Hike for Julian Nott

The Montecito Trails Foundation is hosting a special hike this Sunday, April 28, at 10 am, in honor of Julian Nott, who passed away March 26 after an accident following the landing of an experimental hot air balloon in Warner Springs, California. 

Nott was a world-renowned balloon designer, an experimental test pilot and scientist, and is considered one of the founders of modern-day ballooning. Before his death at age 74, he had broken and/or established 79 World and 96 British ballooning records, along with a world skydiving record. He designed and piloted the first ever hot-air balloon with a pressurized cabin, was the first to cross the Sahara Desert and Australia in a balloon, and piloted the world’s first solar balloon across the English Channel, among countless other accomplishments. 

The hike in his honor will be a moderate to difficult 3.5-mile loop up Saddlerock, past the historic former Hot Springs Hotel, and returning down the creek trail. MTF asks that participants car pool and bring water, sunscreen, snacks, and a keen eye for poison oak. 

For more information, visit www.montecitotrails.org.