Tag Archives: backcountry

Bald Eagle, Manzana Creek, San Rafael Wilderness

Posted on May 6, 2026 by Jack Elliott

A friend captured this snapshot while sitting in camp creekside waiting for me to show up. We had left town at different times, arrived at the trailhead apart, and met up later in the afternoon. I arrived just in time … Continue reading →

Posted in Santa Barbara | Tagged backcountry, Backpacking, Bald Eagles, Hiking, Los Padres National Forest, Mazana Creek, Nature, Raptors, San Rafael Wilderness, Wilderness, Wildlife | 2 Comments

When Rains Fall, Will USFS Close Our Forest? The Coming El Nino

Posted on May 1, 2026 by Jack Elliott

“Transmit the message To the receiver Hope for an answer someday” —Talking Heads, Life During Wartime San Marcos Foothills Preserve Political Theatre “Monkeywrenching can also be seen as a sophisticated political tactic that dramatizes ecological issues and places them before … Continue reading →

Posted in Santa Barbara | Tagged Adventure, backcountry, Hiking, Los Padres National Forest, Nature, Outdoors, Public Lands, San Rafael Wilderness, Santa Barbara, Santa Ynez Mountains, Wilderness | Leave a comment

Language of Forest Closure; Assault on an Ancient Right

Posted on April 22, 2026 by Jack Elliott

Santa Ynez River once hosted the largest steelhead run in California south of San Francisco. “National Mall site approved for memorial to fallen journalists The site, which has a direct view of the Capitol, was chosen to evoke journalists’ role … Continue reading →

Posted in Santa Barbara | Tagged Adventure, backcountry, Backpacking, Hiking, Los Padres National Forest, Native Americans, Nature, Outdoors, Santa Barbara, Santa Ynez Mountains, Wilderness | 6 Comments

Initials of J.D. Reyes (1907)

Posted on June 18, 2025 by Jack Elliott

J.D. Reyes served the length of his duty as a United States Forest Service ranger, from 1900 to 1931, in Santa Barbara National Forest, later renamed Los Padres several years after his retirement. When his family first settled in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Santa Barbara | Tagged Adventure, Anthropology, backcountry, Caves, Hiking, Hiking (2), History, J.D. Reyes, Los Padres National Forest, United States Forest Service, Wilderness | 5 Comments

Hat Tip to the Selfless Samaritans In Service to Others

Posted on April 21, 2025 by Jack Elliott

Pope Francis died this morning, Easter Monday. An incredible date for such a man to pass on. The extraordinary event called to mind the deaths of Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, the second and third presidents of the United States, … Continue reading →