My family usually goes camping several times in summer, adventures that we look forward to all year. This summer however, being the time of everything cancelled, there is no camping for us. Everyone is seriously disappointed… which led us to our backyard camping venture. We pulled out the gear and set up tents, barbequed, played games, and roasted marshmallows in the fire pit. When the sun went down, we curled up under the night sky for some constellation identification and wishing on shooting stars. Problem is, we live in central Chico. The noise from the freeway never stopped, and neither did the glow from city lights. It felt like we were trying hard to see the stars, and I think we all “woke up” missing our summer camping more than ever. Nighttime in Chico, at least where we live, deserves air quotes.
Camping Out Back
Speaking of camping. The Camp Fire (an unfortunate name for the most devastating blaze in California history) took SO MUCH. It wasn’t very long ago, and it is still traumatic just under the surface for everyone who lived through it. So it’s with full knowledge of the treachery of silver linings that I offer this one: nighttime on the Ridge is really nighttime. It’s not some pseudo half-lit leftover glow of frenetic energy. It’s deep, and thick, and populated by the soft dark things that are so glad to still be there. Bats and owls and raccoons and possums prowl; my dad hears coyotes from the bottom of the canyon (something he hasn’t heard since he was a child, sounds that were gone by the time I grew up there). As a kid I used to join Dad sometimes, sleeping out in the field under the summer stars. It wasn’t camping, it was just sleeping outside because it was too hot. He would show me planets and constellations, share the Latin names, the Greek names. Those stars still shine brightly over that field, and it’s comforting to know that through the uncertainty, the hardships, and even when all else is gone, they are still there, shining on.
Star gazing was always good on the ridge. A favorite place was Valley View… when I was growing up the road dead-ended at a vacant lot that was perfect for teens to perch on the hoods of their cars and watch the night sky fill the canyon. The year I graduated high school that lot was sold, and a private home was built on it. I went out there not too long ago; much of Valley View, including that house at the end lot, had burned. I didn’t drive all the way out to see it; the owners are in the process of rebuilding.
View from Lookout Point
Fortunately another favorite, Lookout Point over Butte Creek Canyon, was purchased from private owners by the Butte County Board of Supervisors in 2008 to create a public vista. As kids we would play around in that stretch along Skyway- there were random trails that were fun to chase down and the shell of a failed restaurant for exploring. Over time, of course, that land has been developed, and now expensive homes and gated communities pepper the skyline. Lookout was always the best view over the canyon, indeed it is considered one of the most beautiful canyon views in all of the state. Without the foresight of our local supervisors it might well have been co-opted for private or commercial use also.. Instead, thankfully, the public still gets to enjoy the view.
Lookout Point Stargazing
There were about twenty or so folks with binoculars and several telescopes set up at Lookout the other night to spot the comet Neowise. Laughter rang out, born of the excitement of a once-in-a-6,000-year comet and also, no doubt, of participating in a spontaneous moment with other community members in this time of social distancing. It was a gorgeous evening and Neowise shone brightly under the Big Dipper.
Speaking of seeing stars at Lookout… after the Camp Fire some friends who had lost their home in the Tubbs Fire in Santa Rosa came up to stay with us and brought their Stars of Hope.
Stars of Hope is an organization that uses art to bring healing and hope to communities impacted by trauma. We painted about fifty stars and hung them all over Paradise.
The Scrub Oak
It was a cathartic experience, and one that I know others participated in as well; similarly decorated stars by other hands were also hung about town. Many stars stayed up for a while, and it was validating to see them shining their messages of encouragement even months later. One Star of Hope that lasted a particularly long time hung from a Blue Oak that survived the fire at Lookout Point. I like to think that it's a sign: a reminder of how what we recognize as worth investing in and preserving will last. That’s my hope for the Ridge, my wish on a star if you will: that we recognize the incredible beauty of this area as worthy of our time and energy, and that we support public access and preservation of its natural resources for the enjoyment of current and future generations.
Sources:
https://www.orovillemr.com/2008/10/24/lookout-point-vista-site-officially-opened/
https://www.chicoer.com/2007/09/08/lookout-point-likely-to-become-public-vista/