January 31, 2018
Ojai Valley Land Conservancy River/Canyon Trails
Rice to Wills from the Oso Trailhead
We started this day with all intents and purposes to hike up Sesar Canyon and get the lay of the land, but after driving up to the Upper Ojai and the narrow road that takes us to the trailhead we found that the trail was closed. The astonishing thing that stands out on Sesar Canyon road is the hopscotch nature in which the houses burned. None of them were close to each other and when they burned it was in totality.
So when it became apparent we weren't gong to be able to hike up Sesar we decided to have a look at Rice and Wills Canyons out of the riverbed. We braved it up and headed out!
Oak trees are survivors and we found indications of that in many places: new vibrant green leaves and new sprouts emerging from trunks. We even observed armies of ants on the trees.
The most startling thing about a burn area is the grand expanse visible to the eye. There are no obstacles to impede your view. What's left of the trail is easy to find and we took a couple of side routes we always wanted to check out but were afraid of getting lost. Ash is still everywhere and there are skeletons of manzanitas among other trees in the canyons.
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We crested the top of Rice Canyon and climbed up to the top of the ridge to get the view looking back toward Ojai. Grasses are spouting and green is nice!.
Heading down into Wills Canyon we see gems of green in the bottom of the canyon
We did not meet anyone on our journey until we reached the mouth of Wills Canyon and headed out into the old orange grove. The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy ground crew was mulching baby oak trees that they are nurturing.
Hiking in nature strengthens us in many ways: physically, emotionally and soulfully. We have many friends in the woods; some our lost, some our new and hopefully some will return.
Keep on trekking,
Beth & Laura
Bodee & Lucy our Four-pawed Companions
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