun
It no longer takes 40 pounds of gear to get out in the wilderness. With new technology, it's possible to shave your gear down to less than 10 pounds, not counting food and water. Read story.
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