was rich originated from the san francisco bay area and has moved about in the western states.  burning hill was actually written beneath the imposing hills hovering over alamo, california.  it’s a good story… 

it was a dark day during the winter several years ago.  something drew me to hike to the top of las trampas peak, one of the highest hills in the area next to mt diablo.  i ascended in a cold fog the entire way up…until the last 50 feet or so.  as i approached the summit, i emerged from the fog to have my breath taken away as I beheld a cloudless sky above, a carpet of fog stretching all around and out and away toward an orange sun near the horizon.  it was one of the most surreal experiences i have ever had.  everything was tinged with orange from the evening sunlight, and that was where the idea of the “burning hill” originated.