Making our Way through Southern California

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After leaving Chula Vista, we spent several weeks in Santee Lakes. We’ve taken side trips all around the greater San Diego area including Point Loma, La Jolla, Torrey Pines, and up the Pacific Coast Highway. Weather’s been sunny but chilly during the days, and cold at night. Just within the last few weeks, we’ve had rain (sorely needed here); and a cold front came in which produced snow in the higher elevations. We hit another Indian casino (Alan’s still ahead in blackjack!) and visited the Wild Animal Park. Mostly, we’ve vegged, watched videos when it rained, and took walks around the Lakes.

We had sheepskin seat covers made for Coco and became friends with the company owners, one of whom is from New Zealand. We left Santee on March 9 and headed up to Mira Loma, near Ontario, to have service done at the Prevost facility there. Then we met up with Jim, Chris, Fred, and Betty and caravanned to Santa Barbara for the Country Coach rally. Even though we don’t have a Country Coach, we were still welcome. We washed Coco before our 2-hour trip, and wouldn’t you know it, it rained on the way and snowed up in the mountains. We met up with over 100 Country Coach owners and enjoyed the rally.

Santa Barbara is just gorgeous - California Mission style architecture, beautiful beach and mountain views. A very, very wealthy community (real estate is extremely expensive). A Mediterranean climate yields temperatures that rarely exceeds 70 degrees or goes below freezing, so it’s quite nice, if not just a tad cool.

During the rally, we toured some wineries in a picturesque area that was used in the movie “Sideways.” We thought the wines were only medium, but getting there was half the fun. Our next stop in Paso Robles has 100+ wineries, so we’ll get a chance to sample yet more California wines in the Central Coast area.

We took out a small loan to buy diesel fuel here (just kidding) as the price nears $3.00 a gallon again in California. We’ve noted that gas and diesel both are higher than any other state we’ve visited. With their long commutes, we don’t know how many Californians manage, considering their high fuel prices, exorbitant real estate, and high tax rates. Yikes.

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Photos

Lorakeet
At the San Diego Wild Animal Park

San Diego
View from Point Loma, with Navy vessel, whale watching boat, and Naval air field in the foreground.

Torrey Pines
Lovely view, except for a couple walking on the beach wearing nothing but smiles ;)

Santa Barbara
Postscard view from the pier

Santa Barbara Mission
Mission was destroyed in 1925 earthquake, but was re-built - still used as Catholic church.

Santa Barbara Courthouse
Beautiful building inside and out with wonderful sunken gardens and specimen trees from all over the world.

Inside the Courthouse
Looking up a stairway

Comments

[Linda W.]

How Exciting!
I hope you don't miss touring Hearst Castle since you're in the Santa Barbara area. It's an amazing piece of property. Sounds like you guys are having a ball! Can I join you and get away from wedding plans for a shor time??? ;o) Be careful; I don't have any influence with the local police! :o) Linda