Tag Archives: Backpacking

A Great Interval of Silence, Chumash Wilderness

Boilin’ the billy. “Great intervals of silence are evidently conducive to our well-being. A meditative stillness, suggests Gary Snyder, was invented by waiting hunters. Perhaps this reflected the poised and ruminating hush of mothers of sleeping infants. High levels of … Continue reading →

Posted in Ventura County | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

Bear Trail Don’t Burn

Two bear footprints worn through dried leaves to the soil beneath in an area burned by the Sherpa Fire along the Gaviota Coast. This print pattern, more distinct in some places than others, continues for some distance along the unburned trail … Continue reading →

Posted in Gaviota | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 16 Comments

Matías Reyes, Santa Barbara Mission (1887)

“Old Matías Reyes lived in Mission Cañon. He used to bring wood to town and sell it.” —Santa Barbara: Tierra Adorada, A Community History (1930) In her book, “Canyon Voices: The Nature of Rattlesnake Canyon (2006),” Santa Barbara resident Karen Telleen-Lawton … Continue reading →

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

Sitiptip Flat, Los Padres National Forest

The place. Note the white mineral deposit on its far side. “Our history is carried by word of mouth, but it’s anchored to the land. The old boys used to play a game: one of them would leave his cap on … Continue reading →

Posted in Ventura | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

Black Cottonwood Wildcraft

A dribble of resin oozing from the leaf bud of a black cottonwood tree (Populus trichocarpa) growing along the Santa Ynez River. Black cottonwood buds may hold the finest natural fragrance found in the Los Padres National Forest. The gooey … Continue reading →

Posted in Santa Barbara | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments