COMPLETED: Los Padres NF via Refugio Rd/Forest Route 5N12

[Philberto]

Hey everybody, took a little drive today (about 5 hours) up to the beach, then crossed the mountains from the 101 to the 154 (Goleta, CA, to Santa Ynez, CA). I had a wonderful drive through the coast, then up some nice hills of chaparral, then through some dense brush with small creeks, out to some farmland near a lake.

Total mileage round trip: 140
Total mileage on trail: 20

Unfortunately, photobucket isn't working with this computer (Linux incompatibility) so I can't upload all the pics yet, but I do have a teaser pic for you guys until I can get home at 8PM PST




-edit: Also, I think this qualifies me as offroad rated... doc'd trip #3 baby!

[Philberto]

Ok, here are the pics as promised... you all got lucky I got picasa to work in Linux hehe.

As you can see, the exit is right next to the beach... no pics of the beach unfortunately... pressed for time.


Quick preview of the vegetation near the coast


Copilot #1:


Copilot #2:


Beautiful winter days in Southern California



A honey farm just off the road:


Circle Bar B... the sign says it all really... sort of a jack of all trades.


People up here like their privacy... I saw just shy of 100 of these on the drive up here...




They probably live here for the view:



This sign was probably put up by locals... I made it all the way through... not a road for low-clearance vehicles though


The road steadily degraded...


Until at last...


After airing down, some dirt road!



And a little tiny puddle of mud on the road!

[Philberto]

Nice valley/mountain view:


The brush starts to get thicker:




Here you can see a little bit of how rough the road actually was... not for low-clearance vehicles, and could be quite difficult in the rain.


Hehe... suburban water crossing



Back on pavement!


Glamour shot (pressed for time, so nothing better)


MOO!


And back on the road to head back home... time to air back up again!



Hope you guys enjoyed the pics... I was pressed for time like I said, so no nice shots on the trail or anything... was more focused on driving and the dogs.

[Philberto]

Any feedback?

[janesy86]

Looks like a fun trip...very scenic that's for sure. And those are some nice looking dogs btw.

[cowboy63645]

Looks like a fun trip!! After a get a few more things done to the TB I need to get back out and take a drive through the hills of MO!! lol

[staticfusion]

Looks like fun, Pretty mild trail, but who doesnt like scenic views and a few mud puddles?

[CHIEF BIG RIDGE]

Sweet stuff. Really awesome looking dogs.