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

Sisquoc General Store

This store is surely the most exciting thing happening in the sleepy town of Sisquoc. If you do decide to make the drive along Foxen Canyon Road be sure and visit the historic Sisquoc General Store built in 1910. It's a good place to buy essential picnic groceries before you do some back country wine tasting. You will find lot's of small town charm so sit a spell and travel back in time under the old oak trees. The region has a mild micro-climate year round making it perfect growing conditions for vineyards and popular with the cyclists. Sisquoc, with a population of 183, comes complete with a fire station, a church, and a Kindergarden - 8th grade school. What more do you need to be happy in a small California town?

Lompoc Record reviews Sisquoc Store

Nojoqui Falls

What a hidden treasure! Nojoqui Falls pronounced "no-HO-wee" is an impressive 70ft moss and fern fringed waterfall. At this time of year the falls were just a trickle but during the rainy season the falls are lush and strong. The shaded tree lined path which leads to the falls is beautiful and has benches along the way. Pictures don't do it justice, either.  Take your time and enjoy the creek as it twists past you along the trail, it's an easy 10 minute hike for adults and children alike. At the end, there's a nice seating area for a relaxing picnic or just taking in the view. If you are looking for a diversion from the crowds in Solvang this spot is a hidden gem. You won't believe how high the falls are!!!

Nojoqui Falls Walk Solvang

Hula Luau

My new hula dance group has lots of amazing ALOHA SPIRIT! We all got together on September 11th to celebrate the End Of Summer with lot's of love and harmony. The beautiful event was highlighted by great food, hula dancing to live Ukulele music and perfect Leadbetter Beach surroundings. We really have a great bunch of hula refugees!!!  I'm so very lucky to be able to call these amazing spirits my hula sistah's!

Beach Surf Guide

Toro Canyon Park

Toro Canyon Park is 74 heavily wooded acres of secluded beauty located above Summerland in the foothills between Montecito and Carpinteria. Kids will be tempted by the tadpole filled creek which meanders through an oak shaded playground. Great park for a company picnic or wedding reception with several large group BBQ areas, an off-lease dog park, horse trails, hiking trails and even a sand volleyball court. Try climbing up the huge sandstone rocks and enjoy the view from the top. An easy hike takes you 1 mile up to a gazebo at the top of a hill with sweeping 360-degree vistas. Stay on the well maintained trails as mountain lions have been seen in this area. Still it's a great spot for a picnic, some photo ops or just a short break from driving between LA and Santa Barbara.

Where is Toro Canyon?

Locals Only Secret

This colorful painted pedestrian tunnel under the 101 Frwy (circa 1956) is a well kept secret of Montecito natives. It offers a good way to get from Coast Village Road to Butterfly Beach. And if you're going to the beach in Santa Barbara, then Butterfly Beach is probably the best place to go! This is my favorite beach in the area, because it's well-maintained and generally peaceful. The views are breathtaking and the sand is pristine. One of my best memories ever was one particular afternoon at Butterfly Beach - watching the dolphins swim by, lying in the sun with friends, taking a dip in the warm water and actually not getting covered in tar. A great place for a romantic sunset stroll!

http://www.edhat.com/site/tidbit.cfm?nid=38688

Haunted Union Hotel

The Haunted Union Hotel situated in the Santa Ynez wine country is where Michael Jackson, filmed the video for “Say, Say, Say” here with Paul McCartney back in 1983. Right off the 101 freeway, Los Alamos is a natural stop on the way to see Hearst Castle or on the road to San Francisco. We really enjoyed the Victorian ambiance of this historic mansion which has been converted to a 14 room hotel. Comfortable antique beds reside in charming western theme rooms. Downstairs a country kitchen prepares delicious meals. A live band plays on the weekend and the saloon bar is authentic and offers good libations. It also has a very nice private garden, with a large patio for weddings or birthdays.

Union Hotel Los Alamos, CA

Historic Saloons of Central California

Michael Jackson & Paul McCartney Music Video

Cold Springs Trail

This is one of my favorite waterfall hiking spots in Santa Barbara. Now the creeks and pools are flowing heavily and running deep. There are several clear pools that you can dip into and relax. A beautiful trail with lots of shade and lush greenery. Take the whole family I definitely recommend this one!!!

http://www.santabarbarahikes.com/hikes/frontcountry/coldsprings.shtml

Queen of the Missions

The Santa Barbara Mission was established on December 4, 1786 and was the tenth of twenty-one California Missions to be founded by the Spanish Franciscans. The Mission's commanding position and grand proportions along with graceful lines helps to reinforce her title, "Queen of the Missions." For self-guided or docent guided "Art and Architecture" tours enter the mission museum through the main entrance.

http://www.sbmission.org/history.html

Old Spanish Days 87th Fiesta celebration takes place in August and offers rodeos, parades, food, song and dance. Try all the events, you won't be disappointed!

http://www.sbfiesta.org

Pierre LaFond

This upscale deli grocery in Montecito is a wonderful place to stop for a bite of lunch and do a little shopping. Two unique dress shops next door will satisfy a California ladies clothes obsession. Upstairs features Santa Barbara easy living style home accessories anyone would love to receive as a gift.

Montecito Shopping

Stellar Fireworks?

Try something out of this world! NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day.

http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/archivepix.html

Rods and Roses

It's an unlikely combination but beautiful classic cars and beautiful flowers do go together very nicely. There are also crafts and food for sale. Linden Avenue in Carpinteria is shut down and the most common site (next to cars and roses, of course) is neighbors meeting over (or under) open hoods and a bouquet of flowers.

http://www.carpinteria.com/events/vintage_car_show/

Solstice Parade

Don't miss the annual Summer Solstice Parade which takes place in Santa Barbara along State Street. Local artists, musicians, dance groups and float makers team up to make this a happening June event. The parade ends at Alameda Park with food vendors, souvenir booths and floats on display.

http://www.solsticeparade.com/index.php/photo_gallery

http://www.noozhawk.com/multimedia/article/062511_santa_barbara_summer_solstice_2011/?order=17

Carpinteria Salt Marsh Nature Park

This 230-acre reserve is one of the only places left where the land meets the ocean, providing an essential environment for numerous plants and wildlife. The Carpinteria Salt Marsh is one of the largest and most ecologically important coastal estuaries in California. Over 35 species of fish have been reported from the marsh, including the Leopard Shark, Diamond Turbot and the Longjaw Mudsucker. Waterfowl such as the Snowy Egret, Osprey and Horned Grebe also make use of this habitat. Level walking trails allow people to easily visit and learn about the coastal environment.

http://www.carpinteriacoast.com/salt_marsh.html

Hot Sulphur Springs

My first Hairflipp!
Getting Poison Oak was worth it.

Natural aqua blue hot springs in a beautiful canyon less than a mile off U.S. Highway 101 at Lompoc Exit (North Santa Barbara County). A short trail takes you to this sulphur hot springs which provides a great soak while lush vegetation makes you feel like you’re in a jungle. The Palm tree at water's edge was supposedly planted by Jim Morrison of the Doors. Truth or Fiction? You decide. Beware of poison oak along the trail. Water temperature can be near 90 degrees but varies with the season. The spring is only open during daylight hours as the parking lot closes at dusk.

Read more at Trails.com: Gaviota State Park (Las Cruces) Hot Spring