The beach was rocky, unlike the sandy warm-water beaches I’d grown up taking for granted. It was full of pebbles. Full of rocks that each told a tale of a long journey through ocean and on land to where they lay now, downtrodden by our every step, as we walked west on the south-facing shore, toward a distant sea barrier. The barrier seemed strikingly similar to the seawall of Chicago - the one shaped mildly like a quarterpipe, with level concrete at its base and a hefty lip at its top. Looking the other direction showed the public beach entrance and a young family admiring the ocean from a different perspective.
The sun was full and glaring from directly above us in the clear sky overhead. The breeze was faint yet consistent. I was walking along that stony shore with my partner in the brisk summer wind and UV light of that powerful star. We were both glad to be spending the day in Santa Barbara County that day, especially knowing the day ahead of us would be so rich.
There are few times in our lives when circumstances seem eerily perfect without any of the eeriness at all. This was definitely one of them, as we thoroughly enjoyed summertime vibes while walking the shoreline in a place aptly named Summerland, California. Five or six miles east of Santa Barbara, nestled right in the small cliffs of the Pacific coast, Summerland shares community with other pleasant towns, such as Carpinteria and Montecito.
The sun was full and glaring from directly above us in the clear sky overhead. The breeze was faint yet consistent. I was walking along that stony shore with my partner in the brisk summer wind and UV light of that powerful star. We were both glad to be spending the day in Santa Barbara County that day, especially knowing the day ahead of us would be so rich.
There are few times in our lives when circumstances seem eerily perfect without any of the eeriness at all. This was definitely one of them, as we thoroughly enjoyed summertime vibes while walking the shoreline in a place aptly named Summerland, California. Five or six miles east of Santa Barbara, nestled right in the small cliffs of the Pacific coast, Summerland shares community with other pleasant towns, such as Carpinteria and Montecito.
Summerland, CA in July
The communal energy in these places reminded me incredibly of the coastal communities around Wilmington, NC, where I grew up, only with the looming background of LA down the coast 80 miles. The sleepy shopping strips, commonly delicious seafood joints, and leather-skinned locals were all triggers. The southern accents were absent, but the coastal mentality remained. Later in the day, after a bit to eat and a proper nap on a Pacific seawall, we headed further west for a day’s adventure in Santa Barbara.
It was a Saturday, and State Street was “happening," as they say. Crowds had flocked to their favorite venues and watering holes for the evening. And we were lucky enough to stumble across a worthy Grateful Dead cover band. They caught our attention from our brisk pace on the sidewalk, so we decided to stay for a drink and a few relaxing moments, soaking in the rich local vibes. Santa Barbara, as I like to see it, is a town, much like LA without the “LA.” There are many fun activities to partake in, including live music, good food and gatherings of good spirit. And we happened across a small cross section of that.
After experiencing some of that good live music, we pursued a bit of people watching amongst the bustle of local weekend endeavor. Post-SB strip, it was the skatepark that I so yearned for, so we headed to “Skater’s Point.” Well-known amongst the locals and Southern Californian skaters, Skater’s Point is an older skatepark based at the foot of the Santa Barbara pier, with an unmistakable view of the beach. It’s a place you must visit if spending significant time skating Los Angeles. The vibes are good, the people are mellow, and the talent is most definitely there.
It was a Saturday, and State Street was “happening," as they say. Crowds had flocked to their favorite venues and watering holes for the evening. And we were lucky enough to stumble across a worthy Grateful Dead cover band. They caught our attention from our brisk pace on the sidewalk, so we decided to stay for a drink and a few relaxing moments, soaking in the rich local vibes. Santa Barbara, as I like to see it, is a town, much like LA without the “LA.” There are many fun activities to partake in, including live music, good food and gatherings of good spirit. And we happened across a small cross section of that.
After experiencing some of that good live music, we pursued a bit of people watching amongst the bustle of local weekend endeavor. Post-SB strip, it was the skatepark that I so yearned for, so we headed to “Skater’s Point.” Well-known amongst the locals and Southern Californian skaters, Skater’s Point is an older skatepark based at the foot of the Santa Barbara pier, with an unmistakable view of the beach. It’s a place you must visit if spending significant time skating Los Angeles. The vibes are good, the people are mellow, and the talent is most definitely there.
Santa Barbara's "Skater's Point"
When the park fulfilled its purpose, we headed back to State Street for dinner and little more quality people watching. And it did not disappoint. We had mediocre pizza, great beer, and Chloe’s very first espresso shot. Was a great night that I’ll most likely never forget. I’ll skip the formalities and little details of the road trip home, but the day had been a success.
The drive home was pleasant (since all of the normal traffic was absent), and we had a few glasses of well-deserved white wine before feeling the need for quality sleep on a Saturday night.
At this point, weekend adventures are the norm. I’m totally okay with that and even proud of the fact that we’ve developed a cadence to our adventurous spirit of action. Another weekend included a full Saturday of seeing new places and doing new things in Santa Barbara County. Always something to do. Always something to see.
I can’t wait for the next one.. And trust me, it won’t be long.
The epic goes along, as we live the days of this life.
- 7Ply Epic
The drive home was pleasant (since all of the normal traffic was absent), and we had a few glasses of well-deserved white wine before feeling the need for quality sleep on a Saturday night.
At this point, weekend adventures are the norm. I’m totally okay with that and even proud of the fact that we’ve developed a cadence to our adventurous spirit of action. Another weekend included a full Saturday of seeing new places and doing new things in Santa Barbara County. Always something to do. Always something to see.
I can’t wait for the next one.. And trust me, it won’t be long.
The epic goes along, as we live the days of this life.
- 7Ply Epic
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