Just as interesting as your reactions to the hikes you've taken so far will be your reactions (like this post) to the aftermath of the fire. I think every loss always changes the people who grieve.
It doesn't sound right to say I 'look forward' to your future posts in the light of this tragedy--but you know what I mean. You have a deep connection to nature--which comes through very strongly in these blog posts. I think reading your thoughts will help some of us sort through our own reactions to this "historic" event.
Thanks again for sharing all of this with us.
Daria
· 3 months ago
I found your website after googling Switzer to find out if it was burned since it's one of my favorite local hiking spots. I've appreciated your updates and heartfelt writing. Please don't let this discourage you and keep going with your mission. I look forward to following you.
Melanie
· 3 months ago
I'd love to join you in revisiting the hikes we went on. These are sad times.
Kim
· 3 months ago
I found your site after trying to find out what's happened to Trail Canyon, Dawn Mine and other hikes in the Angeles. This feels like mourning... As you find ways to help, please post and let us know. Also, I'll be looking at your site for other local hikes. I've only hiked in the Angeles in Southern California. I guess its time to branch out.
By the way I found the California Wildfire Releaf project that is a project to replant California in general, but don't know if they'll act quickly enough. I'd go out today and try to replant if I could..
I read this yesterday, and it really stayed with me:
"It's not just the wilderness that is damaged, but the vast network of trails. Because the San Gabriel Mountains are so steep and loose with crumbling rock, many trails rely on retaining walls -- with wood supports -- as they cling to near-vertical terrain. When those burn, the trails collapse. Parts of the Sunset Ridge trail, from Altadena to Mt. Lowe, had already fallen into the depths of Millard Canyon, and rains this winter could further damage the trail."
It hadn't occurred to me that trails--I think of them as essentially just dirt--could be wiped out in a fire...
This is so discouraging.
DSD
· 3 months ago
From such adversity may a Phoenix rise... Many times we have to go where the energy is and discover what awaits us there... Keep on Kolby - hiking, trail building, finding your way! The mountains will endure and be all the more beautiful for it... DSD
wilberfan
· 3 months ago
Lovely. Bravo. Nicely put. After we mourn, it's time to turn our attention and energies to the future and what we can do to that's positive and nurturing...
All Comments
It doesn't sound right to say I 'look forward' to your future posts in the light of this tragedy--but you know what I mean. You have a deep connection to nature--which comes through very strongly in these blog posts. I think reading your thoughts will help some of us sort through our own reactions to this "historic" event.
Thanks again for sharing all of this with us.
By the way I found the California Wildfire Releaf project that is a project to replant California in general, but don't know if they'll act quickly enough. I'd go out today and try to replant if I could..
I read this yesterday, and it really stayed with me:
"It's not just the wilderness that is damaged, but the vast network of trails. Because the San Gabriel Mountains are so steep and loose with crumbling rock, many trails rely on retaining walls -- with wood supports -- as they cling to near-vertical terrain. When those burn, the trails collapse. Parts of the Sunset Ridge trail, from Altadena to Mt. Lowe, had already fallen into the depths of Millard Canyon, and rains this winter could further damage the trail."
It hadn't occurred to me that trails--I think of them as essentially just dirt--could be wiped out in a fire...
This is so discouraging.
Many times we have to go where the energy is and discover what awaits us there...
Keep on Kolby - hiking, trail building, finding your way!
The mountains will endure and be all the more beautiful for it...
DSD