Clik here to view.
Chief Matilija’s Poppy
We grew up hearing about Chief Matilija and his group of warriors who tried to fight off the ever-present armies. In the myth, the story goes on to tell of Chief Matilija’s daughter, Amatil, who was...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Fitzgerald’s Fit: Man Leads Work Crew To Wreck Montecito Hot Springs
Who’s watching? Tell me, who’s watching? Who’s watching me? — Rockwell, Somebody’s Watching Me Brian D. Fitzgerald from 999 Hot Springs Lane was caught in Los Padres National Forest leading a work...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Dissecting Docherty: Eagle Demo & the Hot Springs Wrecking Crew
Somehow, we’re supposed to believe that the men missed seeing this sign. Somebody’s not telling the truth. In response to the previous post, Fitzgerald’s Fit: Man Leads Work Crew To Wreck Montecito...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Red-tailed Hawk Fledgling, Hot Springs Canyon Trail
A sycamore tree with a hawk nest as seen from the trail/public easement/private asphalt drive, just above the cement Arizona-style vehicle crossing, along Hot Springs Canyon Trail. The tall tree...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Wild Strawberries, Santa Ynez Mountains
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the forest, the wild mountain strawberries ripened. Strawberries and poison oak. Santa Barbara strawberries. The sweet depth of flavor is among the richest, if only but a bit.
View ArticleClik here to view.
Mandalas Through the Looking Glass
I lay simmering in a scalding hot puddle beneath a gurgling pipe, heart fluttering, riding a rocket of euphoria fueled by endorphins, winter’s slanted morning light illuminating Condor National Forest...
View ArticleClik here to view.
The Economy of Direction and Sharing of Secret Places
Clouds over the Santa Ynez Mountains, December 14, 2024. Akin to the asperitas clouds of November, 2023. “Rumours circulate about entry points which might give access to unseen spaces. Secrets are...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Red Horny Toad
Out for a walk with Larrold. An unremarkable lesser ridge among the rumpled hills. Chapparal, pine, gravel and grit. Then a flash of tiny red life running cumbersome from the fringe of the trail....
View ArticleClik here to view.
Skinny-Dipper Detained, Cuffed and Cited at Montecito Hot Springs
ADIDAS: All Day I Dream About Soaking. “Absolutely insane. I’m blown away. Complete apathy on so many forest issues, yet this is what they decide to enforce? Bullshit.” –Anonymous, Montecito resident...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Barefoot Prints In Volcanic Ash, Hawaii (1790)
Western slope of Mauna Loa (13,100′). The old trail of footprints lies somewhere beneath the cloud cover. A few months after arriving in Hawai‘i, Perkins was in the Kona area of the Big Island...
View Article