Barbara Street

What I see when I ride my bike all the way to Barbara Street and turn around.

Pinyon Pizza

We finally got around to trying Pinyon Pizza in Ojai. In my O-pinion, it was far better than what I expected, both the pizza and everything else. There was a degree of culinary complexity which kept things interesting.

Pichi

I had long taken note of this intriguing-looking flower in the Chilean section of VBG, but thanks to the new sign above, I may actually remember its name: Pichi.

VBG on a gloomy day

Douglas Family Preserve encore

Actually the walk proceeded the tapas. The two were nearby. Last year we were here in March so it was less dry with more flowers. Even so, it was a nice slice of scenery and fresh air.

Alcazar

 

More Santa Barbara tapas, this time in the Mesa neighborhood, which has a mellower, more residential vibe. According to their website, they are Santa Barbara's first tapas bar. There were colorful dishes that tasted good (such as the above) and less colorful dishes that tased great - most notably the "Brie Sauce".

brimming with life

One of those Spring days when the Ventura-to-Ojai bike path is brimming with life. I also saw a pink coachwhip snake but it was too fast to photograph. The fawn was more cooperative.

Grevilleas in bloom

Also seen in Foster Park.

 

Catalpas in bloom

Seen at Foster Park.

what's brewing?

Nom Nom...

"Marriott Beach"

H.B.M.!

Happy Birthday Month!!

Loquita

What the Mrs. always needed, part 2 - a tapas restaurant to indulge her foodie impulses! Seen at one of Santa Barbara's finest tapas restaurants. Happy Birthday Month! 

Hotel California

What the Mrs. always needed - her own personal mixologist!

details of Cajé Haley

details of Paseo Nuevo

Green Table

A nice, mostly quiet, healthy meal off the beaten track - which is to say on one of the side streets of downtown Santa Barbara. Our first time there. Happy Birthday Month.

birthday turtles

 

the new Hook & Press

What better way to celebrate a birthday than checking out the expansive new Hook & Press donuts in Santa Barbara. It's a beautiful space and the donuts and coffee are every bit as good.

Inn on the Cliff, round 2

Round one was better. Still, a memorable property.

one more bison

 

This photogenic bison was perhaps the last thing we saw as we left Antelope Island State Park.