Category Archives: Santa Barbara

The Chumash Arrowhead

Posted on July 29, 2019 by Jack Elliott

April 2019 Black So what am I supposed to do with you, Professor? White Why are you supposed to do anything? Black I done told you. This aint none of my doin. I left out of here … Continue reading →

Posted in Santa Barbara | Tagged Adventure, backcountry, Backpacking, Chumash, Hiking, Hiking (2), History, Indians, Los Padres National Forest, Nature, Wilderness | 12 Comments

The Mood Altering Stream Orchid

Posted on June 30, 2019 by Jack Elliott

A stream orchid (Epipactis gigantea) growing near the Santa Ynez River in late May of 2019. Stream orchids grow where constant water is found at seeps, springs and perennial streams. The plant is known for its mood altering and sedative … Continue reading →

Posted in Santa Barbara | Tagged Adventure, Backpacking, Camping, Hiking, Hiking (2), iPhoneography, Los Padres National Forest, Nature, Santa Barbara, wildflowers, Wildlife | 4 Comments

US Coast Survey Patterson Camp Inscription Vandalism (1873)

Posted on June 26, 2019 by Jack Elliott

Inside a cave in the Santa Ynez Mountains on the Gaviota Coast somebody carved an inscription memorializing the United States Coast Survey of 1873. The name is apparently in reference to Carlile P. Patterson, the Hydrographic Inspector for the USCS … Continue reading →

Posted in Santa Barbara | Tagged Adventure, Caves, Gaviota Coast, Hiking, Hiking (2), History, Los Padres National Forest, Outdoors, Santa Barbara, Santa Ynez Mountains, Travel | 3 Comments

A Rocky Killdeer Nest

Posted on June 20, 2019 by Jack Elliott

Santa Ynez River Long days on the river. Six. Seven. Eight hour sessions. The sun. The wind. The sweet mineral scent of the cool emerald water. Jet airliners soar over the Santa Ynez Mountains trackless and silent through the depthless … Continue reading →

Posted in Santa Barbara | Tagged Adventure, backcountry, Hiking, Hiking (2), Los Padres National Forest, Nature, Outdoors, Pics, Santa Ynez Mountains, Wilderness, Wildlife | 13 Comments

The Clattering Seep at Lizard’s Mouth

Posted on June 11, 2019 by Jack Elliott

Apologies offered for the vertical video syndrome. You’ve heard of the babbling brook. Everybody’s written about it. Well, meet here the clattering seep. I’m fascinated by small things in nature other people are oblivious to and even when clued into … Continue reading →