Author Archives: Jack Elliott

Thoughts on Rare Lily Ojai Fritillaria and Indian Fire

Posted on June 4, 2019 by Jack Elliott

Earlier this year in March, out scampering around in the Los Padres National Forest, I stumbled across a rather impressive stand of a rare wildflower, Fritillaria ojaiensis or the Ojai Fritillaria lily. I had previously noted this Seldom Seen Slim … Continue reading →

Posted in Santa Barbara | Tagged Adventure, Backpacking, Hiking, Hiking (2), iPhoneography, Los Padres National Forest, Nature, Santa Ynez Mountains, Wilderness, wildflowers, Wildlife | 16 Comments

Parks Management Company’s Red Rock Racket Continues

Posted on June 1, 2019 by Jack Elliott

Santa Ynez River “The writer’s duty to speak the truth—especially unpopular truth. Especially truth that offends the powerful, the rich, the well-established, the traditional, the mythic, the sentimental. To attack, when the time makes it necessary, the sacred cows of … Continue reading →

Posted in Santa Barbara | Tagged Backpacking, Camping, Hiking, Los Padres National Forest, Nature, Outdoors, Parks Management Company, Red Rock, Santa Ynez Mountains, Santa Ynez River | 61 Comments

Horny Toad

Posted on May 29, 2019 by Jack Elliott

“It was a rough land that bred a tough man.” —Louis L’Amour, Utah Blaine (1984) The observer may glean some insight into the nature of the land by looking at its native inhabitants. When you’re wearing a helmet of horns and shrouded … Continue reading →

Posted in Santa Barbara | Tagged Adventure, Backpacking, Camping, Hiking, Lizards, Los Padres National Forest, Nature, Pics, San Rafael Wilderness, Santa Barbara, Wildlife | 6 Comments

Hageman Falls

Posted on April 29, 2019 by Jack Elliott

The view from the top of Hageman Falls, which overlooks the Santa Ynez River. It is an ephemeral waterfall that only flows during periods of heavier rainfall and only for a short time thereafter. Facing somewhat north eastward on the … Continue reading →

Posted in Santa Barbara | Tagged Adventure, Hiking, Landscapes, Los Padres National Forest, Nature, Outdoors, Pics, Santa Ynez Mountains, waterfalls, Wilderness | Leave a comment

Koso Shoshone Native American Rock Art, Ghost Dance and Hunting Magic

Posted on April 3, 2019 by Jack Elliott

Trona Pinnacles. Enter, if ye dare. The Trip Out Yonder Some monstrous industrial ramrod ferociously hammered at long intervals some unseen target of progress, the metallic slamming a devilish metronome, the concussive impact reverberating off a pinch of rolling mountains … Continue reading →