Spring has Sprung in Santa Barbara

It’s only early March, but spring has already arrived in Santa Barbara. Took a hike through their lovely Botanical Gardens, and the wildflowers were blooming. Headed down the path to my favorite redwood section. These towering giants truly intrigue my mind and heal my soul.

Later, headed to the main shopping district on State Street. Enjoyed a delicious meal at Pascucci before viewing a documentary film on the history of organic farming, Evolution of Organic, created by Mark Kitchell and narrated by Frances McDormand. Kitchell was on hand at the Marjorie Luke Theatre amidst a roomful of concerned environmentalists and local farmers. Whatever the season, there’s always something fascinating happening in my favorite town.

Just Another Glorious Day in Malibu at the Beach

Spent the day in Malibu at County Line. Quick lunch overlooking the sea at iconic biker hangout, Neptune’s Net. On the weekends, throngs of bikers make their way along the winding coast for brunch. During the week, there are more locals and a few tourists. Headed across Pacific Coast Highway to watch the daring Kite Surfers on another gloriously sunny, foggy, windy Malibu day.

A Slice of Heaven above Malibu

In search of wildflowers, I found a little slice of heaven. Discovered another hike along Zuma Ridge Trail up a mountain with birds-eye views of Malibu and the ocean. Keep driving up Busch Drive to a little parking lot. Just amazing!

 

Spring Solstice Canyon Hike

Took a lovely hike at Solstice Canyon off Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu. Discovered lots of great spots since moving here last year. It’s hard to leave! Check this one out if you’re in town. Best to go during the week, when parking will be easier. Bring water. There’s a small falls at the end, but it’s the journey that counts. Happy hiking!

26 Miles Across the Sea

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Just spent a few days on Catalina Island, 26 miles from the mainland of Southern California, or as the locals call it, “overtown.” Hadn’t been there in nearly a decade, but nothing’s changed much. Still life at a slower pace, except on cruise ship days, when hungry voyagers roam the island in search of food, … Continue reading →

18th Annual Chumash Day Powwow

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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.

Award-Winning Night at Santa Barbara International Film Festival

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.

Celebrating 100 Years at Crater Lake Lodge

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.

   

Going Slow in SLO and Cambria

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.

Hello Santa Barbara!

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.