Monthly Archives: July 2013

Semen Stains, Fake Tequila and Cava de Oro in Mexico

Posted on July 30, 2013 by Jack Elliott

Sonoran Desert “The traveler was active; he went strenuously in search of people, of adventure, or experience. The tourist is passive; he expects interesting things to happen to him. He goes ‘sightseeing.’” —Daniel J. Boorstin, The Image: A Guide to … Continue reading →

Posted in Mexico | Tagged Blue Agave, Cava de Oro, Landscapes, Mexico, Photos, Road Trips, Sonoran Desert, Tequila, Travel, Writing | 4 Comments

Gaviota Pass Overlook, Gaviota State Park

Posted on July 24, 2013 by Jack Elliott

The Gaviota Coast and Santa Ynez Mountains. “The Gaviota Coast is the largest stretch of undeveloped coastline remaining in Southern California, and is representative of the only coastal Mediterranean ecosystem in North America.” —Gaviota Coast Conservancy Surf in the morning. … Continue reading →

Posted in Santa Barbara County | Tagged Caves, Gaviota Overlook, Gaviota State Park, Hiking, iPhoneography, Landscapes, Nature, Photos, Pics, Writing | 10 Comments

Marijuana in the Woods: Endangering Hikers and Killing Wildlife

Posted on July 23, 2013 by Jack Elliott

Marijuana growing in the Los Padres National Forest. (Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Department) Marijuana Increasingly Grown In National Forests According to the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Department, “large-scale marijuana cultivation is a serious and increasingly widespread problem on public lands in California, … Continue reading →

Posted in Santa Barbara County, Ventura County | Tagged Drugs, Hiking, Los Padres National Forest, Marijuana, Nature, Photos, Pics, Pot, Writing | 24 Comments

Chumash Indian Rock Art Pictograph

Posted on July 19, 2013 by Jack Elliott

Little Ms. E and I ventured out for a short hike Wednesday morning to a pictograph site. This is the fifth Indian rock art site I’ve taken her to and it required the longest and most strenuous hike for her … Continue reading →

Posted in California | Tagged Archaeology, Hiking, History, Indians, Native Americans, Photos, Pics, Pictographs, Rock Art | 6 Comments

100° Hike

Posted on July 16, 2013 by Jack Elliott

Santa Ynez Valley viticulture as seen on drive to trailhead. It’s an ordinary summer day. It’s not one of those media hyped heat wave events, but it’s supposed to be hot out. Such forecasts don’t really apply to the backcountry, … Continue reading →