Tag Archives: Santa Ynez Mountains

California Stream Orchid (Epipactis gigantea)

Posted on April 23, 2014 by Jack Elliott

A California stream orchid growing beneath a large boulder beside a seep in an otherwise dry creek feeding into a seasonal tributary of the Santa Ynez River. I think that all but the keenest, most experienced observers would never suspect … Continue reading →

Posted in Santa Barbara County | Tagged Epipactis gigantea, Hiking, iPhonography, Los Padres National Forest, Nature, Orchids, Photos, Plants, Santa Ynez Mountains, wildflowers, Writing | 11 Comments

Teardrop, Santa Ynez Mountains

Posted on April 18, 2014 by Jack Elliott

Bare bunned at Teardrop. Teardrop was named for its shape. It’s a small swimming hole, a large bathtub, bored out of sandstone bedrock visually and audibly accented by a waterfall dropping into its emerald water. Like many swimming holes, its … Continue reading →

Posted in Santa Barbara County | Tagged Creeks, Hiking, Hiking (2), iPhonography, Nature, Photos, Santa Ynez Mountains, Swimming Holes, Teardrop, Writing | 11 Comments

Montecito Peak, Santa Ynez Mountains

Posted on January 17, 2014 by Jack Elliott

Montecito Peak, Santa Ynez Mountains Numerous parked cars line the road at the trailhead when I arrive one September morning. Several people in different small groups linger about getting ready for a walk or returning therefrom. A few voices resonate … Continue reading →

Posted in Santa Barbara County | Tagged Cold Springs Trail, Hiking, iPhoneography, Los Padres National Forest, Montecito Peak, Nature, Photos, Santa Barbara Hikes, Santa Ynez Mountains, Writing | 7 Comments

Lion’s Mane Mushroom

Posted on December 30, 2013 by Jack Elliott

Afternoon reflections on a deep pool, which would be a lot deeper, as the mineral stain on the rock shows, were it not for the current droughty conditions. Hericium mushrooms are one of the subtle signs of annual change in … Continue reading →

Posted in Flora, Santa Barbara | Tagged Backpacking, Camping, Foraging, Hericiums, Hiking, iPhoneography, Mushrooms, Nature, Photos, Santa Ynez Mountains, Wildcraft | 4 Comments

Searching for Soul Outside the Cage

Posted on September 26, 2013 by Jack Elliott

Stillman walking point in the San Emigdio Mountains. “The environment we’re used to is designed to sustain us. We live like fish in an aquarium. Food comes mysteriously down, oxygen bubbles up. We are the domestic pets of a human … Continue reading →