Reddit research was not the only new thing that we tried on this trip. We also pre-ordered some jars of an old favorite honey from previous Cali visits: Star Thistle. It is apparently poisonous to horses. But its taste is excellent, right up there with New Zealand types. My honey and I ordered some from Sonoma-based 'Kiss the Flower' family apiary ahead of time to arrive at our rental. Shown here next to our trip journal. Thx to TTer 'Nutraxfornerves' for having repeatedly assisted our quest.
Reddit research was not the only new thing that we tried on this trip. We also pre-ordered some jars of an old favorite honey from previous Cali visits: Star Thistle. It is apparently poisonous to horses. But its taste is excellent, right up there with New Zealand types. My honey and I ordered some from Sonoma-based 'Kiss the Flower' family apiary ahead of time to arrive at our rental. Shown here next to our trip journal. Thx to TTer 'Nutraxfornerves' for having repeatedly assisted our quest.
0 2025/06/08 12:14:17
Butterfly Beach had a relatively sparse number of sundown visitors. Some played stickball on the sand, others relaxed inside a rough-hewn fort made of palm sheafs, found objects and stones. Others like this friendly young couple had brought a picnic. Could've sworn that I smelled a skunk nearby.
Butterfly Beach had a relatively sparse number of sundown visitors. Some played stickball on the sand, others relaxed inside a rough-hewn fort made of palm sheafs, found objects and stones. Others like this friendly young couple had brought a picnic. Could've sworn that I smelled a skunk nearby.
0 2025/06/07 17:54:31
A view of that dockside market from higher up. Do they ever sell weird fish such as cabezon and those loooooooong oarfish?
A view of that dockside market from higher up. Do they ever sell weird fish such as cabezon and those loooooooong oarfish?
0 2025/06/08 12:14:42
Mrs Z liked this shot a lot.
Mrs Z liked this shot a lot.
0 2025/06/07 17:54:39
The Valentines Day afternoon tea at San Ysidro Ranch included these sweet treats. More about that later in a dedicated section.
The Valentines Day afternoon tea at San Ysidro Ranch included these sweet treats. More about that later in a dedicated section.
0 2025/06/08 12:15:05
Andersens Bakery as aforementioned, did a very good Nordic salad. Great pastry selection too. This was the best people-watching perch of this trip. The elderly couple next to us forgot their sunglasses, so we alerted staff. In the chaos, I forgot to tip and so returned later that night to do so. We were not as willing to tip staff @ popular McConnells Ice Cream. Their machine's prompt to do so was disappointing.
Andersens Bakery as aforementioned, did a very good Nordic salad. Great pastry selection too. This was the best people-watching perch of this trip. The elderly couple next to us forgot their sunglasses, so we alerted staff. In the chaos, I forgot to tip and so returned later that night to do so. We were not as willing to tip staff @ popular McConnells Ice Cream. Their machine's prompt to do so was disappointing.
0 2025/06/08 12:15:30
Edible kelp, algae, seagrass and seaweed can be bought in town. A public poster nearby described in detail 'Beach Wrack', the areas of waterline and water table that involve saturated sand, damp sand and dry sand.
Edible kelp, algae, seagrass and seaweed can be bought in town. A public poster nearby described in detail 'Beach Wrack', the areas of waterline and water table that involve saturated sand, damp sand and dry sand.
0 2025/06/07 17:55:11
That venue is worth a looksee, with its historic architecture and unique interior: the side walls are a remarkable 3D facsimile of old adobe buildings from yesteryear. Incidentally, we once spent Xmas 2008 in Costa Rica staying at the neighboring eco-lodge to the one where Rick and family were based.
That venue is worth a looksee, with its historic architecture and unique interior: the side walls are a remarkable 3D facsimile of old adobe buildings from yesteryear. Incidentally, we once spent Xmas 2008 in Costa Rica staying at the neighboring eco-lodge to the one where Rick and family were based.
0 2025/06/07 20:02:22
...the place where these families combined to enjoy themselves. Girl on left: "Mom, don't you want some ice cream? Can we go to Tondi's now?"
...the place where these families combined to enjoy themselves. Girl on left: "Mom, don't you want some ice cream? Can we go to Tondi's now?"
0 2025/06/07 17:55:29
This boy's mom seemed like a pro photographer. her gear looked muchos expensive.
This boy's mom seemed like a pro photographer. her gear looked muchos expensive.
0 2025/06/07 17:55:39
This Heermann's Gull has nothing to do with lesser-known attractions, but he did steal my zoom lens. Says he won't give it back til I've posted his portrait labelled 'Sir Bird'. SIR BIRD
This Heermann's Gull has nothing to do with lesser-known attractions, but he did steal my zoom lens. Says he won't give it back til I've posted his portrait labelled 'Sir Bird'. SIR BIRD
0 2025/06/07 20:21:23
The former Meridian graphics studio complex has a compelling Italianate style of paint upon its exterior walls.
The former Meridian graphics studio complex has a compelling Italianate style of paint upon its exterior walls.
0 2025/06/07 20:22:20
Further along that same Haley Street Corridor, one finds the JW Adkins Ecology found-object Art Gallery. It is apparently run by artist Bill and his wife Martha. If we got our facts straight, they are a senior couple who welcome visitors by leaving their entry gate open. If that gate is shut then 'me no sen' you no come.' We were in a rush that afternoon and captured this single shot.
Further along that same Haley Street Corridor, one finds the JW Adkins Ecology found-object Art Gallery. It is apparently run by artist Bill and his wife Martha. If we got our facts straight, they are a senior couple who welcome visitors by leaving their entry gate open. If that gate is shut then 'me no sen' you no come.' We were in a rush that afternoon and captured this single shot.
0 2025/06/07 20:22:37
Casa del Herrero (house of blacksmith) is a time capsule that one must reserve for a guided tour ahead of time. The mansion of former WWI military contractor George Fox Steedman, this sprawling property is magnificent inside and out. It is one of the finest examples of Spanish Colonial revival architecture in the USA. A womens group had decorated the interior with floral arrangements. Steedman was a 1%er with a marked taste for European imports of every sort. Above: his personal centaur icon.
Casa del Herrero (house of blacksmith) is a time capsule that one must reserve for a guided tour ahead of time. The mansion of former WWI military contractor George Fox Steedman, this sprawling property is magnificent inside and out. It is one of the finest examples of Spanish Colonial revival architecture in the USA. A womens group had decorated the interior with floral arrangements. Steedman was a 1%er with a marked taste for European imports of every sort. Above: his personal centaur icon.
0 2025/06/07 20:35:05
Lovely Ainsley was the program manager. I'd teased her via the intercom upon our early arrival, "WE ARE THE DOGE COMMITTEE! MR. MUSK IS HERE WITH US AND WE REQUIRE IMMEDIATE ENTRY!!" She got the joke. Our actual tour guide was Rosie, accompanied by her assistant Kasha. Both had previously worked at Lotusland.
Lovely Ainsley was the program manager. I'd teased her via the intercom upon our early arrival, "WE ARE THE DOGE COMMITTEE! MR. MUSK IS HERE WITH US AND WE REQUIRE IMMEDIATE ENTRY!!" She got the joke. Our actual tour guide was Rosie, accompanied by her assistant Kasha. Both had previously worked at Lotusland.
0 2025/06/07 20:35:31
The grounds were stunning and green thumbs might want to visit for the gardens alone. Much like the evolution of Lotusland from private-to-public attraction, the Casa faced local opposition from Montecito residents who were not keen on tourists having easy access to visits. The tour could be fairly described as tightly controlled. *shutterbugs take note
The grounds were stunning and green thumbs might want to visit for the gardens alone. Much like the evolution of Lotusland from private-to-public attraction, the Casa faced local opposition from Montecito residents who were not keen on tourists having easy access to visits. The tour could be fairly described as tightly controlled. *shutterbugs take note
0 2025/06/07 20:35:50
We were pleasantly surprised to learn that the Casa had recently lifted its long ban on indoors photography. There was historic furniture, religious iconography, tiles, ceramics, paintings, sculptures, lamps and much more. Steedman was also a clever inventor-tinkerer. He created an early phonograph speaker box. His huge personal workshop would be the envy of any male who industrial-level works. His were the largest scissors that we'd ever seen!
We were pleasantly surprised to learn that the Casa had recently lifted its long ban on indoors photography. There was historic furniture, religious iconography, tiles, ceramics, paintings, sculptures, lamps and much more. Steedman was also a clever inventor-tinkerer. He created an early phonograph speaker box. His huge personal workshop would be the envy of any male who industrial-level works. His were the largest scissors that we'd ever seen!
0 2025/06/07 20:36:03
One of the Persian 'Star' fountains as seen from below the massive African baobab tree. The exquisite aesthetics throughout were very impressive. Clearly, Steedman had once brought in the best of the best designers and architects. He actually moved in on the same day as the historic earthquake that struck Sta Barbara exactly a century ago! A day that he surely never forgot.
One of the Persian 'Star' fountains as seen from below the massive African baobab tree. The exquisite aesthetics throughout were very impressive. Clearly, Steedman had once brought in the best of the best designers and architects. He actually moved in on the same day as the historic earthquake that struck Sta Barbara exactly a century ago! A day that he surely never forgot.
0 2025/06/07 20:36:22
Who was on the list of famed folks that Steedman and his wife once entertained here? Presidents? Kings? Movie stars?
Who was on the list of famed folks that Steedman and his wife once entertained here? Presidents? Kings? Movie stars?
0 2025/06/07 20:36:33
Where are we now, Taos?
Where are we now, Taos?
0 2025/06/07 20:36:45
No, this is Lady of Mount Carmel Church, found just a 6 minute walk down the road from Casa del Herero. A slightly Karen-ish woman approached us, then assertively informed us that she did not want us to take her photo, 'not even in the background!' I was a bit taken aback coz the thought had not even entered our heads--we wanted that sleek stone and adobe imagery without people. We also avoided the interior after hearing weeping from within. Someone was mourning. Next: our traditional Quiz
No, this is Lady of Mount Carmel Church, found just a 6 minute walk down the road from Casa del Herero. A slightly Karen-ish woman approached us, then assertively informed us that she did not want us to take her photo, 'not even in the background!' I was a bit taken aback coz the thought had not even entered our heads--we wanted that sleek stone and adobe imagery without people. We also avoided the interior after hearing weeping from within. Someone was mourning. Next: our traditional Quiz
0 2025/06/07 20:37:02
This dragon mural in the Haley corridor was impossible to miss. But it held a hidden corner easy to overlook. People had left a modest tribute of candles for some unfortunate fentanyl victim in the bottom left.
This dragon mural in the Haley corridor was impossible to miss. But it held a hidden corner easy to overlook. People had left a modest tribute of candles for some unfortunate fentanyl victim in the bottom left.
0 2025/06/08 21:15:47
A flower from the same mural.
A flower from the same mural.
0 2025/06/08 21:27:23
More street art. This was brand-new.
More street art. This was brand-new.
0 2025/06/08 21:27:35
From a motel's facade.
From a motel's facade.
0 2025/06/08 21:27:51
As above, from a panel of four.
As above, from a panel of four.
0 2025/06/08 21:28:31
We took a lot of taxis. Most like the man above, were from Mexico. But some hailed from South America. We hired the above driver twice and the second time he brought his wife. We four had a long chat. Their adult daughter had just called home in tears from Chicago--her transfer there was not working out. To change the heavy topic, I pointed out the window: "See that Earl Warren Showground over the fence? Jimi Hendrix once performed a pair of concerts there back in the '60s." Next: gardens
We took a lot of taxis. Most like the man above, were from Mexico. But some hailed from South America. We hired the above driver twice and the second time he brought his wife. We four had a long chat. Their adult daughter had just called home in tears from Chicago--her transfer there was not working out. To change the heavy topic, I pointed out the window: "See that Earl Warren Showground over the fence? Jimi Hendrix once performed a pair of concerts there back in the '60s." Next: gardens
0 2025/06/08 21:29:03
Local teen in middle says: "Who's that guy like, with a cane and sprawled on that plaza bench? Didn't we read about him in History last term?"
Local teen in middle says: "Who's that guy like, with a cane and sprawled on that plaza bench? Didn't we read about him in History last term?"
0 2025/06/08 21:29:54
Shout-out to friendly museum staffer Joshua. He greeted visitors in a bespoke suit unlike most others, doing so at a desk right below a spinning gold Egyptian Pharoah bust. Also, see dcd's TR photos of some paintings including the Monet 'Villa B'. See also: historic Indian/Nepali sculpture and also modern photography. Above: the clothing created from pages of art books.
Shout-out to friendly museum staffer Joshua. He greeted visitors in a bespoke suit unlike most others, doing so at a desk right below a spinning gold Egyptian Pharoah bust. Also, see dcd's TR photos of some paintings including the Monet 'Villa B'. See also: historic Indian/Nepali sculpture and also modern photography. Above: the clothing created from pages of art books.
0 2025/06/08 21:30:11
In the La Arcada plaza of boutiques and such, this metal piece by J. Seward Johnson Jr. was called 'Who's in Charge?'
In the La Arcada plaza of boutiques and such, this metal piece by J. Seward Johnson Jr. was called 'Who's in Charge?'
0 2025/06/08 21:30:32
Just down the lane from the above...grandpa and granddaughter.
Just down the lane from the above...grandpa and granddaughter.
0 2025/06/08 21:31:45
BF in SB
BF in SB
0 2025/06/08 21:31:59
Afterwards, Mrs Z bought some lovely shirts at the Lovebird store downtown. Friendly owner Nancy Burgner was also a Rick Steves follower. I later bought my own nice short-sleeves at the original Beach House Surf Shop. There, we chatted with staff about competitors including Tilleys. The latter business began in Toronto and became known for their peerless hats plus outstanding travel wear. Pretty sure that Mr Tilley is rolling in his grave at the current sad state of his old stores.
Afterwards, Mrs Z bought some lovely shirts at the Lovebird store downtown. Friendly owner Nancy Burgner was also a Rick Steves follower. I later bought my own nice short-sleeves at the original Beach House Surf Shop. There, we chatted with staff about competitors including Tilleys. The latter business began in Toronto and became known for their peerless hats plus outstanding travel wear. Pretty sure that Mr Tilley is rolling in his grave at the current sad state of his old stores.
0 2025/06/07 20:58:29
The food and drink were good. The service was better.
The food and drink were good. The service was better.
0 2025/06/09 22:20:33
The ranch was where JFK and Jacky had their honeymoon. You can well imagine the current prices to stay in one of the many lovely cottages. Those had some of the most attractive in-ground Jacuzzis that you'll ever see.
The ranch was where JFK and Jacky had their honeymoon. You can well imagine the current prices to stay in one of the many lovely cottages. Those had some of the most attractive in-ground Jacuzzis that you'll ever see.
0 2025/06/09 22:21:33
There are 23 scientists on staff. They tend to 50,000 lichen, 50 different manzanitas, and other plants from desserts, chapparal and arroyo. They told us that the best views are from the Porter hiking Trail and also the new Tipton trail. We already knew that from reading their great 'Ironwood' magazine. Above is Tom Turtle, a notorious curmudgeon. As we passed, he muttered, "YA CALL THAT MUSIC?!"
There are 23 scientists on staff. They tend to 50,000 lichen, 50 different manzanitas, and other plants from desserts, chapparal and arroyo. They told us that the best views are from the Porter hiking Trail and also the new Tipton trail. We already knew that from reading their great 'Ironwood' magazine. Above is Tom Turtle, a notorious curmudgeon. As we passed, he muttered, "YA CALL THAT MUSIC?!"
0 2025/06/10 11:33:53
There were tiny frogs and cicadas (Hi cigalechante) close by this succulent. Across the way were large 'dudlega', whose leaves reflected a lot of light. There was also an extremely impressive cut-sandstone model-map of the Channel islands, set amidst black pebbles and made by donator Hallie Silas. Another garden society member had donated a clever wooden bench that was by design, sandwiched between two varnished redwood slabs--see above.
There were tiny frogs and cicadas (Hi cigalechante) close by this succulent. Across the way were large 'dudlega', whose leaves reflected a lot of light. There was also an extremely impressive cut-sandstone model-map of the Channel islands, set amidst black pebbles and made by donator Hallie Silas. Another garden society member had donated a clever wooden bench that was by design, sandwiched between two varnished redwood slabs--see above.
0 2025/06/10 11:34:22
There were only three parties celebrating that afternoon. The group of six nearest us had to sit through one of their party holding court non-stop. In that time, that person detailed their recent operation in such excruciating detail that we came 'this close' to asking for a different table.
There were only three parties celebrating that afternoon. The group of six nearest us had to sit through one of their party holding court non-stop. In that time, that person detailed their recent operation in such excruciating detail that we came 'this close' to asking for a different table.
0 2025/06/09 22:17:55
Part of the allure was the ranch's lovely grounds. The gardens were impressive and the decor included fountains, sitting nooks, old trees, metal tortoises and wooden carvings. Without prompt, one staffer informed us that the best photo op views were 'up by the pool area'. Unfortunately, his tip came too late as our return taxi was already en route.
Part of the allure was the ranch's lovely grounds. The gardens were impressive and the decor included fountains, sitting nooks, old trees, metal tortoises and wooden carvings. Without prompt, one staffer informed us that the best photo op views were 'up by the pool area'. Unfortunately, his tip came too late as our return taxi was already en route.
0 2025/06/09 22:18:26
The friendly garden greeter. His booth was surrounded by a variety of floral exotica. We were about to see cacti, orchards, topiary (bushes as animals), sphagnum moss bromeliads, , dragon trees, orchids, rare agave, rose parterre (out of season) and the famed 'shakkei' Japanese section. Daijobu!
The friendly garden greeter. His booth was surrounded by a variety of floral exotica. We were about to see cacti, orchards, topiary (bushes as animals), sphagnum moss bromeliads, , dragon trees, orchids, rare agave, rose parterre (out of season) and the famed 'shakkei' Japanese section. Daijobu!
0 2025/06/10 12:37:21
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