Tag Archives: backcountry

Return To Scene Of Lion Standoff

Posted on March 25, 2023 by Jack Elliott

I returned to the place of the lion faceoff, to measure the distance between us on that day; the most memorable day of my life in the Santa Ynez Mountains of Condor National Forest. Using the yard measurement instrument of … Continue reading →

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Mountain Lion Standoff, Santa Ynez Mountains

Posted on February 24, 2023 by Jack Elliott

What I saw when I first turned to continue my walkabout. A beautiful disaster.  “Lions often stalk their prey and attack by leaping on their shoulders and back, biting the top of the neck or head. Their jaws are strong … Continue reading →

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Wild Iris Bloom, Santa Ynez Mountains

Posted on February 18, 2023 by Jack Elliott

The wild iris are abloom now in the Santa Ynez Mountains. This particular flush shown may be the best bloom in many years, coming after the Thomas Fire of 2017 cleared the way, and a month after the torrential record-setting … Continue reading →

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Claw Marks In the Tiny Tank

Posted on February 11, 2023 by Jack Elliott

I went for a walk to a tiny tank high on the mountain. The rain had fallen for days, for hours non-stop, in amounts not common around this neck of the woods. Records were set. And so we have to … Continue reading →

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Hiking Is Not A Crime; Done Dirty By Diktat

Posted on February 9, 2023 by Jack Elliott

“What does accessibility mean? Is there any spot on earth that men have not proved accessible by the simplest means—feet and legs and heart? … A venturesome minority will always be eager to set off on their own, and no … Continue reading →

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