Oso Flaco Lake

Skinny Bear is the translated name for Oso Flaco Lake in southern San Luis Obispo County. Today a nicely built wooden boardwalk over the sand dunes to the Pacific Ocean allows hikers, strollers and wheelchairs quick access. All sorts of fine feathered friends are easily seen by bird watching enthusiast. Docent led tours and educational exhibits can be arranged at the non-profit Guadalupe Dunes Center. Beautiful to look at the enormous waves often result in strong riptides so exercise caution. Surf fishing is the big draw at this State Park and the entrance fee of $5.00 per carload helps maintain this natural wonder. Parking tickets are given out often by the ranger so do pay at the kiosk before you start the nature walk. Posted signs say: no dogs, no bicycles, no horses and no camping allowed and these rules are strictly enforced. Dune buggies and four wheel drive autos have a separate designated entrance called Oceano State Vehicular Recreational Area to the north at the end of Grand Ave. in Grover Beach.

Learn More About the Dunes and Estuary

Read an inspiring novel set in the Oso Flaco Dunes.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Like graceful ballerinas ruffling their tutus these jellyfish put on a show. Living happily in a rotundas tank at the Monterey Bay Aquarium they capture the attention of both young and old. Viewers gaze with gaping mouths and delightfully squeal as the jellies open and close, slowly they float up and down in a natural syncopated rhythm. Perfectly choreographed to natures silent symphony translucent forms dance endlessly. A must see for anyone visiting California, this world class aquarium offers an entire days worth of marine life observing. Watch as divers feed albacore, sunfish, and sharks; while knowledgeable volunteers are on hand to offer scientific answers to your marine biology questions. Amateur photographers are sure to come away with exceptional National Geographic-esk snapshots and videos of sea life. Set in the historic seaside town of Monterey, this coastal wonder will quickly become one of your favorites places to revisit.

Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium

Lost Lake

Have you ever heard of losing a lake? I know. Me neither. I can see losing a creek but never a lake. So it's was really special to be hiking to a lake in Whistler, British Columbia by that name. This isn't just any old lake. This lake, local lore reports was occupied for centuries by the Coastal Salish Indian Tribe. In 1877 this area was officially opened to trappers and prospectors seeking their fortunes amidst the snow laden mountains. The day we visited, the forest trees had an almost lite-brite, yellow green, fertile glow; a vibrant color pallet combo of wheat grass and asparagus green hues. The soil gave off a musky smell like soggy dinosaur remains, spruce, and cedar. Mother Natures healing energy and aroma therapy... just my style. We even spied a bald eagle sitting in a nearby tree waiting for an opportunity to catch a fresh Squamish River salmon. How fortunate we are to be able to hike these surroundings with family and friends and still remain in close proximity to modern comforts. Whistler/Blackcomb Mountain and Olympic Village make for memorable times. Offering year-round sports adventures, gondola lifts and a wide range of dining and lodging venues, this mountain is perfect for any age outdoor lover. Numerous trails meander around the lake and offer cross country skiing and snow shoeing during the winter and walking, rollerblading, and biking during the summer months. Experience life, step out in nature and make memories.

Finding Lost Lake

Change Color

Does the branding for paint manufacturer Sherwin-Williams come to mind? This exhibit has all the paint perks and is dripping with Generation X wisdom. A brightly colored spiritual summary of the digitized 21st century condition. Pantone #199 has never looked so good! The Words Into Objects exhibit offers profound word nuggets that wake one from their perceived target market, a tweet of McWisdom packaged for an accelerated utopian culture. An enormous Lego built suburbia exhibit looks somehow comforting to my inner world nostalgia. My techno culture now a weapon and I, a statistical response sinking in an apathetical abyss oblivious to the delete button. I really like this artists first major museum solo exhibit at the Vancouver Art Gallery. So!... Where has Canadian born author and artist Douglas Coupland been hiding himself? Inside, busily writing 14 novels, 2 short story collections, 7 non-fiction books and a number of screenplays for film and television, his books have been translated into 22 languages and published in 30 countries. Guess I should ask...Where have I been?

Douglas Coupland Exhibition

Everywhere is Anywhere is Anything is Everything

Granville Island

In 12 hours this waterway will be the scene of a colorful fireworks display to celebrate Canada Day. Live music performances, parades and cake will make for a festive national bash. Granville Island a once derelict Canadian industrial area in the 1970's was transformed into the vibrant community destination you see today. A tourist magnet attracting over 10 million visitors every year, this hip seaside area boasts a very large farmers market, microbreweries and numerous art galleries. Modern high rise apartments and boats of all sizes make for great people watching and wondering. Fireworks barges in Coal Harbour and Dundarave will launch the fire in the sky extravaganza, easily seen from beautiful Stanley Park. Wear your red and white and come join the fun!

What's Happening in Vancouver Canada?

Luminescing Rain

"The richness of the rain made me feel safe and protected; I have always considered the rain to be healing—a blanket—the comfort of a friend. Without at least some rain in any given day, or at least a cloud or two on the horizon, I feel overwhelmed by the information of sunlight and yearn for the vital, muffling gift of falling water."  -Douglas Coupland

Cave Landing

Cave Landing near Pirates Cove

Cave Landing is a natural rock pier which forms the perfect scenic divide between Avila Beach and Shell Beach. Jutting 150 feet out into San Luis Obispo Bay this cavernous arched tunnel was once used by trading ships as a warehouse and loading dock. Along this rugged coastline many small wind-swept coves and caves offer beach goers a uniquely framed view of the crystal azure bay. Small, serene, and hidden by cliffs, the adjacent clothing optional beach of Pirates Cove offers a private blue lagoon feel. Bring your Frisbee, volleyball or floatation device and join the fun. Don't forget the sunscreen! An easy hike to all sites from the dirt parking lot you won't believe how close this is to the 101 freeway. Hungry? The pristine seaside town of Avila offers convenient food and lodging nearby.

Flag & BBQ

Memorial Day

by Steve Kowit

Because our sons adore their plastic missile launchers,

electronic space bazookas, neutron death-ray guns,

a decade down the pike it won't prove difficult

to trick them out in combat boots

& camouflage fatigues,

rouse them with a frenzy of parades, the heady

rhetoric of country, camaraderie & God,

the drum & bugle & the sudden

thunder of the cannon as they march

into Hell singing.

Which is the order of things.

Obedient to a fault, the people will do as they are told.

However dispirited by grief at the graves 

of their fallen, the mother returns at last to her loom,

the father to his lathe,

& the inconsolable widow home to raise sons

ardent for the next imperial bloodbath;

Ilium. Thermopylae. Verdun. 

Pork Chop Hill.

"Memorial Day" by Steve Kowit from The First Noble Truth. 

© University of Tampa Press, 2007.

Bubblegum Alley

"Don't touch anything!!!" This is the usual command given by mothers as their children enter the alley. "Gross!!!" Is another common reaction to the most photographed landmark in downtown San Luis Obispo. Spanning over 70ft. this sticky walled gum world is a jaw dropping tourist site worth stepping into. For over fifty years people have participated in Bubblegum Alley on Higuera Street, where you can chew and stick your artistic self into existence. Bazooka Pink, Bubblicious Orange, Adams Black Jack Licorice, Wrigley's Doublemint, Chiclets, it's all here! The color of the chewing gum more important than ever before in this alleyway. Many times business owners have led the charge to scrape and even fire hose off the wads of chew, but to no avail. Offering a taste of SLO's kooky artistic charm, Bubblegum Alley's local flavor attracts families year round and is conveniently located near eating, shopping and parking areas.

Leave Your Chew on Bubblegum Alley

Reservoir Creek Falls

This spot was a wilderness retreat for me. Today my chakras screamed for green energy and this hike supplied. Blue green serpentine rocks lined a lush riparian oasis under oak, bay, sycamore, and willow trees. Low water levels made for remembrance of years past when heavy rainfall filled the creeks many pools. A lush winding wooded trail led first to a 50ft waterfall that felt refreshing and peaceful. Then through a chartreuse painted landscape with an abundance of feathery horsetail ferns. This living fossil is the only surviving genus of an entire class of spore reproducing vascular plants over one hundred million years old. Beautiful and tranquil I sat awhile and enjoyed my stunning surroundings. Being careful when I left to not trample the precious "Equisetum" plants who beckon seekers to rest and recharge among its natural wonders.

Health Benefits of Horsetail

Felt Summer Today!

Now that I'm in this thing 
I'm not coming out! 

Sonnet 18
by William Shakespeare

Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?

Thou art more lovely and more temperate.

Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May,

And summer's lease hath all too short a date.

Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines,

And often is his gold complexion dimmed;

And every fair from fair sometime declines,

By chance, or nature's changing course, untrimmed;

But thy eternal summer shall not fade,

Nor lose possession of that fair thou ow'st,

Nor shall Death brag thou wand'rest in his shade,

When in eternal lines to time thou grow'st.

So long as men can breathe or eyes can see,

So long lives this, and this gives life to thee.

Make Kombucha Iced Tea Recipe

 

Charles Schulz Museum

Emblazoned on lunch pails, school notebooks, and T-shirts, the Peanuts gang of comic characters was my favorite as a child! Even today the sight of a Snoopy or Woodstock emblem makes me nostalgic for days gone bye when life was simpler and the biggest crises one faced was which home room teacher you were assigned for the year, the nice one or the old wicked witch one. It was a welcomed Sunday tradition to be the first among my family to read the funny paper comics with the Peanuts strip being at the top of the newspaper header in full color! Charlie Brown always had a way of being the ragged underdog, while Lucy became the know-it-all group psychiatrist, Schroeder a talented piano protégé and Snoopy the coolest dog, made for light hearted reading with a deep moral lesson. A recent trip to the Charles Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa, CA reminded me what a great talent he was drawing and writing my generations collective world view in a profound yet childlike way. You can do it!..... Never give up....! Became familiar advise the characters gave to their imaginary life problems. Over Peanuts fifty-year history, some 65 characters later, the creative genius of Schulz tackled many childhood issues with amazing insight: school bulling, summer camp, loneliness, sibling rivalry, faith, hope, heartbreak, and love.

Visit the Charles Schulz Museum

Bishop Peak

This is an UP and DOWN sort of hike. Narrow rocky footpaths and sunny switchbacks with boulders to scale. So be sure to wear your high traction tennis's and bring 2 bottles of water. Best to go on weekdays when less crowded. Don't be discouraged by the muscle bound who run up the oak incline path and skip their way down. Patience my dear, you'll get to the top eventually. Bishop Peak, one of nine inactive volcano cores, distinguish San Luis Obispo from the foggy seaside village of Morro Bay. Two sturdy benches on top of this ancient morro are a welcome site as we arrive alive and take in the 360 view. Surprise!... there are other brave Trekkers who have already reached the craggy goal. Looking down the mountain we bask in January's rare 90 degree weather glad to have worn wide brimmed hats and plenty of sunscreen. Noticing a large body of water, Laguna Lake Park, we make a note to check it out someday. "Wow!!" "Everything looks so dry!" We exclaim. After a short sit we start our descent passing other hikers whom we encourage with a cheerful, "You're almost there!"

Bishop Peak Guide

Papallacta Volcanic Hot Springs

We chose the Papallacta Volcanic Hot Springs & Spa as our destination for the day. At 10,000ft above sea level the air temperature is a cool 50 degrees but the volcanic spring water is a comfortable 96 degrees, and only a 2hr bus ride from Quito. The sun is very strong at the equator and daily care must be taken to protect the skin during its high peak. We soaked and relaxed for hours and came away refreshed. Six separate pools with varying temperatures ranging from cold to very hot make these waters absolutely magical. Amazon legend says that these waters and mountains were worshipped for their great healing powers. Papallacta means "land of the potatoes".  Fantastic trout fishing brings many American tourists to this small Ecuadorian town.

Thermas de Papallacta

Burning Effigies

On New Years Eve they are burning life sized effigies outside my hotel window. Funny they always start with the crotch first. Fanning the flames vigorously until only a clump of ash remains. Then they embrace each other warmly, give a European kiss and depart. Leaving last years memories behind, blowing in the wind. Cartoonish paper mâché effigies,"ano viejo", represent what was important this past year. On every street corner booths are selling masks and large three dimensional figures of the Hulk, Smurfs, Captain America, Spiderman, Bart Simpson, etc. This year it is the corrupt mayor and his political cronies that are happy hazed by the Ecuadorians. Many cars had effigies tied to their front grill as they drove through the streets with bullhorns announcing the crimes committed. Roman Candles, Skyrockets, and M-80's were heard continually throughout the night as we tried to carrying on with life as usual. Sawdust stuffed dummies, "monigotes", are burned in celebration representing out with the old regime in with the new. A Contest for the best puppet maker in all of Ecuador is held and the winning artist held in high esteem.

Happy New Year Ecuadorian Style

Quito's Churches

In 1534 El Monasterio de San Francisco was built in honor of Quito's patron saint and it's still in use today by millions of worshippers. Flemish missionary, Fray Jodocko Ricke, directed construction of this ornate church and monastery on the site of an ancient Inca palace, making this the continent's oldest and largest church. The main altar is spectacularly carved in Spanish baroque and the side aisles are hung with fine oil paintings. The church ceiling is decorated with glowing images of the sun, the Inca divinity. Most Catholic Churches here in Ecuador are sumptuously ornate and grandiose with gold leaf everywhere you gaze. It's easy to see how the local indigenous peoples could be easily mesmerized and fall sway to the glitter of Catholicism. Currently, 95% of Ecuadorians are Catholic and Quito lays claim to over eighty churches.

The Best of Ecuador

Peguche Waterfall

We are having lots of fun in Ecuador touring the local sites. Yesterday we did a 10hr Gray Line tour excellently led by "Willam". We saw waterfalls, quaint towns, beautiful emerald green pasture land and the many volcanos that surround Quito. We had a wonderful day shopping at the Otavalo Marketplace where indigenous people sell their exquisite handmade crafts. I literally shopped till I dropped! The fast and furious tour van driver "Javier" was excellent passing 2-3 cars at a time; Vin Diesel would have been proud, seems cars have the right of way here not people. Next we sped off to view the Peguche Biological Preserve & Waterfall. Finally we ended our day with a delicious lunch in the lovely town of Cotacachi known for its leather work. Last but not least we went to the Equator line where our English speaking guide gave us a muscle test demonstrating that straddling the equator lowers ones strength.... It really does!

Gray Line Tours

Contact Professional Ecuadorian Guide: Willam Torres

Ecuador's Capital City

A circle of snowcapped volcanoes surrounds Quito, the capital city of Ecuador and being only 15 miles from the equator this beautiful city boosts a spring-like climate all year round. Quito is special in that it has a combination of superb well preserved colonial Catholic cathedrals next to sleek shining glass modern office buildings. Like many churches built during the 16th and 17th centuries most cathedral architecture shows Moorish influences. 1.5 million people call this city home and it's easy to see why with its quaint cobbled streets, red tiled roofs, factories and thriving agricultural industry. We found the traditional Ecuadorian food excellent and the local peoples warm and welcoming. Buenos Dias

Ecuador Tours

Kokopelli Greenhouse

We are building a 10'x24' greenhouse for $200 in which to start veggie seeds, orchids, and ornamental flowers. So today, I danced round and round like Kokopelli giving it my blessing. With one end securely tethered to the frame we realize its integrity is sturdy enough to withstand the often 30mph winds. A milky clear plastic sheeting will be the barrier against the outside winter elements. This is a work in progress. A scientific gala in hot house fertility and the wonders of horticulture. New varietals and species being coaxed to sprout then take root. Plants housed in womb like similarity will thrive and climb lively towards the light in this plastic bubble. A secret life of plants miracle documented in true life greenhouse theater, here in our own backyard. WOW!

Who is Kokopelli?

Heirloom Seed Suppliers

The Secret Life of Plants

Giant Rooster

If there are fish caught on the line today you can bet there will be a "FRESH FISH" sign hanging in front of this farm. You see Windmill Farms is owned by a fisherman. This charming two story barn in Arroyo Grande offers the country city gals gourmet jams, kitchen kitsch and packaged foods. Beautifully displayed is an extensive line of vintage replica depression glass bedazzling in a rainbow of colors. A sunny succulent plant nursery and petting zoo will keep the gardener and rambunctious child busy. This time of year Christmas trees are adorned with handmade ornaments and the aroma of cinnamon cider fills the air. Almost forgot to mention they have the "BEST FRESH EGGS" and the "BIGGEST ROOSTER" who rules this roost!

Windmill Farms

Huntington Library Art Collections & Botanical Gardens

I'm in heaven when I can walk for miles and not see a blade of grass out of place. Aphids on roses not a chance here. Nary a dry crumpled leaf or slimy snail trail on site. Seriously this is almost heaven on earth with a reputation for being the prefect first date destination. Stone fountains, marble statuary, koi ponds and bridges beckon so bring your camera and plan on spending most of the day. I like to start my wanderings in the desert cactus garden and meander towards the main art buildings as the day slips into night. No need to rush because you'll be back another day soon and this time swinging a big picnic basket.

Huntington Library & Gardens

Halloween Crush

Saw this cute display in the grocery store and couldn't resist doing a flipp!

Avila Valley Barn

It's a fruit stand. No, it's a farm. No, it's a petting zoo. Really,... it's a gold mine! The Avila Valley Barn is all these things and more. What began in 1985 as a simple home grown veggie stand has blossomed into the funnest kid pleasing place around. Barns filled with yummy eats: BBQ corn, homemade fudge, sandwiches, pies, ice cream and lots and lots of pickled, fresh and canned veggie concoctions. Things your grandma used to love to make! Grab a bag of animal food and feed the baby goats, calfs, donkeys, or llamas. Ok, raise your hands, I mean hooves, if you're up for some spumoni ice cream!

Avila Valley Barn

A View of Sky on Earth

A Year of Sky on Earth

"There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is nor how valuable nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep yourself open and aware to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open."     –Martha Graham

Exploratorium

Ragged Point

Snaky curves line up for us to maneuver like reptiles in the sun. Don't blink on this drive or you'll be pushing up daisy's. Posted twenty mile per hour signs keep us riding the brakes, eyes super glued to the road. We breath a sigh of relief as we rounded the last set of switch backs. It wasn't until we got down to the Ragged Point Inn rest stop and eatery that we really saw the view. Amazingly shear cliffs meet pacific ocean waves in an unforgiving manner. Sculpted cypress trees and sage chaparral are the only things keeping the red soil in place. Breathtakingly beautiful this section of the Pacific Coast Highway (California Highway 1) is considered by many to be the finest scenic drive in the world, boasting the name Big Sur.

Big Sur California

Elfin Forest

We loved hugging these 500 year old pygmy oaks for some Mother Earth comfort. All around us Spanish moss hung like furry chandeliers. Lime green luminescent lichens lit the forest floor and Chumash voices whispered from times past. Looking north from the 90 acre forest refuge we could see the estuary and Morro Bay State Park. A breezy boardwalk loop along the salt marsh made for pleasurable trekking and clam shell middens gave us archaeological dreams. We could almost smell the campfires from native settlements long ago; a paradise they must also have appreciated. With promises to visit again soon we called it a great 28th Birthday!

Visit the El Moro Elfin Forest

Poly Canyon Architecture Graveyard

Horses roamed and students came in herds to spend the day among the ruins in jovial song!  Steel girders, glass, wood, cable, cement, cloth and plastic were skillfully crafted in their heyday giving hope to the future of new habitat design. Memorial Day weekend proved to be a great time to view the experimental architecture structures of Poly Canyon Design Village in San Luis Obispo. Started in 1962, among the rolling hills of the California Polytechnic State University, the first of 20 structures would break ground.  A definite sign of the times, these buildings were constructed in the style and so named "Geodesic Dome," "Shell House," "Bridge House" and "Cantilever Ship Structure." Currently 5 structures have been removed due to safety issues, leaving 15 still in a sad state of disrepair. Alas, the day was successful and this afternoon hike to the students' creative area was not uneventful with the spotting of a snake along the entrance road and a chance meeting of a former student builder. We looked, we entered, we climbed and we enjoyed a part of history built by talented CalPoly architecture and engineering students who came before. The "A" ladies ROCK!

Poly Canyon Architecture Hike Directions

Let's Fly

Wind in hair untied
Cyan sky touching
High rolling valley
“Run, run, run!!!"
Pulling the wide parachute
Gossamer fabric wings hover
Rising off the ridge
Ideal training hill

All strings converge in hands
Breathe in green spectrum
Jump rainbow bridge
Peaceful soaring free to birds
My presence in the sky we know
Will touch the ground soon
Now still free to fly
Cloud surfing

- Andra Rubcic


Let's go Paragliding!

Each Step a New Beginning

Really and truly there is no one "right way" to hike, there are pitfalls along this seemingly easy path too. Also, there is built in mindfulness here, so beware of the poison oak which lines this walkway. There is much to be seen along this path; light, color and shadow are virtually changing in stillness. Covering ground on foot always unfolds out of the uniqueness of the present. And if I hike a trail ten times, I'll solve the problem of each footstep differently each time. Each moment can be fresh, each breath a new beginning, a letting go. And when you take your long time dog friend with you it's heavenly. "Heigh-Ho, Heigh-Ho, it's off to Oprah's house we go!"

 San Ysidro Creek Trail

Jump Time

Change, evolutionary theorists tell us, doesn't happen gradually. Rather, things go along as they have been going for a long while in a state of equilibrium until a species, living at the edge of its tolerance, experiences enough ferment and stress to punctuate the equilibrium with a sudden jump to a whole new order of being. How true... and that's the way its been for me lately.  Bye Summerland!

I can feel it

Slipping away fast

Like water under the door

Wood, metal, glass, changing

Form dollar bills now

Twenty two years

Slide like fancy goldfish

Between my fingers

Protective abode

Anchors away

Relieve me my watch

Settle karma's deal

Sturdier younger fresh faced

Riders on the storm

She's all yours

Land summer house

In life's safe harbor

Island view finished

Liquid shimmering mirage

Summerland's tale

- Andra Rubcic

Lookout Park

In salt air and bright light, I watch the heaving sea beyond the eucalyptus trees, tide absconding with the sand, waves cooling the shore. Lookout Park is a great rest stop off the 101 freeway complete with picnic tables, barbecues, playground equipment and even a deluxe dog wash. A sloping asphalt walkway leads down to the ocean and a mile wide beachfront of sand offers plenty of space to set up beach gear yet still feel like you have the entire area to yourself. Yet my favorite way to get down to Summerland Beach from Lookout Park is by the way less traveled. From the East parking lot area you will find a small trail head which offers a lush overgrown creek path, a refreshingly cool secluded aperture. Come at low tide and you can easily walk to Loon Point, Miramar or even the Biltmore. Don't be surprised if you see a horse loping along the surf or a pack of dogs chasing birds, this island view beach is approved for horse back riding just be sure to BYOH.

Private Beach Horseback Rides

Lizard's Mouth

Grey and white thunderheads floated overhead and rung bombastically their schedule for the day, while pea sized balls of hail rained down as if to remind us it was still winter. Umbrellas in hand we braved the chaparral towards our favorite rock. This area, Lizard's Mouth is known for its natural rock art sculptures that bring strange shapes to life in sandstone. Free form hollows create cozy places to nestle while exploring; other rocks hold rain water or frame a majestic view of this West Camino Cielo landscape. Offering a mountaintop view of the ocean and the town of Santa Barbara this hike reminds one to take time to rest and recharge in mother natures wonders.

Bouldering at Lizard's Mouth

Goodbye 2012

Hairflipping my way into 2013 

I pray this year will mark a new beginning for all sentient beings.

May all be happy
May all be free from disease
May all realize what is good
May no one be subject to misery
May the wicked become virtuous
May those who are virtuous attain tranquility of mind
May those who are tranquil of mind be free from bondage
May those who are free make others free
I salute the all blissful Lord of all auspiciousness
Who's compassion makes even the mute eloquent and the cripple cross mountains.
May good be tied to all people
May the rulers rule the earth following the righteous path
May all beings ever attain what is good
May the worlds be prosperous and happy.
May the clouds pour rain in time
May the earth be blessed with crops
May this our country be free from calamity
May holy men live without fear
May God the destroyer of evil, presiding deity of all sacred activities be satisfied
For God being pleased the whole universe becomes pleased
For God being satisfied the whole universe becomes satisfied.
OM peace, peace, peace be unto us all.

Montecito Hot Springs

A blanket of pure white fog spreads out moistly shrouding the ocean coastline making it the perfect day for hikers who crave sunshine to climb into the canyons seeking warmth and healing energies. Always a topic of conversation are the many wildfires that have scorched this vista. Still Mother Nature is confident in her skills to transform even the most deeply scarred landscape or human spirit. Feeling the delicate balance of life as I climb up out of the fog and into a lush oak lined canyon, croaking frogs and the occasional pungent wafts of sulphur let me know I'm nearing the healing mineral springs. Banana trees shelter vibrant turquoise colored water inviting me to sit and reflect how very lucky I am to know about this hidden medicinal gem. Ališhawi ‘O’ - is the traditional Chumash name for this thermal spot when once this was the commonwealth. Mother nature is doing her best to make me forget all about holiday shopping and the work a day world. As I sit in silence I can feel the vast emptiness of meditation tugging at my heart telling me things will be set right in the world and everything is still under Mother's divine control.

Save the Hot Springs

Knapp's Castle

Though Knapp’s Castle isn’t exactly a castle anymore, you'll appreciate this secluded location as a great place to meditate, picnic, take in a sunset, or just observe wildlife. Just a mile hike from the parking area it's easy to see why this breathtaking landscape has become a local favorite. Sandstone archways and chimneys are all that remain of this once magnificent mountain abode. What a view! You'll feel like you're on top of the world!

History of Knapp's Castle

Granada Theatre

This is definitely my favorite place in which to see a special event! I call it the Disneyland theatre because the inside is decorated with a gingerbread-ish ornamentation reminiscent of "It's a Small World After All" park attraction. Really it's like a Paris Opera House inside. The Granada, built in 1924 and beautifully restored in 2008, is a landmark theatre and hosts a year-round performing arts venue featuring some of the finest entertainment in the area. Home to Santa Barbara's Symphony, Opera, Ballet and Choral Society it offers national and international performances in genres from classical to rock. You have to see this!!! Thank you for taking my photo Zanna that was fun!

Granada Theatre

Santa Barbara Bowl

Concert Ticket Information

Thank you Mar & Dave for a fun jazzy night out! 

Shush! Baby Seals

Now is the perfect time to take a walk on the beach and explore this very special spot, come January the first seal pups will be arriving. As many as 120 lounging pinnipeds will be on show for tourists loving guarded by a dedicated staff of volunteers who educate and protect this fragile habitat from intrusion. It's just one of four harbor seal rookery's along our scenic California South Coast and visitors travel worldwide to quietly watch the birthing display from the cliffs located just east of Casitas Pier, between the Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve and Carpinteria State Beach. This beach sanctuary is closed from December through June but a pair of binoculars will give you a closeup view of the action.

www.sealwatchcarpinteria.com

Semana Nautica

Are you the type of person who likes a leisurely walk in the sun, people watching, and fresh local seafood? Well, this is the place! You'll never be at a loss for things to see and do at the Santa Barbara Harbor Marina. But if you're more the active sort, then don't miss this week's 75th Semana Nautica. A multi sea and sand sports festival with over 20 events; ocean swimming, water polo, volleyball, baseball, tennis, 15k road race, cycling, sailing, sandcastle building and the very soggy Kardboard Kayak Race. Fun happens: June 30 - July 9.

www.semananautica.com

iMadonnari Chalk Painting Festival

Chalk, chalk, chalk! An ocean of chalk stretching as far as the eye can see. This year's 26th Anniversary of the iMadonnari Italian Street Painting Festival was a colorful treat for the senses. Art lovers arrived in Santa Barbara from all walks of life to watch the temporary masterpieces take form during this four day event. Featured artist and beloved teacher at Laguna Blanca School, Delphine Louie, did not disappoint with her religious themed painting stunningly crafted on the steps of historic Santa Barbara Mission. Art festival masterpieces will be on display until rains wash away all trace of this chalk exhibit. Proceeds benefit the nonprofit "Children's Creative Project" which has provided quality art experiences for school children since 1974.

http://www.imadonnarifestival.com

http://www.lagunablanca.org

Earth Day

Earth Day started in Santa Barbara, CA after the 1970 catastrophic beach oil spill and has quickly spread to a global celebration honoring Mother Earth. This weekend's 42nd annual Earth Day festival featured many vendors offering creative ideas to save our natural resources and live more simply with less carbon footprint. Reduce, Recycle, Reuse was the mantra for the two day event. Education and awareness were cleverly promoted to children and adults alike as at this Fish Wish Booth by stayseamermaid.com. Smiling children lined-up to take a photo with this beautiful mermaid while they colored and learned about endangered sea life.

http://sbearthday.org

Gumby at Shark's Cove

Tide was low today so I jumped at the chance to view retro aerosol art at Shark’s Cove, a small bay nestled between Montecito and Summerland coastlines. I've walked here a few times before and now the creeping changes of erosion have become even more evident. Colors once vibrant are now chipping to reveal the gray concrete seawall, soon these graffiti relics will be ancient history forever. Rapidly disappearing images include a 1968 California black and gold license plate and a once dapper Pink Panther. Who painted these? Where's Pokey? And why did they choose to immortalize these particular images? We may never know the real story.

http://www.gumbyworld.com/gumby-characters/pokey/

Taj Mahal Carpinteria

You just can't miss the white "Taj Mahal" house behind the old Santa Claus Lane Candy Kitchen. Santa is long gone but this compound of middle eastern style homes keeps expanding. A nice low tide gave me ample time to walk around the coastline and better view this intriguing architecture up close. Easily seen as a landmark from the 101 fwy, boat, plane, or distant beach shore, this mansion always leaves me wondering... who lives there?

Aerial view

Photo by John Wiley

Tramp at Butterfly Beach

Wow! Happened upon these gymnasts doing their jumpy talents at Butterfly Beach today. These kids have coordination! Youzer's... tripple gainer!!!  They probably were on the school gymnastic team and have done this a million times before. "Watch out you don't break your neck!" I shout!  Fun in the sun for the young!

Happy Valentines Day

Sonnet 116

by William Shakespeare

Let me not to the marriage of true minds

Admit impediments. Love is not love

Which alters when it alteration finds,

Or bends with the remover to remove:

O no! it is an ever-fixed mark 

That looks on tempests and is never shaken;

It is the star to every wandering bark,

Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken.

Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks 

Within his bending sickle's compass come; 

Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks, 

But bears it out even to the edge of doom.

If this be error and upon me prov'd,

I never writ, nor no man ever loved.

Writers Almanac

Santa Barbara Farmers Market

When my daughter is visiting we love to take in the Santa Barbara Farmers Market on Saturday mornings. The diversity and abundance of vegetables and fruits is mind boggling. In addition to seasonal produce you can usually buy specialty cooking oil, home made cheese and butter, a variety of nut products, honey, organic meat, fresh eggs and local crafts. Much of it is organic, but read the signs carefully because not all of it is. We always find new vegetables that need to be tried or a great rhubarb pie that just has to come home with us. And the local micro climate has ideal growing conditions for flowers just begging to find a home on our kitchen table. Talented street performers help create a festive atmosphere at the Farmers Market making it a great place to do some people watching!

SOPA PIPA Protest

Rumor has it Wikipedia is going off-line tomorrow in protest of SOPA. Who else will protest? What will happen? Is this just all a publicity stunt? Is there life after the Internet Blackout? All I know is my cat's not going to be happy about it!

http://techland.time.com/2012/01/05/sopa-what-if-google-facebook-and-twitter-went-offline-in-protest/

http://news.cnet.com/8301-31001_3-57360223-261/google-will-protest-sopa-using-popular-home-page/

Ellwood's Monarch Butterflies

The Ellwood Monarch Butterfly Grove, located in an area of eucalyptus trees, is a magical place to be between the months of November and February. People travel far and wide to view the largest U.S. population of over-wintering Monarch butterflies (40,000 estimated) in Ellwood Mesa near Goleta, California. Remarkably these butterflies are able to journey each fall to the safety of this blue gum eucalyptus grove ahead of cold weather making the long 3,000 mile mass migration. If you don't see the butterflies at first, look up in the tops of the trees. There are so many of them that they look like clumps of brown leaves! Sometimes they will be quietly hanging like leaves, but other times, late in the morning, they will be fluttering about. Pssst!... look at all the people!!!?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqA3WC1bsGg