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