Last year’s CASA hike and picnic was such a success that we immediately began making plans to host another event in 2019. To refresh your memory, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Kern County provides invaluable advocacy and support to children in foster care, and Jane has served on their board now for a couple of years. The organization is funded largely by benefit parties underwritten by volunteer hosts, and, like last year, Jane teamed up with her friend Kat and fellow board member Terri to stage this year’s hike at Wind Wolves Preserve south of Bakersfield. We’ve hiked just about every trail the preserve has to offer, and today’s adventure would be a short naturalist-led walk from the mouth of San Emigdio Canyon up to a scenic overlook at Raven’s Landing, followed by a lunch at the Preserve’s headquarters hacienda of deli sandwiches and salads. Typical of March weather in the southern San Joaquin Valley, there was some rain in the forecast, but we didn’t expect it to be much of an issue. However, as the date approached, it was apparent that heavy rain was in order, and we hustled about assembling all our extra rain gear and umbrellas to accommodate those hikers who might show up otherwise unprepared. For all that, we arrived at Wind Wolves early Saturday morning to set up and found that the one window in the virtually solid cloud cover was directly overhead, and we were treated to a beautiful morning rainbow across the open fields to the west of the hacienda. Once the 40 or so attendees showed up (nearly all who bought tickets, which was surprising given the weather), we made our way to the trailhead and began walking south, taking the upper trail through the canyon as the path along San Emigdio Creek was covered in places with high water. The green fields were lovely, and we enjoyed the running discourse offered by our two Wind Wolves naturalists. The view from Raven’s Landing was particularly nice given the sunshine overhead contrasting with the dark clouds all round and the rain bands seen moving across the open valley to the north. Our return trip was highlighted by continually checking the progress of rain clouds rolling down the canyon behind us and pursuing us northward, but, in the end, we all stayed dry and enjoyed a sunlit lunch al fresco. This event is sure to become a CASA staple in the years to come, although we want to figure out a way to add some distance and alternate destinations into the mix. A great day as expected…