Category Archives: Santa Barbara

Farewell To The Rock, Gibraltar Party Place

Posted on April 7, 2020 by Jack Elliott

El Roca Grande circa 1909 overlooking the Santa Barbara littoral, Pacific Ocean and Santa Cruz Island in the distance. Note the metal poles and cable handrail. “In the 1970s this was The Place. Well, if you were a teenager on … Continue reading →

Posted in Santa Barbara | Tagged Adventure, History, Landscapes, Los Padres National Forest, Non-fiction, Outdoors, Rocks, Santa Barbara, Santa Ynez Mountains, Travel, Writing | 2 Comments

The Privateer; Subcontractor, Dept. of Unauthorized Forestry

Posted on April 4, 2020 by Jack Elliott

In September of 2016, under cover of broad daylight, assisted by her two trusty partners in crime, whom also served as convenient sweet little innocent distractions to any suspecting walkers in the area, Jackie Willowtree smuggled in and planted the … Continue reading →

Posted in Santa Barbara | Tagged Botany, Forests, Hiking, Nature, Outdoors, Rewilding, Santa Barbara, Santa Ynez Mountains, Trees, Wilderness, Wildlife | 16 Comments

March is For Morels

Posted on April 1, 2020 by Jack Elliott

March 2020. “Some of the false morels are dangerously poisonous,” Aurora warns. Morels may be the most elusive mushrooms in Santa Barbara County. “Morels can be extremely difficult to see,” David Aurora writes in All That The Rain Promises And … Continue reading →

Posted in Santa Barbara | Tagged Adventure, backcountry, Backpacking, Foraging, Hiking, Los Padres National Forest, Morels, Mushrooms, Nature, Santa Barbara, Wilderness | 2 Comments

Figueroa Mtn Freedom: Violating the COVID-19 Lockdown Order

Posted on March 28, 2020 by Jack Elliott

A vernal pool on Figueroa Mountain. A male and female mallard were seen in the pool. March 27, 2020 I find it difficult to live in a society governed without reason. My mind operates logically. I am irascible by nature. … Continue reading →

Posted in Santa Barbara | Tagged backcountry, Camping, Coronavirus, Hiking, Hiking (2), Landscapes, Los Padres National Forest, Nature, News, Outdoors, Wilderness | 27 Comments

Jack’s Custom Deluxe Super Premium Los Padres Liniment

Posted on March 9, 2020 by Jack Elliott

Cottonwood trees showing fall color along the Santa Ynez River in Santa Barbara County. “Well the summertime has gone,” Van Morrison sings. “And the leaves are gently turning.” And come fall season in Santa Barbara County the black cottonwood trees … Continue reading →