Happy Halloween

Every October 31st carved pumpkins peer out from porches and doorsteps inscribed with ghoulish faces and illuminated by candles. Halloween, one of the world's oldest holidays, is still celebrated today in many countries around the globe. In Mexico and other Latin American countries, Día de los Muertos—the Day of the Dead—honors deceased loved ones. The practice of decorating “jack-o’-lanterns” comes from an Irish folktale and traditions include costume parties, trick-or-treating, pranks and games. Hey all you ghosts and goblins .... I hope you didn't wait until the last minute to get your costume!

Romero Canyon

The allure of Romero Canyon is the fact that it is an awesome mountain bike trail in a secluded canyon above Summerland, just south-west of Santa Barbara. This was my first encounter with the "Bike Bells" and I can see why their use is a necessity. Because this is one of the only trails in SB County where you can still ride the trails to your hearts content. But the hiker on foot should be vigil and listen for the mini cow bells that jingle as they bounce on the handlebars of conscientious mountain bikers. And be sure to step aside when you hear the bells! Rider's passing will usually shout out the number of biker's following the entourage. For the first half mile the trail stays on the right side of the creek, following a small ridge steadily uphill through a series of oak forests. Then Romero Canyon trail crosses to the left side, continues along the creek another quarter mile to a crossing where there is a small fern-lined waterfall and plenty of nice spots to stop and enjoy nature. The sun plays warmly in the canyon and proves to be a bonus to a lovely Sunday afternoon.

Santa Barbara & Ventura County Trails

Romero Canyon Trail

Chapel of San Ramon

The Chapel of San Ramon, located between Santa Maria and Los Olivos, California, is a historical landmark. Erected in 1875 by Frederick and Ramona Foxen Wickenden for local settlers, the redwood framed chapel sits on a quaint hillock overlooking the surrounding country side.  It offers a unique example of the use of wood to create strong, simple forms that had previously been constructed in adobe brick. It beautifully illustrates the transition between the architecture of the old missions and the frame churches of the later American settlers. And old cemetery with some very interesting headstones of the local pioneers surrounds the Chapel of San Ramon. There are many ghost stories involving the old Sisquoc church grounds and some have become local legends.

http://www.sanramonchapel.org/

www.ranchosisquoc.com/OURHISTORY.html

Avocado Festival

This weekends 25th Avocado Festival in Carpinteria, CA was a fun guacamole filled three day event! We treated our taste buds to the many food booths which make tasty pie's or ice cream treats out of the strange looking fruit. You can even sample the "World's Largest Guacamole" dip right here! Three stages entertained crowds with live music while the craft and knick-knack collectors went wild at the outdoor bazaar. Fun competitions included: the best dressed avocado, largest avocado and a guacamole competition. I think I'm seeing GREEN!!!

Avocado Festival

California Avocados

Bacara Resort & Spa

Tonight's "Evening Under the Stars" Open House provided an exciting peek into the lifestyle of the rich and famous. The local public was invited to rediscover all the things Bacara Resort & Spa has to offer. A gracious staff went out of their way to valet park, please, feed and entertain the huge crowds and they did so seamlessly. This Santa Barbara oceanfront hotel boasts a state-of-the-art 200 seat screening room, lecture hall, a ballroom that can seat 700 and many first class restaurants. Play a round of golf at the Sandpiper while the kids take a lesson from the tennis pro or just take a beach walk in search of shells. It's all right here!

Bacara Resort and Spa in Santa Barbara

Sandpiper Golf Course