Tag Archives: Writing

Mono Narrows, The Old Oak Dies

Posted on July 19, 2014 by Jack Elliott

The upper Santa Ynez River valley. Upper Santa Ynez River Looking up lower Mono Creek near the Santa Ynez River confluence. “During the month of November the trail in Little Caliente and Mono canyons was greatly improved.” Los Angeles Herald … Continue reading →

Posted in Santa Barbara County | Tagged Backpacking, Camping, Creeks, Hiking, iPhonography, Los Padres National Forest, Mono, Mono Narrows, Nature, Photos, Writing | 6 Comments

The Crackling Oak Forest of Aliso Canyon

Posted on April 29, 2014 by Jack Elliott

A stand of charred oak trees on an elevated flat overlooking the Santa Ynez River. The White wildfire was touched off by careless recreationists barbequing at White Rock Day Use Area in May 2013. A thick and lumpy Pacific marine … Continue reading →

Posted in Santa Barbara County | Tagged Aliso Canyon, Hiking, iPhonography, Landscapes, Nature, Oak Trees, Photos, Santa Ynez Mountains, Santa Ynez River, Wildfires, Writing | 8 Comments

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

Burro Schmidt Tunnel and Shanty (1906-1930s)

Posted on April 13, 2014 by Jack Elliott

The entrance into the Burro Schmidt Tunnel. “What is it, what nameless, inscrutable, unearthly thing is it; what cozening, hidden lord and master, and cruel, remorseless emperor commands me; that against all natural lovings and longings, I so keep pushing, … Continue reading →