Here at the Summer Solstice the days are as long and languid as they're going to get, which of course makes for wonderful backcountry travel. Even as you read this the creeks and rivers of the Ventana are gayly chattering their way over cool boulders, drenched in the sublime shadow-light of summer sun filtered through the verdant overarching boughs of alder and maple. On the ridges a warm breeze wafts up-canyon, rich with the reminiscient aroma of sage, chamise, chapparal. The distant brush-covered hillsides seem to quiver under the heavy load of the solstice sun, while lizards lay out on rocks and the everpresent insects fill the air with a strangely comforting monotonic humm.

This issue of the Double Cone Quarterly holds a delightfully eclectic mix of material. From grizzly bears to flash floods to the brighter side of the adventure pass, you'll find it all here. We hope you enjoy the reading.

Savor the season,

The Double-Cone Quarterly is published four times a year, on the equinoxes and solstices, by the Ventana Wilderness Alliance and can be obtained free of charge by anyone with an internet connection who steers their browser to http://www.ventanawild.org/news/news.html.