This gallery contains 7 photos.
Attended the 18th annual Chumash Day Powwow last weekend in Malibu, California. Beautiful costumes and intriguing dances and rituals. Great way to get a glimpse of Native American culture.
Spent a great night at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival directors panel, featuring all five of this year’s Academy Award nominated directors – Lenny Abrahamson (ROOM), Alejandro G. Iñárritu (THE REVENANT), Tom McCarthy (SPOTLIGHT), Adam McKay (THE BIG SHORT), and George Miller (MAD MAX: FURY ROAD). All were awarded Outstanding Directors of the Year. Last night, in my opinion, funniest award goes to McKay, most humble to Miller, and most intense to Iñárritu. Festival continues through February 13, 2016. Check it all out at http://sbiff.org.
I drove to Ashland, Oregon from Los Angeles this June, and decided to visit Crater Lake National Park for the first time. I wasn’t disappointed. Amazing blue water in the midst of a mountain that blew its top nearly 7,700 years ago. It filled with water over time and another volcanic island called, “Wizard Island,” formed inside.
Oregon’s only national park is a mere two hour drive from Medford in Southern Oregon and well worth the trip. I was lucky enough to score a modest, but pricey, room at the historic Crater Lake Lodge, which is currently celebrating its 100th year. My room overlooked the lake, in theory, but I couldn’t see the actual water unless I went into the Great Room or outside. Still, a remarkable trip.
Right now, there’s less snow than usual – ah climate change; although there was still too much to drive the entire rim. So, I hiked a bit and the next day drove partially around the lake. I’m not big on heights, so the perspective of being so high from the water is quite daunting. And, as I drove along the western rim, I was actually glad I didn’t get to drive the entire rim. I did stop at the closest overlook to Wizard Island and it was incredible.
I continued along the road out of the northern entrance to the park towards the smaller Diamond Lake and then towards Highway 138, the Highway of Waterfalls. Stopped and hiked in fern-laden green forests amidst several waterfalls. It was hot, nearly 100 degrees at times, so I continued on towards Roseburg, then south along Highway 5 to my favorite southern Oregon town of Ashland.
The worst thing about visiting Cambria along California’s brilliant Central Coast is leaving. So, I tend to go fairly often. It is truly right in the center of LA and San Francisco at 240 miles south of San Francisco and 240 miles north of Los Angeles. The drive from LA is about 4 hours along the coastal 101 Ventura Highway and Highway 1. On the way, dined al fresco at Jeannine’s in Montecito just south of Santa Barbara, where I feasted on some delicious breakfast tacos.
Arrived in Cambria before sunset. Stayed at Cambria Pines Lodge on their Escape Package, which includes dinner and breakfast. There’s also live music every night. Saw Jill Knight in the lounge. Nice and mellow.
Strolled along wind-swept Moonstone Beach with amazing views of the Pacific just south of Big Sur. Hearst Castle and sea lions are just a few miles up the road. Skipped them this trip, but would definitely recommend a look.
The next morning, I took a must-see hike through Fiscalini Ranch strewn with vivid-colored wildflowers and everywhere you look, the shining sea.
Caught a glimpse of some Jurassic-looking birds resting on the rocks below.
Refreshed body and soul amid gardens and koi at the Cambria Nursery across from the hotel.
Lori in Wonderland.
I always visit my favorite horse, Mattie, high on a hill overlooking Cambria before heading out of town.
Had to promise myself further adventures to convince myself to leave. These included an hour or so in San Luis Obispo, where I followed my bliss to a little juice bar along a creek beside the historic Mission.
A bunny on a leash out for his pre-Easter trek.
Continuing south, I stopped in my favorite town of Santa Barbara, where I dined on a Volcano roll at Kai sushi on State Street before heading back to LA reality.
Spent an amazing day surrounded by the serene beauty of Santa Barbara. Started out at one of my favorite bistros, Stella Mare’s, near the 101 freeway zoo exit.
You can opt for outside dining, but most prefer the French ambiance inside.
I tried the Grilled Salmon du Jour and was immediately smitten. The plating and gusto of the flavors from the base of carrot puree to the grilled onions and Swiss chard topped off with crispy roasted leeks more than satisfied my taste for something new in the salmon world.
To work off the calories, I continued to the Santa Barbara Zoo. This is the only zoo I am a member of because I would live there. Still, I wish all the zoos of the world would relocate animals to a more humane domain, such as a large, natural habitat where the animals roam free and humans are kept in cars. Still, here are some of my favorites, from the pink flamingos to the floating penguins.
State Street, the main drag in town, always amuses. Here a trio plays while Ben thinks.
Another great spot is Alice Keck Gardens Memorial Park. I love to unwind after a day of walking. The turtles and ducks are friendly, as are the people. All in all, Santa Barbara is truly one of my favorite towns.
Spent a great day in Venice, California, along the boardwalk. The only boards, however, are the surfing kind. Took lots of photos with my new Sony a6000 camera. Chatted up some of the vendors, including a sweet man who created miniature wireframe bicycles. Watched amazing urban acrobats careen across crowds, skateboarders ride concrete waves and surfers head for the briny seas.
Just returned from an amazing trip to the Garden Isle of Kauai in Hawaii. The weather was balmy, with gentle rains cooling us off from an array of adventures. Favorite place – walking along Hanalei Bay near our hotel. Stayed in the north at St. Regis Princeville – a real treat. The views were spectacular of the mythical Bali Hai from the movie South Pacific.
All over the island, roosters crowed and chickens clucked. These colorful birds roam free. I’ve vowed never to eat chicken again. I’ll keep you posted.
Splurged on a unique luau – KiloHana Luau – at the historic KiloHana Plantation on the east coast in Lihue. The grounds were beautiful and the performance unique. It is held each Tuesday and Friday evening and one of the most popular events on the island.
Explored Opaekaa Falls and nearby Wailua River.
Drove to the Na Pali along one-lane bridges and incredibly scenic horse ranches, Taro fields and beaches. Took a delightful hike at the lush Limahuli Gardens. The views were epic.
Later in the week, we moved our “camp” to the Marriott in Lihue. More sun down here, as we drove up the intense Waimea Canyon Road, flanked by deep canyons. Finally, arrived at the overlook for some more views of this “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.”
Drove a bit further up the winding road to my favorite view of the entire trip – the Kalalau Lookout – which overlooks the Na Pali Coast from on high.
Marty and Lori go Kauaian.
Spouting Horn on the southern coast in Poipu.
Swinging Bridge in Old Town Hanapepe. I lost my cap to the breeze blowing across the bridge, but gained a beautiful ocean-blue necklace from a local artist.
Spent my birthday in Hanalei and beyond. Caught a really sweet performance of old style slack key guitar and ukulele by Doug and Sandy McMaster at the Hanalei Community Center. Here’s a link on youtube to one of their performances. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heW1QcuPZCY
Some more idyllic moments below. Actually, they were all pretty cool. Lived on Oahu many moons ago, and it still holds a special place in my heart. Hope to return to Kauai and her sister islands soon.
