This post is a clue for the location of an Edhat pic among several I’ve sent them recently. The rock formations in this area are among the most interesting in our mountains, and the dead tree has me wondering about fire danger. If you can guess where this is, add a comment on the Edhat post. 🙂
5360 Rock Parking
The beautiful Santa Ynez River would have been nothing but dust this year, but for the three main dams. We were surprised to see pools like this along the stretch below Gibraltar Reservoir.
5400 Tiny Oases
In case you didn’t notice them amid the vast expanse of brown, I’m talking about the string of pearls bringing the water of life to the lower middle-left of the above pic. As you know, I’m also a fan of rock formations, so it was nice to say hi to this one again as we passed. It was probably carved by eons of epic floods before the dams were built, until the edge stood alone.
5404 Stalwart Stone
Another rock I like is next to another deep pool that harbors some precious water at its base.
5414 Rock, Tree, River
No doubt these pools have been replenished by occasional releases from the dam at Gibraltar Reservoir, and there’s a nice pool beneath the dam that you can just make out in this pic.
5423 Beneath Gibraltar
Did you love splashing in puddles during your youth? In the dry climate where I grew up, it was especially fun. In recent years we’ve been reminded that this is a dry climate too. Flying the Santa Ynez River we were struck by the “puddles” our three main lakes have become. Jameson is showing its heart, with that shape formed by the only remaining water.
5460 Jameson Reservoir
The puddles are so small that splashing in them (or boating, fishing, etc.) are pretty much prohibited to conserve and protect the dwindling water supply. Gibraltar Reservoir looks even worse, looking from the shallow end toward the dam.
5446 Gibraltar Reservoir
Most striking though is Lake Cachuma as you can see by comparing this next pic with the one on the wiki link above.
5396 Lake Cachuma
Rather than red dirt beneath the blue haze, this is usually a lot of blue water surrounded by green hills with sometimes white caps on those distant mountains. According to the SB County OneRain website Jameson is at a hopeful 30% of capacity, but the much larger and more crucial Gibraltar & Cachuma are down to 14% & 15% respectively. Hopefully we’ll have nourishing rain this Winter accumulating in moderate amounts with no flash floods. If so, it will be fun to fly over and get lush pix to share and cruise the hills checking out all the waterfalls.
I like that we have a holiday dedicated to the powerful concept of Appreciation. Sure, the history of it has blemishes and many people these days focus on food, sports and shopping. But like many others, we tend to take time for appreciation of all our bounty. Having invested much of our life savings in Tripp we have even more to appreciate than most people on the planet, and to me it brings a responsibility to share. So here are a few recent faves.
5022 Carp Salt Marsh
Carpinteria Salt Marsh is a quiet and magical place amid our growing coastal sprawl, where migrating birds can rest and relax next to the humans who appreciate their presence.
4837 Bird Refuge
On the edge of Montecito our Andree Clark Bird Refuge is a smaller version, popular with residents and visitors alike. During droughts like the present one it can be difficult for the city to maintain, but current work on the golf course upstream may help.
4722 Peaks
We love to watch constant change on the peaks above Santa Barbara. Seasonal variations, vegetation, clouds, and time of day combine with other factors to supply endless focus for observation and contemplation.
4889 Hope Ranch
The southwestern part of Hope Ranch offers a nice view of our peaks, along with expensive views out to the islands. Luckily there’s a nice viewing area not far from here (above Hendry’s) where hikers, cyclists and drivers can pause to savor that mega-million dollar panorama.
4666 Goleta Sough
Behind beautiful Goleta Beach, the slough boasts a small cave I’d like to visit in our kayak. Reflections of sandstone cliffs join the patient egrets here to transport us into serene reverie.
164046 Hendry’s Stroll
Back on the ground we enjoyed a contemplative sunset stroll at the ever-popular Hendry’s (Arroyo Burro) beach. So much to be Thankful for! 🙂
Santa Barbara isn’t just beautiful with great weather most days, it’s also Funville every day. People out enjoying Ledbetter Beach as usual on Saturday.
2600 Languorous Ledbetter
There’s always something fun going on around town too. Like this zombie Thriller dance on East Beach.
2538 Thriller
Actually on this day a long stretch of Cabrillo Blvd. along the beach was closed for a street fair (Open Streets as I recall), and not far from this gathering was another that was already winding down to make way for evening activities.
2541 Street Fair
Just offshore people were gathering in sailboats of all sizes, adding to the similarly diverse power boats.
2588 Sailor Cluster
Heading out toward deeper water was the Ocean Institute’s beautiful 1770’s privateer replica Spirit of Dana Point (aka Pilgrim of Newport) tall ship with a deck load of fans (mostly out of view on the upwind side) enjoying the breeze, spectacular views in every direction, and some sort of buffet.
2519 Spirit of Dana Point
John & Anne Wiley 
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