Day 8: The Living is Easy but I'm Sleepy; Santa Barbara Part 2

Today was absolutely incredible, a highlight to our trip overall. We woke up this morning around 9am California time so we got to sleep in a bit. Coffee was already made when we got downstairs and after about a week of struggling through weak motel coffee, I was really enjoying my first morning here.

Aunt Joan has been busy keeping us fed and entertained and so far I am rating B&B Jamieson a solid 11. For breakfast we had scrambled eggs, english muffins, sausage, and uncle John juiced us (fresh out of their own backyard) fresh orange/blood orange juice. YUM! (photo not included)

After checking in with the Canadian Jamiesons, John, Joan and myself headed out for a hike in southern California's front country while Peter stayed home to play some video games.

Uncle John and aunt Joan took me to Rattlesnake Canyon for a hike. Apparently the name is for the winding trail and not for any real snakes that might pop out.

I was told by the locals that living in Ohio would not have prepared me for the real hiking in California. We started  out with some dusty trails heading up. 

 Uncle John proves that there is more to this path than dust. Watch the pro at work.

Here is a shot of one of the blackened trees from the fire a few years ago. New green life is taking over again.

Aunt Joan takes a moment to smell the wild white lilac flowers.

Our  lovely hosts pose for a picture. 

The view from the highest point we hiked to.

Best compliment of the trip: Aunt Joan: Well Lexi sure doesn't hike like she's a 'flatlander.' I believe that a lot of credit needs to go out to my hiking group The Walkstars! Thanks ladies! 

My hike masters at the end. Lovely finish with a bridge and small stream. I was so happy to get a chance to move around!

After the hike I was brought to see the Santa Barbara Mission.

A beautiful historic site where you could see where they once washed clothing.

We followed the tour that offered lovely little monks to lead us in the right direction.

The Mission was breathtaking. 

Skull and crossbones means graveyard here. I was hoping to see some pirates. 

The graveyard had a number of marked graves and a little sign that said there were about 4,000 indians buried in the same location. Wow.

I've realized that I know very little west coast history and this tour was a great opportunity to learn more and to see the map of all the missions built along California.

The adventure group returned home to Peter who was still playing video games. Eric arrived from LA for lunch and once he got in we all walked down to the pier for some sea food. 

Our walk on the pier. Eric: "This is why everyone loves Santa Barbara." Lexi: "No argument."

Lots of pelicans on the roof.

This is when we discovered how similar the Jamieson's walk. It was pretty bazaar. 

Peter's choice for dinner was Moby Dick's. 

I decided on some lighter fare, sinking my teeth into a Salmon salad. 

Peter went all out with the 3lb seafood bowl.

Overall rating... Lexi: 6      Peter: Well, he REALLY liked the local crab!

View on our walk back from lunch.

Closer look of the beauty 

 Poor John loaded his pockets with quarters so we could take the tram back to the house. We ended up walking the entire way. Total miles walked for the adventure group: 10+ miles!

On our walk back to the house I really wanted to try some Pinkberry frozen yogurt. I love a good frozen yogurt and I have a reputation for being very picky. I've been let down a lot and I don't want to be failed ever again. I've heard Pinkberry is very good but living out east we never seem to have any near us so I was really excited about trying this place. Peter has made so much fun of my obsession for frozen yogurt and he's never understood how amazing a good and tangy frozen yogurt can be. We all dug in and after one taste of their blood orange flavor, Peter was hooked. He liked it so much was wanted to go again after dinner! I believe this might be Peter's first "Great" rating of the road trip!

Happy girls walk back holding Pinkberry! 

With all the walking, and eating, and more walking, and frozen yogurt, and more walking... by the time we got back home none of us wanted to move or eat. Uncle John went to rest upstairs, Peter played some video games, I watched some t.v. and Aunt Joan prepared a light dinner for all of us. 

 Here is a shot of aunt Joan's delicious chicken soup with a light and lemony salad. Also note the local sourdough bread in the middle! This meal was exactly what I needed. 

It's about 9pm here and I have hit my wall for the evening. The day was fantastic and I am a bit sad that we have to leave early tomorrow. Peter's insulin did arrive this afternoon and it was still cool! (Thanks Kevin!) An early night for me because my body is very ready for sleep. 

In just a day and a half I can say that I <3 Santa Barbara! 

Lexi