Santa Barbara!
We finally made it to Santa Barbara, after over 3000 miles of driving and more than 40 hours in the car. The first thing we did upon arrival was have lunch with Miguel, our manager, poolside at our new resort, Bacara. We were a little bit frightened by what we may have gotten ourselves into, because the pool was empty and it was a brisk 68 degrees outside. He assured us that we will have no problem making money and we will take his word for it, because the resort is beautiful and located directly on the Pacific Ocean. We had to unpack quickly because Stacey had to leave the following morning for LAX to pick up her two best friends because they were all going the Coachella Music Festival near the Southern tip of California. I didn’t have to start work yet, so I began unpacking and setting up the room that we will be living in for the duration of our stay in Santa Barbara. We are living with Miguel and his wife, Liz, in a nice little apartment that is located within minutes of both the beach, and the beautiful downtown area. My first goal was to buy a bike, because you can get around anywhere on one. Then I had to locate a wetsuit, because the water is freaking COLD! It stays anywhere from the high 50s to the mid 60s all year long. I won’t complain too much, because that is what keeps the temperature at a perfect 70 to 75 all summer long.
My first bike ride was right down the street to the beach. It took a whole 7 minutes and as I arrived, I saw something in the water. It was big, and there seemed to be more than one. I got closer to the water and realized it was a small pod of whales hanging out only about 50 yards off of the beach! It was so cool to see these huge mammals hanging out so close to me. The whales were there for hours and as they moved along, some dolphins and seals took their place in entertaining me. It is so incredible here! I get to see so many great animals in the ocean and when I head back up the hill to the apartment I get to the top and get to stare at the Santa Ynez Mountains; there is NOTHING like this in Florida. I’ve got a feeling that we will really enjoy our time here.