Tag Archives: Backpacking

The Allure of Grass

Posted on October 6, 2015 by Jack Elliott

A small, but remarkable potrero in the Los Padres National Forest that is a short distance away from Mollisol Meadow. “But it is upon the grass, mediator of soil and sun, that the human gaze has always tended to settle, … Continue reading →

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Mollisol Meadow

Posted on September 4, 2015 by Jack Elliott

“Maybe 7% of the landscape across the world is mollisol.” -Dr. John Reganold, Professor of Soil Science and Agroecology, Washington State University “Mollisols (from Latin mollis, ‘soft’) are the soils of grassland ecosystems. They are characterized by a thick, dark … Continue reading →

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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 →

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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 →

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Yosemite Falls

Posted on March 21, 2015 by Jack Elliott

Lower and Upper Yosemite Falls, March 2015. “One of Yosemite’s oldest historic trails (built 1873 to 1877), the Yosemite Falls Trail leads to the top of North America’s tallest waterfall, which rises 2,425 feet (739 m) above the Valley floor.” … Continue reading →

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