Welcome to The Independent‘s annual ode to the great outdoors. With Spring springing, some late-season rain showers enhancing the goods, and summer fast approaching, there is perhaps no better time to cast away the dead weight of indoor living and get yourself out and into the blues and greens that so fabulously color our coastline and countryside. What follows is a celebration of some Santa Barbarians who make such an escape on a daily basis, use nature as the ultimate membership-free gym, and drink in the bounty of nature along the way. And, for good measure, we’ve also thrown in some product reviews of things to help you on your journey and a list of some area companies who make a business out of helping you ditch the indoors and find the fun. We hope you enjoy it and then promptly go outside and play.
• Ode to Carrizo Plain – A visit to California’s Serengeti, by Chuck Graham
• Paddle Power – Santa Barbara Outrigger Canoe Club Readies for Moloka’i Race, by Ethan Stewart
• Outdoor Wear – Patagonia’s Spring Offerings, by Michelle Drown