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We start our trip in style - in Santa Monica with a view of the beach.
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Back in 1965 my dad had the privilege to spend a year of high school in Los Angeles through an exchange program - he made lifelong connections, including with his "little sister" from his host family back then who was our gracious host in Santa Monica.
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In Santa Barbara showing off the December life the other half lives!
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Note dog enjoying the water.
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Some dogs have to put on boots in the winter to keep snow/ice getting between their little paw pads, and then there's this dog.....
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Not flying any further south I don't think, just flying around.
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Cloudy throughout the drive here, but forecast promised "mainly sunny" in Santa Barbara and it delivered! Great walk on the pier.
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Not a bad place to have a boat....
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The group shot - fluorescent yellow a popular choice!
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The town of Solvang is in a nice valley - luckily we didn't climb too many of these big surrounding highgrounds.
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An efficient method of temporary bike storage goes everywhere the van goes!
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I would say "look ma, no hands" but she's busy looking at the left turn in the road coming up as you can see her behind me.
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And here she is!
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Based on this bike parka you'd think it was cold, but it was a pleasant 15-17 degrees generally in the nice parts of the day.
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One of our guides supervises me closely - but scenery behind is why this photo made the cut!
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One finds one's resting spots where one can.
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To elaborate on the sign behind - it's "Happy Canyon Road" - indeed!
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Our group joined by another trek guest, one year senior to the most senior Karman!
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It must take time to get those hedges just right. If not mistaken this was "Saarloos and Sons" vineyard. https://saarloosandsons.com/
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At the end of day 1 someone needed a parking lot beer to recover.
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The van - source of all that is good including snacks, water and apparel changes. Van offerings on full display.
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The sun blesses us all, in turn.
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The sun blesses us with life, and also rays for effect!
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The classic picture of someone taking a picture....
