Six jours

I hiked around Whiting today -- outside, as the park is still closed -- and it's pretty well burned over. The little finger that extends up from gate 5 -- the Serrano Creek entrance -- is unburned for about a quarter mile. The fire extended down to about where that big oak stands in the clearing (the big oak is still burning a little) and seems to have left a few patches unburned elsewhere, but overall, it's moonscape. Dreaded hill, Raptor Ridge, Overlook... black and white and not much green at all. Interesting to see the place all laid bare. Lots of game trails and such. Kind of like catching Mother Nature with her clothes off.

To tell the truth, I can't think of any really good reasons for the park to remain closed. I suppose the place is susceptible to erosion if nitwits go traipsing around off-trail, and there's probably some small risk of having a burned-out tree fall on you, but...

Six jours

Oh, and air quality seemed pretty good, at least until you get right into the foothills. Three hours of fast walking with a pack, no problems with the air. A week of sitting in front of the TV hasn't exactly done wonders for my conditioning, though.

Assuming the fire still burning in the Clevelands doesn't make the air any worse by tomorrow, I figure I'll hop onto the bike and tour the damage around Santiago, or at least as close as road closures allow.

summoner12

I can't picture the big oak tree you are talking about.

if you do go tomorrow can you take some pictures?

Pamestique 

The parks will remain closed while the fire department assesses safety and the Nature and Irvine Ranch Conservancy assess impact to wildlife. As you can imagine the wildlife is extremely stressed and having people (hikes being the most evasive and bikers next) coming in where there is no where to hide, animals are injured and scared, food supplies low (small critters are generally killed by fast moving fires - only the larger animals have a chance to get out but rabbits, rats, mouse, etc are food sources), is not a good idea. Generally parks are closed 2 - 3 months for assessment.

Remember its not all about us - critters and landscapes are also impacted.

Six jours

Summoner, got enough pictures that I went ahead and started a thread for them. Whiting Ranch photo essay -- picture intensive .

summoner12

cool thanks.