Big Rock Ridge

Big Rock Ridge runs along the north side of Lucas Valley, home to Skywalker Ranch as well as my friend Bill. The high point of the ridge (finally available for public access) is the second-highest point in Marin after Mt. Tam. We've hiked up Big Rock Ridge many times, usually via the "goat trail" leading up from the neighborhoods along Lucas Valley Rd.

However, one day when we came up the ridge line, we found this five-acre black patch at the top where a small brushfire had burned through just that week. Brushfires are always scary in the California hills, especially when they're on a ridge over your own house.

At left: we survey the damage. From left, Dave Marwood, Phil Beffrey, Mark Wrabel, and Bill Polson.

At right: the view from Big Rock out towards the Richmond bridge.