Category Archives: Santa Barbara

Grouch of the Woods

Posted on July 26, 2015 by Jack Elliott

The tentacular limbs of coast live oak trees in the Los Padres National Forest. “The presence of a jostling crowd. . .a familiar irritation to be borne with resignation.” —Edward Abbey, Desert Solitaire It’s not that he hated people. He … Continue reading →

Posted in Santa Barbara | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Gooseberry Wildcraft

Posted on June 30, 2015 by Jack Elliott

California gooseberry illustration from Pacific Rural Press (1873). “The California wild gooseberry, red variety (Ribes menziesii), is certainly a desirable variety, and is said to be superior to crabapples for jellies, etc. The plant is exceedingly ornamental when loaded with … Continue reading →

Posted in Santa Barbara County | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

Flight of the Condor, Rare Santa Barbara Roost

Posted on June 25, 2015 by Jack Elliott

A condor over Sespe Wilderness in December, 2013. (Return to Whiteacre Peak Or Day of the Condor) Earlier this month I stood on a ridge along Arroyo Burro Trail gazing from afar into the rocky mouth of San Roque Canyon … Continue reading →

Posted in Santa Barbara | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

The Los Padres Box Of Chocolates

Posted on June 10, 2015 by Jack Elliott

Humboldt lily growing in Los Padres National Forest. “Sometimes I feel so uninspired Sometimes I feel like giving up Sometimes I feel so very tired Sometimes I feel like I’ve had enough” —Steve Winwood, Traffic – “(Sometimes I Feel So) … Continue reading →

Posted in Santa Barbara | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

Wildcrafted Salad

Posted on April 28, 2015 by Jack Elliott

Miner’s lettuce (Claytonia perfoliatum) growing in profusion along a shady bank of Alder Creek in the Santa Ynez Mountains of Santa Barbara County. Skills Are Weightless “You have to travel light. . . And you have to be self-reliant. . … Continue reading →

Posted in Santa Barbara County | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments