A Lake I Like a Lot: JAMESON LAKE, 22 miles/under 3,000'

Soar with the eagles on our ridgeline ramble in the Matilija Wilderness of Los Padres National Forest. We'll be rewarded with stunning views of Jameson Lake & mountains to north; ocean & islands to south.

Trailblazing? No, these trails have been trodden before.

Bushwacking? Probably some on the single track sections; they're usually brushy after all the rains this year.

Exploratory? Yes, because w e’ll be on some trails I haven’t done before. But it's well-mapped and easy to follow.

Terrain: Fire road, less than 3 miles of single track .

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/5/a/f/1/event_47963281.jpeg

Alba, Dinah, Janete and I recently went to the lake via The Murietta Divide:

https://www.meetup.com/fun-in-the-sun-Oxnard/events/28841531/

We found another trail that connects to the lake so our outing today is a pre-hike of sorts--to check out where this other trail hits the ridgeline. Once we've figured the connection, we'll do a big 22mile/5,000'+ loop hike.

Our outing today takes us along this ridgeline, the first few miles of which I've hiked: http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/6/e/c/a/event_51688362.jpeg

It might be similar to this for miles and miles.

Jon, Dick, Diane from our 4/26/11 hike.

What's on the trail? Snakes, thistle, poison oak, brush, horseflies, other flying insects (they're always up there!). Ticks--maybe.

Meeting Place: In Montecito to carpool/caravan to trailhead up on ridgeline above Santa Barbara, about 45 mins drive. Directions will be emailed on 9/4.

Level: Advanced.

Bring: At least 4L+ water, snacks, water, lunch, extra food for all day, sunscreen, 10 essentials, trekking poles if you have them. We should return before twilight ends (7:41PM), but just in case--bring a headlamp.

Wear: Layers, hat, hiking boots with lug soles.

Dogs: If your dog has completed a 20-miler and you can carry enough water for him/her, please email me.

Friends are joining me and are included as my guests. Everyone else must be signed up. No guests or "plus ones" please. For liability reasons we must have everyone join the group, and agree to the standard Meetup "Terms of Service", especially section 6.2, here (https://www.meetup.com/terms/).