Trip/Event Location: Los Angeles, CAUS
Trip Leader(s): CJDGO
Max # People: 10
Trip Guiding / Event Fee: No, I will not be asking participants for money
Difficulty Level: Very Strenuous
Let’s celebrate the spring with an invigorating all-day hike exploring some of the most scenic terrain in the Los Padres National Forest, winding our way down the dramatic canyon of Sespe Creek,
We’ll meet up to consolidate our carpool in Camarillo (US101 x Pleasant Valley Rd) at 7:00am SHARP on the morning of Saturday, April 2. L.A.-based hikers should plan on leaving L.A. no later than 6:00am. Our hike will begin at around 8:00am and take us about 10 hours to complete, so please plan on a full day and a late evening return home. Depending on our group's willingness, we may elect to reward ourselves with post-hike pizza in Ojai. Rain or a forecast of rain or thunderstorms within 48 hours of start cancels, as does RSVP by fewer than three other hikers by 8PM Wednesday, March 30. A National Forest Adventure Pass or Annual Pass will be required for each carpool vehicle, so if you’re planning to drive be sure to have one.
As hoped, the day dawned bright and springlike. I knew something was awry, however, when 1/2 mile into our trek, we made our first of FOURTEEN planned crossings of Sespe Creek, and I saw the water was higher than I'd ever seen it in my several years of hiking it. We all made it across the first few crossings without a hitch, taking our time and using our trekking poles to steady ourselves. But as we made our way downstream and the river gathered its power, we started to pass wide-eyed, weary groups of backpackers (and lots of cute college boys) unable to safely make any of the lower crossings. We pushed on, bushwacking a couple miles to avoid two of the hairiest crossings, but then we came upon a couple friendly, seasoned cowboys on horseback who were outfitting a trail crew further down the line, and they shared with us the depressing news that our destination, beautiful Willett Hot Springs, was down for the count as a result of recent storms: full of rocks and mud and the hot tub piping destroyed! My happy memories of my several trips last April, after a much milder winter, flashed before my eyes, and I was sorry my new pals would have to miss out on Willett (see pic from last year). Oh, well. Win some, lose some. Everyone took the news sportingly well and agreed that the hike was still a happy adventure, with nice wildflowers, nice companionship, and nice pizza topping it off.
Outdoor Fitness Level: Strenuous
