Are you Experienced? or Something New, Something Old, and Something Borrowed

If you squint your eyes, it looks like a Topo of Rattlesnake Canyon (or the universe)

In the late 1800's a young artisan was sent to Rattlesnake Canyon with the task to retrieve only the finest sandstone for the construction of Santa Barbara's grand estates. But like most young people, the boy was more interested in exploring his surroundings rather than fulfilling the needs of his spiritless employers. As he crisscrossed his way up the rambling stream bed, he started to think about the stories he had heard of marauding groups of banditos and the lost 49er's driven to madness by the thrill of striking gold. Deeper and deeper he moved in to the shaded canyon, deeper and deeper grew the feeling that something or someone, was watching him. That there was something going on in the shadows.

You see, this part of the world was and is, wild. Each canyon locks away its own secrets behind a wall of poison oak and manzanita, the perfect place for things that need to be or that want to be hidden away. But every once in a while the youthful need for exploration will reveal its secrets. And that's exactly what a motivated group of SBRG climbers have been up to. Searching the untouched and forgotten parts of Santa Barbara looking for the finest sandstone.

The Canyons

Their newest find may not be so new, some of the local heroes have claimed first ascents on the same boulders, but the crew has breathed some new life in to the area. With a tip of the cap to those first ascensionists, the boys have been creating access to what they're calling The Creamery. How this area got it's name is not my story to tell but I can tell you that the guys are working hard to get this place looking as good as the new McConnell's on State St.

Notice the fine ironwork

With only hand drawn maps available online, going to The Creamery feels like your striking out in to the unknown. And you are. You're responsible for your own safety and how you treat the area. It's not the gym with plush crash pads, holds that won't break, and people cleaning up after you.
There are no pieces of tape telling you where to place your foot.
When you're climbing a route, you're probably one of a handful who've done so. And this is one of the benefits of being a climber. As you sit on the boulder you just topped out smile knowing the thing in the shadows is you or the route your about to climb, and that there is something else going on.

Two of the Handful

Check out these tips about leaving wild places wild. Don't ruin it for the rest of us.
Gym to Crag
Leave No Trace