It cannot go unnoticed that attending the Dances of Universal Peace was a key reason for keeping me in the central California coast area. I am thoroughly addicted to these sacred dances. Quite willing, I allowed them to dictate the flow and direction of my travels. Like a groupee, I followed the Sufi Dance Caravan from Ojai to Santa Barbara to Avila and Los Osos. No matter where I go, Ojai is in my heart and I sense that our love affair is not over and I will visit here time and time again.
Mid February I attempted 4 times to depart Ojai to head for Santa Cruz. Like an insect caught in spider's web, i couldn't move. This magical Shangri-La of Ojai just wouldn't let me go until it was good and ready to send me on my way.
Many friends told me before and during my journey that I would love the stunning drive along the Pacific Coast Highway. Even so, I was thoroughly unprepared for the rapture that i witnessed. The splendor of sea and cliffs greeting the sky on one side of the road with mountain majesty and luscious verdant green landscapes on the other was a thoroughly ecstatic experience. One day I'd like to camp along Route 1, so I can have a more intimate experience than a driving view where i have to maintain eye contact on the road.
and to my surprise, discovered they are called the Irish Mountains
Blessings Upon Blessings
~ I've thoroughly enjoyed my visits in Southern and Central California, and the greatest blessing is that in such a brief time of exploring this area, I have an established traveling route and duable drive for return visits spanning from my son in southern CA in Valencia, on up the coast to Ojai, Matilija Canyon, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay, Los Osos, Cambria, and Santa Cruz. I give thanks to the Rainbow Connector in me that loves meeting and collaborating in sacred kinship... because of this joy and openness that I am, I always seem to attract amazing connections into my life. What a blessing!
Here are some pics along the coast
Ojai
at first sight fell in love with this Shangri-La of a place
Matilija Canyon
in the magical mystical Matilija Canyon!
and heartfull thanks for inspiring me more deeply into the Dances
Santa Barbara
Christina ~ from East coast to West coast ~ our evolving goddess kinship
thank you for the memorable touring of Santa Barbara
San Luis Obispo
(SLO) -as in slow-
indicative of the welcoming mellow pace there)
Hostel - walking distance to town
great Thursday night Farmer's Market
great accommodations!
very clean and friendly staff!
Loved staying at San Luis Obispo Hostel!
Highly Recommended!
Morro Bay and Morro Rock
Gibraltar of the Pacific.
Miles of unspoiled beaches, nature trails, and estuary.
January 1, 2013 - attended the annual Polar Bear Dip
(I managed to dip up to my knees - Yikes! to cold for me!)
Los Osos
Liana ~ grateful for our creative sharing, singing and dancing!
Your world travels and creative journey inspires me greatly!
Cambria - Hostel/Inn
sweet, cozy and clean!
Highly recommended!
Elfin Forest in Los Osos
adjacent to Morro Bay Estuary
90-acre natural area. Its plant communities include coastal
brackish marsh, riparian woodland fringe, pygmy oak
woodland with hanging moss, maritime chaparral, coastal dune scrub, and
oak and manzanita. More than 200 species of plants, as well as 110
kinds of birds, 22 species of mammals and 13 species of
reptiles and amphibians. It is home to rare
plants, butterflies, snails and birds. Chumash
middens occur throughout the park.
Connecting with hostel mates in Cambria
for a day hike - road trip to Elfin Forest
Big Sur
Loved this waterfall
at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
along the Big Sur coast
SANTA CRUZ
Visiting my sister*friend Meredith
husband Neil, and dog Mr. Peabody was fabulous fun!
Meredith & I
talked tirelessly
dined out like Queens
suntanned in Sun Goddess worship
eagerly spotted gulls, pelican and sea lions
Happy Hour and Sailboat Racing at Crow's Nest
countless drives along-West Cliff Drive-Steamer's Lane-surfer's paradise
the fabulous organic food bin/herb shop
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
...Santa Cruz sightseeing galore...
felt like i was in a 60's/70's time warp
the mermaid in me
enjoyed every moment in this beautiful,
laid back, warm, friendly,
environmentally conscious hippy town!
...Santa Cruz sightseeing galore...
felt like i was in a 60's/70's time warp
the mermaid in me
enjoyed every moment in this beautiful,
laid back, warm, friendly,
environmentally conscious hippy town!
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Thought I would get to San Francisco, since it was only an 1 1/2 away,
but didn't on this trip. Look forward to that route another time.
Thank you my sister
for an incredible time in Santa Cruz!
and here's to coming back another time
and another and another.....
California is grand! ~ warm weather, fresh produce, mountains, desert, meadow, rolling hills, ocean, cliffs, desert, and abundant variety of landscape terrain, flora and fauna. It truly is paradise! My body feels one with the beauty, energy and rhythm here. As much as I would like to stay, New Mexico is sending me a vibe to come that way.
My visit to California wouldn't be complete without seeing my son. He's the greatest gift in my life and perhaps you can tell by these pics of us hiking and playing at the park.
the Joy of being best friends
Mama and Son
No comments:
Post a Comment