The Real EsselenA new book delivers the overlooked story of Big Sur’s early inhabitants. Dec 09, 2004 By Ryan MastersLife Work: Gary Breshchini and Trudy Haversat correct errors and misconceptions as they shed new light on the Esselen Nation. Four different expedition logs from the late 18th century recount an Esselen “hunting technique” involving the hunters’ custom of donning deer hides, heads and antlers to sneak up on their prey. Only the fourth log, that of English captain George Vancouver, points out that this was actually more of a “floor show” to entertain the padre and his guests after dinner...