Countin' our Blessings: June 2019

June 23 & 24th

We took our 1995 Bayliner, 2452 to Pine Flat for a test run. It was a small challenge to launch on such a busy day. But, honesty, it probably took us less than 15 minutes. We're just use to doing it in less than 5 with our other boat.

Initially, we felt like we were in a yacht....felt huge in comparison to others.But, we quickly got accustomed and enjoyed the ride.

Danny has made many improvements, and it was exciting to test out everything.

Here's what he's done so far:

Water Pump
replace sink faucet
hot water heater
shower on back deck
motor to keep out salt water from engine
replace outside hull stickers and numbers
install BBQ

On the list:

Freezer for fish on back deck
nozzle for cleaning fish
generator
pole racks
new bumpers and holders
change prop

Making breakfast on an alcohol burner stove...never used. Cooked so fast and easy to use.

New stainless gas BBQ was a great addition. Steaks night before and sausage in the morning :)

Pine Flat was warm, but we got a nice cool breeze at night.

The stars ⭐✰⭐✩ were out in rare form....no way to photograph them with an Iphone. But, it was a magical night.

DAY 1, May 17th. 2019

We have very little idea on what this ride will entail. I just know that I've seen the Hwy 33

connection with Ventura, and it's a great way to avoid highways and busy areas.

We started our trip with Breakfast in Coalinga at Harris Ranch and then backtracked (10 minutes) to the Hwy 33 by Avenal. The beginning of the ride is quite flat and open. But, it's a great place to get some speed and enjoy the distant hills. We drove through miles of oil fields, through the towns of Reef Station, McKittrick, but the scenery really begins to change when you reach Maricopa, as you enter the Los Padres National Forest. I could tell that had we been there just a few weeks earlier, the hills would've been in full bloom.

Oil rigs in Lost Hills, Mc Kittrick area.

Santa Margarita area

Maricopa

Can't quite describe or photograph these views..... so pretty.

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We arrived in the late afternoon at the Clocktower Inn.

Great downtown location.

They let us park the bike in the entrance with camera security.

Isn't this a pretty view with the fountain and the San Buena Mission in the background?

Time to go next door and get a few essentials 🙂

Paradise Pantry

Rested a bit, opened some wine and then met Danielle for a late dinner.

Just a random pic of a cool truck.

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DAY 2, May 18th

Santa Barbara County Loop

From Ventura we headed NE up the 33, then West on the 150 around Lake Casitas. Beautiful, lush, green landscape hills. Looks like some nice areas for camping, hikers and horseback riding. This area is known as the Casitas Pass....which takes you into the backside (east-side) of Santa Barbara.

East side of Santa Barbara. Ca

We stopped for a break in Summerland, CA.

Had drinks and lunch at a great bar called The Nugget.

Check out the Christmas lights strung on the deer head behind us.... in May! 🤣

When we arrived in downtown Los Olivos and we noticed it to be very busy, we decided not to stay. It's a very popular area for Beer and Wine tasting rooms. Just too busy for us to stop, this time.

So, back on the road to look for some winery on the outskirts of town.

Stopped at the Brander winery.

Which proved to be a cute, friendly Italian based winery.

We liked it and the price point is very good, too. Pouring

very young wines, imagine they would develop wonderfully if laid down.

The weather is getting overcast, and starting to drizzle....again!

So, back to Ventura.

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Dinner at Capriccio, Italian restaurant, downtown. With so many

great places to eat just down the street from the motel,

why would we drive anywhere else?

Italian way to serve wine.

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DAY 3, May 19th.

We are staying in town today....it's been raining and it's a good day to chill. It's quiet downtown, as I go for a walk. I decide to stay on the street, to get the occasional shelter from the rain. Also, a good time to scope out some places when all the streets are 'empty'.

My Favorite clothing store in downtown Ventura.

I peeked in Oak & Main....new bar. Offering a "build-Your-Own-Bloody-Marie-Bar".

Getting a little leg workout with these steep walkways.

Bloody Mary Bar at Oak & Main..... lots of goodies

with loads of bacon. And would you check out that amazing bar!

Local custom drum maker Thump Drums made it for the bar.

We had their breakfast pizza and then walked

around town with our day buzz. :)

Danny played a few guitars at the Guitar 48

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Lazy afternoon :) I take a walk downtown and did some shopping.

Find a cute chambray top for tomorrow night.

Dinner at Rumfish Y Vino.

We took our Brander Cab with us.

Danny had their coffee-rubbed Steak and

I had their Caribbean Fish Stew

Not my usual choice, but it was delicious.

Had an amazing broth with come orange seasoning.

I would highly recommend it.

Rumfish Y Vino.

Nice chill in the air....so I sat by the lobby fire and relaxed.

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DAY 4, May 20th

Tonight is the Artist's Brew event that Danielle created. So, we plan to take it slower during the day, to have some energy tonight.

I love going for walks on the beach and the walkways. So, while Danny took his morning slow, I took in the gorgeous coastal scenery. I never grow tired of this view.

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We plan a short ride to Santa Paula, via Ojai. The

views seemed to flow from horse

ranches to volcanic rocks and palm trees.....making me feel

like we were in tropical Hawaii.

Lots of beautiful views and turns throughout the hwy 150.

Another storm seemed to be coming in.... glad
we're not far from our motel.

This is a lighthouse, used as some kind of teaching facility.

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ARTIST'S BREW

THE SALOON

DOWNTOWN VENTURA

Getting Cozy at the Artist's Brew Event at The Saloon.

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DAY 5, May 21st

The storm is giving us a small window to drive home today....but, we know we'll still get wet.

but 1st CHEESE!

Paradise Pantry is a must stop for wine & cheese lovers.

We take the same route home, but it's just as breathtaking....maybe better. We felt the mist from the rain, and we did get a little chilled....but, didn't dare to stop along the way since the clouds seemed to be coming in darker.