There are plentiful activities for young people in SB.
There are plentiful activities for young people in SB.
0 2025/06/07 16:33:51
Once-and-again local hero Josh Brolin's memoir made a good read during our vacation. We bought it from Chaucers bookstore up in Loreto Plaza at nearly half the price that we would've paid back in Toronto. Josh was once part of a local gang of youths who called themselves the 'Cito Rats'.
Once-and-again local hero Josh Brolin's memoir made a good read during our vacation. We bought it from Chaucers bookstore up in Loreto Plaza at nearly half the price that we would've paid back in Toronto. Josh was once part of a local gang of youths who called themselves the 'Cito Rats'.
0 2025/06/07 16:05:36
President Reagan's Birthday Celebration was held at his namesake conference center a couple blocks away from us. Some of the teen girls that attended were woefully underdressed on that blustery day, so they sprinted from their limo to the entry before freezing to death!
President Reagan's Birthday Celebration was held at his namesake conference center a couple blocks away from us. Some of the teen girls that attended were woefully underdressed on that blustery day, so they sprinted from their limo to the entry before freezing to death!
0 2025/06/07 16:04:47
The annual SB Film Festival was on during our stay. One downtown theatre on the semi-pedestrian main artery State Street was reserved for its special events. I also enjoyed the new Led Zeppelin doc. There, I met the former singer for Pure Prairie League, a fellow Zephead.
The annual SB Film Festival was on during our stay. One downtown theatre on the semi-pedestrian main artery State Street was reserved for its special events. I also enjoyed the new Led Zeppelin doc. There, I met the former singer for Pure Prairie League, a fellow Zephead.
0 2025/06/07 16:04:40
The sport still attracts enthusiasts of all ages and genders.
The sport still attracts enthusiasts of all ages and genders.
0 2025/06/07 16:04:34
I rest my case.
I rest my case.
0 2025/06/07 16:04:25
No report on Cali can skip surfing.
No report on Cali can skip surfing.
0 2025/06/07 16:04:13
Sunrise at Summerland beach looking over to Loon point.
Sunrise at Summerland beach looking over to Loon point.
0 2025/06/07 16:04:03
Oxnard, am I right? We landed in Goleta, where the Santa Barbara Airport is located. That descent took us right over the UCSB campus and its waterfowl pond, plus some great local beach-hikes: Haskells, Devereux and More Mesa. Goleta's famed Butterfly Reserve saw one of its all-time low numbers of migrating Monarchs this year. That town has an annual lemon fest. A maga convoy from Goleta drove though SB just prior to our arrival. It seems that they carried lewd placards in front of children.
Oxnard, am I right? We landed in Goleta, where the Santa Barbara Airport is located. That descent took us right over the UCSB campus and its waterfowl pond, plus some great local beach-hikes: Haskells, Devereux and More Mesa. Goleta's famed Butterfly Reserve saw one of its all-time low numbers of migrating Monarchs this year. That town has an annual lemon fest. A maga convoy from Goleta drove though SB just prior to our arrival. It seems that they carried lewd placards in front of children.
0 2025/06/07 16:03:56
Mrs Z (my wife) insisted that I take this shot. We believe that it is the Casitas reservoir, no?
Mrs Z (my wife) insisted that I take this shot. We believe that it is the Casitas reservoir, no?
0 2025/06/07 16:03:50
The lay of the land below continued, as the SoCal coast became the central coast. The flight path included: Santa Monica, Malibu, Simi Hills, Pts Mugu, Dume and Pitus, Leo Cabrillo beach, small mountain ranges including San Rafael, Connejo (1920'), Hueneme, St. Buenaventura, St. Johns Coll, McGrath State beach, Ventura, Emma Ward and Los Padres Forest.
The lay of the land below continued, as the SoCal coast became the central coast. The flight path included: Santa Monica, Malibu, Simi Hills, Pts Mugu, Dume and Pitus, Leo Cabrillo beach, small mountain ranges including San Rafael, Connejo (1920'), Hueneme, St. Buenaventura, St. Johns Coll, McGrath State beach, Ventura, Emma Ward and Los Padres Forest.
0 2025/06/07 16:03:42
Actually, we flew on United up to Santa Barbara. Above shows our take-off. We see (I think) Playa del Rey and the Marina del Rey peninsula, maybe possibly Venice canal on the far left?
Actually, we flew on United up to Santa Barbara. Above shows our take-off. We see (I think) Playa del Rey and the Marina del Rey peninsula, maybe possibly Venice canal on the far left?
0 2025/06/07 16:03:34
The San Ysidro ranch has its Stonehouse restaurant in addition to lovely grounds.
The San Ysidro ranch has its Stonehouse restaurant in addition to lovely grounds.
0 2025/06/07 16:03:16
Union Station. The Amtrack security guard warned me about wearing my Nikon bandelier-style: "Someone up and pull a gun on ya' for that camera!"
Union Station. The Amtrack security guard warned me about wearing my Nikon bandelier-style: "Someone up and pull a gun on ya' for that camera!"
0 2025/06/07 16:03:07
We began in LA. by staying overnight in a cheap hotel on the border of Chinatown. Not two minutes after we'd plopped our luggage down, a few shots rang out on the streets below.
We began in LA. by staying overnight in a cheap hotel on the border of Chinatown. Not two minutes after we'd plopped our luggage down, a few shots rang out on the streets below.
0 2025/06/07 16:03:01
Please feel free to add any posts based on your own experiences in Santa Barbara, be they photographic, raves, rants or opinions. Locals, don't be shy mkay?
Please feel free to add any posts based on your own experiences in Santa Barbara, be they photographic, raves, rants or opinions. Locals, don't be shy mkay?
0 2025/06/07 16:02:18
Men, be sure to bring tight Speedos to any spa. No American-style trunks. Btw, David the above driver is also an accomplished nature photographer. He showed me his own color photo book of Pyrenees Hikes. He is expanding his business to include tours: *David Serano-Grocq phone 0607 68 38 93. david.serano@so-inspyration.com **Taxis: See also these three co's: -'3 Vallees' (Luz) 33-0683599698 -ask for Gerrard -'Les Glaciers/Bruzaud' (Gavarnie) 0607-820-307 -Caussieu 3305-6292-9756 C'est fin.
Men, be sure to bring tight Speedos to any spa. No American-style trunks. Btw, David the above driver is also an accomplished nature photographer. He showed me his own color photo book of Pyrenees Hikes. He is expanding his business to include tours: *David Serano-Grocq phone 0607 68 38 93. [email protected] **Taxis: See also these three co's: -'3 Vallees' (Luz) 33-0683599698 -ask for Gerrard -'Les Glaciers/Bruzaud' (Gavarnie) 0607-820-307 -Caussieu 3305-6292-9756 C'est fin.
0 2025/03/30 21:24:25
On the advice of locals, I chose the stately, fin-de-siecle spa 'Bains de Rocher'. We all had to wait outside before opening. The river was raging and the deluge was coooold!! The spa had an ancient tree outside, an indoor-outdoor pool, various water jets throughout plus a few unexpected features. So relaxing. After chatting with lovely Leah at Cauterets Tourism, I then shopped at the Belle Epoque Les Halles. Shown in yellow above: a competitor spa. Taxi driver David Serano later took me home.
On the advice of locals, I chose the stately, fin-de-siecle spa 'Bains de Rocher'. We all had to wait outside before opening. The river was raging and the deluge was coooold!! The spa had an ancient tree outside, an indoor-outdoor pool, various water jets throughout plus a few unexpected features. So relaxing. After chatting with lovely Leah at Cauterets Tourism, I then shopped at the Belle Epoque Les Halles. Shown in yellow above: a competitor spa. Taxi driver David Serano later took me home.
0 2025/03/30 21:24:15
The local daycare had a powerful mural on its side! There must be some local legend about a nearby French Loch Ness creature. Et comme ca.
The local daycare had a powerful mural on its side! There must be some local legend about a nearby French Loch Ness creature. Et comme ca.
0 2025/03/30 21:24:05
It also had one of those 'Leave-a-book-take-a-book' stands for all ages.
It also had one of those 'Leave-a-book-take-a-book' stands for all ages.
0 2025/03/30 21:23:57
My final daytrip was to a wonderful spa over in Cauterets. Again, Mrs Z took a pass. That trip necessitated a pair of rainy bus rides. Shown here is the transfer point for such public bus routes: the village of Pierrefitte-Nestalas. On display, it had an interesting fire brigade wagon from a century ago.
My final daytrip was to a wonderful spa over in Cauterets. Again, Mrs Z took a pass. That trip necessitated a pair of rainy bus rides. Shown here is the transfer point for such public bus routes: the village of Pierrefitte-Nestalas. On display, it had an interesting fire brigade wagon from a century ago.
0 2025/03/30 21:23:41
On the way back. Seen from the middle of the crest going to the right (east): la Tour with its alluvions fluvio-glaciers, la Casque, Pic des Saraders (2739m), Doigt Pointe Bazillac, Mt Taillon and Gabietous.
On the way back. Seen from the middle of the crest going to the right (east): la Tour with its alluvions fluvio-glaciers, la Casque, Pic des Saraders (2739m), Doigt Pointe Bazillac, Mt Taillon and Gabietous.
0 2025/03/30 21:23:22
At far left we see Grand Astazu (3012m) with its lil bro Petite Astazu just below. The popular ice climb 'Couloir Swan' is just beneath. Spain's famed Mt. Perdu lies just behind them (not shown). The Tour de Marbore (Gascon for 'marble') looms on the right, with the Pailla glacier visible just below. That general area also includes the Crete des Druides plus the gres de Marbore Maastrichtien layers, with migmatites and cambro-ordoviciennes. There will be a test on this tomorrow.
At far left we see Grand Astazu (3012m) with its lil bro Petite Astazu just below. The popular ice climb 'Couloir Swan' is just beneath. Spain's famed Mt. Perdu lies just behind them (not shown). The Tour de Marbore (Gascon for 'marble') looms on the right, with the Pailla glacier visible just below. That general area also includes the Crete des Druides plus the gres de Marbore Maastrichtien layers, with migmatites and cambro-ordoviciennes. There will be a test on this tomorrow.
0 2025/03/30 21:23:14
Bianca was friendly. She was also informative, telling me not to bother tryna get us an overnight visit to the high Observatory at nearby Pic du Midi: "Naw, don't bother Monsieur Zebec. Zey are sold out til Christmas at which time zey will close overnight stays for good. J'ai sourir mon ami Canuck.'
Bianca was friendly. She was also informative, telling me not to bother tryna get us an overnight visit to the high Observatory at nearby Pic du Midi: "Naw, don't bother Monsieur Zebec. Zey are sold out til Christmas at which time zey will close overnight stays for good. J'ai sourir mon ami Canuck.'
0 2025/03/30 21:23:00
I chatted with this family. Mom and dad were teaching their daughter (far L) how to care for the animals.
I chatted with this family. Mom and dad were teaching their daughter (far L) how to care for the animals.
0 2025/03/30 21:22:47
Local fences showed evidence of that.
Local fences showed evidence of that.
0 2025/03/30 21:22:25
A horse ranch has long been a feature of this part of the trail.
A horse ranch has long been a feature of this part of the trail.
0 2025/03/30 21:22:13
A fallen tree trunk water-worn by the river and time.
A fallen tree trunk water-worn by the river and time.
0 2025/03/30 16:37:17
The overall Pyrenees park is a true wilderness area and a home to rare flora and fauna.
The overall Pyrenees park is a true wilderness area and a home to rare flora and fauna.
0 2025/03/30 16:37:06
The Gave de Pau river and one of its old bridges: pont de Nadau. There was apparently a botanical jardin nearby but I never found it.
The Gave de Pau river and one of its old bridges: pont de Nadau. There was apparently a botanical jardin nearby but I never found it.
0 2025/03/30 16:36:52
This pont de Brioule took one across to the Foret du Canton Morgat. One may meander the meadows there. The slopes were once denuded by the end of the 19C but are now restored. In this area, I somehow lost my precious green Tilley hat, un chapeau that'd visited a great many countries. It'd been tied to my Domke camera bag but must've somehow slipped off. Too late, a local photographer with whom I'd chatted along the route told me that someone had found the hat and placed it on a fence pole.
This pont de Brioule took one across to the Foret du Canton Morgat. One may meander the meadows there. The slopes were once denuded by the end of the 19C but are now restored. In this area, I somehow lost my precious green Tilley hat, un chapeau that'd visited a great many countries. It'd been tied to my Domke camera bag but must've somehow slipped off. Too late, a local photographer with whom I'd chatted along the route told me that someone had found the hat and placed it on a fence pole.
0 2025/03/30 16:36:36
This shot of the above gurgling waters was Mrs Z's fave and she plans to do a painting of it.
This shot of the above gurgling waters was Mrs Z's fave and she plans to do a painting of it.
0 2025/03/30 16:08:27
I tipped a pair of young female photographers about the golden reflections here. We three enjoyed a productive half hour tryna capture the moving imagery.
I tipped a pair of young female photographers about the golden reflections here. We three enjoyed a productive half hour tryna capture the moving imagery.
0 2025/03/30 16:08:10
never ceases to please.
never ceases to please.
0 2025/03/30 16:07:59
Mt. Taillon (3144m) and its shorter glacial neighbor Gabietous are no doubt both the source for this river. Hardy hikers overnight at the cabane des Soldates just below gabietous.
Mt. Taillon (3144m) and its shorter glacial neighbor Gabietous are no doubt both the source for this river. Hardy hikers overnight at the cabane des Soldates just below gabietous.
0 2025/03/30 16:07:49
Domestic animals.
Domestic animals.
0 2025/03/30 16:07:28
Although I saw none of it beyond vultures and other birds, there is a variety of wildlife throughout the Pyrenees park.
Although I saw none of it beyond vultures and other birds, there is a variety of wildlife throughout the Pyrenees park.
0 2025/03/30 16:07:21
I rest my case.
I rest my case.
0 2025/03/30 16:07:14
They gave the shutterbug the opportunity to get artistic.
They gave the shutterbug the opportunity to get artistic.
0 2025/03/30 16:07:04
Local geology: the rock walls along the way were impressive.
Local geology: the rock walls along the way were impressive.
0 2025/03/30 16:06:58
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