The sun started its hot shine early this year, spoiling us Santa Barbarans with summertime temperatures when spring was still roaring with rain, wind, and chill in less lucky climes. Meanwhile, the foggy “May Gray” of last year-the predecessor, of course, to ominous “June Gloom”- seems to be holding off as well, making this week the perfect excuse to drop The Independent’s annual Blue & Green outdoor guide.
In version 2008, we head with paddler extraordinaire Chuck Graham to the Channel Islands National Park, where he lays out some easy nautical adventures for the aquatically inclined. Our outdoors editor Ray Ford reveals six perfect day hikes, three of them green with mountains and three of them blue with water. Blue & Green issue veteran Felicia M. Tomasko gives the rundown on geocaching, a technologically empowered scavenger hunt for adults who love being outside. Our resident wildlife expert Martha Sadler tells you what to do when you run into wild animals on the trail. And our Associate Arts Editor Elizabeth Schwyzer reveals a wacky language that comes from the Santa Barbara foothills, giving us the must-know lexicon of the bouldering crowd.
Throw in some outdoor company listings to start your own adventure and a smattering of bonus trimmings, and you’ve got The Indy’s Blue & Green 2008 edition. So read on, be safe, and enjoy!
• Kayaking Trips at Channel Islands National Park
• From Muggle to Cacher in the Global Treasure Hunt Known as Geocaching
• Six Great Places to Get Outdoors