Going Coastal

So, things have been moving slowly here in Santa Paula, California, Lemon Capital of the World.  But at least they are moving.   My new frame rail extensions have been ordered from the Winnebago factory in Forest City, Iowa. Once they arrive, the local Winnebago dealer in nearby Ventura, Barber RV, will be doing the repairs.   Many said “just have it welded,” but the problem has been finding someone to fix it.  The welding shops don’t want to deal with the holding tanks (bolted to the busted frame extensions) and the RV Repair places don’t have the capability to weld.   So finally, I have a solution. Now, I just need the patience to go with it. Patience…not exactly my forte.

A funny thing happened to me right after I retired.  I seem to want to keep moving.  Some have suggested that perhaps I have a problem in that I can’t stay in one place for long.  Some call it “vacation mode.”  Others call it “running from something.”   I am sure it would be the psychotherapists dream.  But fact is, movement….any kind of movement….whether it be hiking, biking, driving, riding, is soothing to me.DSC_1095

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"The Temple of One Love" claims to be "World's most famous hippie van."

“The Temple of One Love” claims to be “World’s most famous hippie van.”

I recently heard Anderson Cooper describe this by analogy of a shark that must keep moving to keep oxygen-rich water flowing over its gills, otherwise it will die from lack of oxygen.   This resonates with me…the movement part (and some may say the “shark” part as well.)  😉

I’ve been cooped up inside the Winnie for over a week now, waiting hopefully for some word or direction on my repairs.  It is starting to feel like a cross between a worry chamber and a war room.  Now with a plan firmly in place, I NEED TO GET OUTTA HERE!!

Scenic Santa Barbara hugs the Pacific coastline.

Scenic Santa Barbara hugs the Pacific coastline.

The Santa Barbara Scenic Drive includes a stop at Shoreline Park

The Santa Barbara Scenic Drive includes a stop at Shoreline Park

Overlook from Cliff Drive

Overlook from Cliff Drive

A road trip, perhaps, up the Pacific Coast Highway, the notorious “Highway 1.” Too far for the little 1994 Tracker.   Too risky for the Winnie with her holding tanks held up by zip ties waiting on the new parts.  I’ll rent a car!

I realize it’s been a long time since I rented a car when the Enterprise attendant asks, “You’re familiar with keyless ignition, right?”   uuuuhhhhh….no.  Thinking back, I am not sure I have driven a car newer than my old 2000 Honda CRV since I started full timing.    Stepping on the gas pedal, I realize how “pedestrian” I have become from driving a 1994 Tracker and a 9,000 lb RV.   I hit the gas and almost get whiplash!

Scenic Drive loops through Hope Ranch

Scenic Drive loops through Hope Ranch

Santa Barbara Pier

Santa Barbara Pier

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Santa Barbara is just up Highway 101 from Ventura about 30 miles, so I don’t make it very far before my first exploratory stop.  What a beautiful town!   In keeping with the “mission theme,” most buildings are designed in the Spanish Renaissance style of cream-colored stucco with red tile roofs.

One of the top tourist attractions in Santa Barbara is the Scenic Drive which runs along the shoreline, through the Hope Ranch, and includes a stop at the Old Mission Santa Barbara.  Founded in 1786 as a part of the Franciscan order, it is known as “The Queen of the Missions.”

Old Mission Santa Barbara, founded in 1786.

Old Mission Santa Barbara, founded in 1786.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church is also along the Scenic Drive.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church is also along the Scenic Drive.

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My destination for the night is just another 45 miles up the road.  I get my best tips from Wheeling Nina and Paul, so I am happy to once again be “shadowing” them, if only for a little while.  I remembered her post about the Firestone Walker Brewery, more specifically, their “Barrelworks” facility in Buellton.

Piedras Blancas Light Station near San Simeon, constructed in 1875. Now a historical park and wildlife sanctuary, accessible only by guided tour.

Piedras Blancas Light Station near San Simeon, constructed in 1875. Now a historical park and wildlife sanctuary, accessible only by guided tour.

In 1948, an earthquake rendered the top three levels unstable, so the top three levels were removed.

In 1948, an earthquake rendered the top three levels unstable, so the top three levels were removed.

The original First Order Fresnel Lens is on loan to the nearby Cambria Lion's Club.

The original First Order Fresnel Lens is on loan to the nearby Cambria Lion’s Club. It served as a beacon to guide navigators from 1874 to 1949.

The lighted lens adds even more charm to Main Street Cambria.

The lighted lens adds a little nighttime charm to Main Street Cambria.

I tasted several of the Barrelworks barrel-aged, limited edition small batch brews.   It was a tough call, but my favorite ended up being “Parabola — a beer of darkness and immensity, a barrel-­aged beast that is routinely ranked as one of the top beers in the world.  This Russian imperial oatmeal stout is aged for a full year in a blend of bourbon barrels from Elijah Craig, Four Roses, Pappy Van Winkle, Woodford Reserve and Buffalo Trace, developing flavors of rich, chewy roasted malts, charred oak and bourbony vanilla. Parabola bares its teeth with its impenetrable black hue and soaring alcohol, yet its bite remains refined with a silky, balanced finish. “ 

So there you have it….in a word?  “Chewy…”

Barrelworks, a subdivision of Firestone Walker Brewery.

Barrelworks, a subdivision of Firestone Walker Brewery.

My Chosen Three; Parabola, Stickee Monkee, and Nineteen, the anniversary ale.

My Chosen Three; Parabola, Stickee Monkee, and Nineteen, their 19th anniversary blend.

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How serendipitous that Motel 6 is only 0.5 miles down the road.  You can drink to your heart’s content, stumble home, and they’ll leave the light on for you.

Another coastal town favorite, Pismo Beach.

Another coastal town favorite, Pismo Beach.

Spread out!!

Spread out!!

Pismo Beach used to be famous for their clams, until the sea otters ate them all.

Pismo Beach used to be famous for their clams, until the sea otters ate them all.

Now, they are famous for their clam chowder...provided the humans don't eat it all. The line is down the block at "Splash."

Now, they are famous for their clam chowder…provided the humans don’t eat it all. The line is down the block at “Splash.”

On the left wall are giant vats of clam chowder, their specialty served in a sourdough bread bowl.

On the left wall are giant vats of clam chowder, their specialty served in a sourdough bread bowl.

Yes, I waited in line for clam chowder....mandatory rest stop.

Yes, I waited in line to enjoy the clam chowder….mandatory rest stop on the Amazing Race up Hwy 1.

18 thoughts on “Going Coastal

  1. You’ve hit some of my most favorite places in the world!, Santa Barbara, Pismo Beach, and San Simion! I’m sorry you’re still having issues with Winnie, but you do have a way of making lemonade out of lemons! Take a tour to SLO, great wineries there! Safe travels girl, we’re moving Tuesday!

  2. We’ve decided to do what you just did. That looks like a lot of fun. You took some beautiful pictures. We had keyless ignition in paris, we also had a car that turned the engine off if you were in neutral with the clutch out, as in sitting at a red light. Pushing the clutch in turned the car back on. That took some getting used to! So yes, new car technology has changed some from our faithful pickup truck with a key.

  3. Excellent road trip! Good therapy while waiting for the Winnie to be repaired. But I have to ask, what the heck is the food item on your plate next to the clam chowder? 🙂

  4. Another great post! I particularly enjoyed the photos of Santa Barbara. The closest I’ve gotten to that place is through Kinsey Millhone–and she usually hangs out in the seediest parts of town. 😉 Always a sucker for a nice stout ale, the beer photos looked wonderfully “chewy” to me as well. Btw, I placed an order with Amazon through your link, so hope you received due credit. Best wishes for a brand spankin’ new Winnie soon. Until then…keep those postcards and letters coming…what a joy! 🙂

    • Thank you, Rhonda! Month after month, I get an email from Amazon Affiliates saying “Your earnings did not reach the minimum advertising fee threshold for your payment method.” LOL! So I really appreciate the “boost.” I’ll be on the lookout. Thanks again, and if we ever cross paths, the stout’s on me!

  5. I too, am curious about the food item accompanying your chowder. As always your pics are spectacular, today’s most particularly is the pic of the mission. (So that’s how you get a huge building into a little photo!) Have traveled that route several times, rarely at leisure. Though we do sometimes stay at Pismo Beach off season as a treat…state park campground at north end of town. Happy and safe travels! May Winnie be back on the road very soon.

  6. I’m guessing that the “food items” with your chowder are the top and cut out of the “bowl” that the soup is served in – yah?

    I am drooling over the photos!

    Virtual hugs,

    Judie

  7. Jim and Frederika — Judie is right, the item to the right of the chowder is the bread from the bread bowl. They slice off the top, core out the middle, and toast them with garlic butter. Hot, crispy garlic sourdough to tear off and dip into steaming hot, cheesy clam chowder. Now aren’t you glad you asked? 😉

  8. You deserve a break and why not a road trip for a mover. Haven’t been along Hwy 1 in way too long. Have a cousin lives east of Santa Barbara up in the hills. Pretty country. Plus many good memories of Pismo Beach.

  9. The photo here that means the most to me is the one you took of the Sambo’s sign. My family used to vacation in that little motel next to Sambo’s back in the mid 60’s. This is the original Sambo’s from what was once a national chain. It was one of the first pancake houses and we loved it as kids. I met a young man outside that coffee shop. He was selling baked goods. A few days later we watched the 4th of July parade together outside Sambo’s. Such beach romance! I still consider him my first boyfriend. The last time my husband and I stopped in Santa Barbara we ate there. It’s basically just a coffee shop. But, oh the memories! Summer fun in Santa Barbara! Thanks for the walk down Memory Lane.

  10. What a great auto-hike!! Smart idea to rent a car! I totally get the moving thing. When I taught, I could sit for a whole vacation and not move. Now, we set up in a new place and I am ready to go explore somewhere. I now longer sit well. That oatmeal stout sounds heavenly!!

  11. We loved Santa Barbara and the mission but haven’t taken the route that you did. I too understand that feeling of needing movement. I have been feeling like I am wilting as I bide my time before our departure up north. We should be heading out by mid-month. I have made note of Barrelworks as that oatmeal stout sounds heavenly. I hope by now you have word of when your repairs are taking place.

  12. I just found your blog, today. Wish I had found you, earlier. I would have suggested for you to stop in at Flying Flags RV Resort in Buellton. Since you weren’t in your RV, we have some adorable little cottages, vintage Airtreams and trailers, and our newest addition, our fabulous Safari Tents….and no, I don’t own the park, nor will I get any royalties for this. I just live and work here, for the time being, and would have loved to meet you in person

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