What Exactly Is Santa Barbara Funk Zone???

Do you know what exactly is the Santa Barbara Funk Zone? I had no idea of this place until about 2.5 months ago, when a friend responded to my text that she was at the funk zone. I thought what FUN zone?

On Aug 31 this year, Santa Barbara was experiencing a heat wave. My solo midday hike up the south facing hillside of Flores Peak was brutal and exhausting, in what felt like 110-115F ambient radiant heat. The boulder surface was scorching hot, most likely sufficient to cook eggs. The risk of heat exhaustion was real and I had to monitor my vital signs and mental alertness, and took periodic covers in the shade of sparse manzanitas and sumacs.

I got to the top of Flores Peak all fine, except to descend in that kind of heat, the hydration could be a potential concern. The solution was to shade myself behind a large boulder for about two hours, waiting for the temperature to drop. That turned out to be an amazing and fascinating opportunity to observe paragliders soaring above the beautiful coastline.

I descended the hillside when the sun got lower on the horizon. On the way down to Gibraltar Rock, a search & rescue helicopter circling above Arlington Peak could be seen, and heard loudly in the distance.

I texted a friend to see if she could see the helicopter from her house. Helicopter search & rescue was something she had mentioned or warned me about quite a few times in the past. But from the funk zone, it was not visible.

I have put off checking out this area of Santa Barbara for more than 2 months. On this trip, I am following my curiosity to explore something different and that I have not been to for the most part. This will be a trip of exploring, discovering, and walking for fitness.

If you are also passionate about hiking & exploring in beautiful nature, committed to health, fitness & vitality, and meet the quality below by self assessment, you are very welcome to submit your intent to join. 🙂

Start at: Dolphin Fountain area, Cabrillo Blvd & Stearns Wharf

Distance: up to 10 miles of casual to fast pace 4.5 mph walking

Ability: fast pace 4 mph walking, manage urban traffic safety effectively, carry on meaningful conversation

Physical & Mental: healthy & fit for walking, hiking & exploring, mentally & emotionally sound

Personality & Character: authentic, sincere, down to earth, enthusiastic, cheerful, good sense of humor, cordial and pleasant to chat with, effective in communicating

Mindset: adventurous yet very safety conscious, self responsible & self accountable, intellectually curious, independent thinking, open-minded worldview, can do attitude

Liability Waiver
By RSVPing and participating in this event, you acknowledge that outdoor adventures carry risks (injury, illness, accidents, etc.) and agree that you are solely responsible for your own safety, health, wellbeing, and belongings. The organizer(s) and co-hosts are not liable for any loss, damage, or injury. By joining, you agree to the full terms and conditions.