Our trip to Europe

We've spent the last couple of nights in Solvang, California. Sounds European, doesn't it? Well, we had been discussing how likely it would be for humans to discover how to go back in time in the car ride over. We discovered when we got to Solvang, that we had found a fold in the space-time continuum and somehow drove over the Santa Maria mountains and into Northern Europe. The German architecture of the town's buildings play up the history of the town as a settled by Danish educators just after the turn of the century.

It is a little tourist destination with way too many gift shops and a strong penchant for Hans Christian Anderson, the Danish author of many famous children's fables. Also heavily encouraged is the Danish breakfast treat, aebelskivers. These are golf-ball shaped pancakes draped in raspberry jam and dusted with powdered sugar. The Mrs. says Yum! The Mr. says Not worth the hype.

Some other crazy things we found out about Solvang:

* Much of the Oscar-winning 2004 film Sideways was filmed in Solvang and in nearby Buellton
* Patricia Hitchcock, the only child of the film director Alfred Hitchcock, currently resides in Solvang
* Rancho del Cielo, President Ronald Reagan's ranch which served as the "Western White House" during Reagan's two terms in office, is located about six miles (10 km) outside of Solvang.
* In The Simpsons episode "Little Orphan Millie", it was revealed that Milhouse has an uncle from Solvang named Norbert "Zack" Van Houten. Bart has a telephone conversation with a switchboard operator in Solvang, and a wooden "Solvang Air" airliner, whose fuselage resembles buildings in the town, is shown landing at Springfield Airport. Uncle Zack's overwhelming pride in his Danish heritage also reflects Solvang's history from its founding by Danish citizens.
* Ska-punk band Mad Caddies call Solvang their home.


This is the Inn we stayed at in Solvang

Yum, Aebelskivers. This was the first three out of the 15 we managed to put back while we were there.

Lavender Farm

The Mr was happy to tour the Motorcycle Museum

Into the Oaks

We have headed into the valley for the homestretch. Today we were in Paso Robles for the day. The town name means "Valley of the Oaks." We were able to visit a vineyard or two and Ben was able to taste Firestone Walker beer at the town's brewery.



Driving into the valley

The mountains

Honeymooning

There are many photos posted in our public gallery on Picasa. The link is at the bottom of this blog's page, for those who haven't reached their limit with pics of the newly-married California couple.

We just finished a very adventurous day driving north from Cambria to Big Sur. One word: Stunning!

The mister is a real trooper for keeping our little family safe as we drove windy roadways clinging to California mountainsides. There were times I shrieked - with irrational fear of the heights - and also when I spotted whales (WHALES!) in the waters below.

Our lunch was quite tasty (though one might say over-priced. we did pay for the view!) and we enjoyed ourselves from a supremely beautiful vantage point. The restaurant we stopped at was perched high on a point jutting out over the waters and looking back on several other rugged cliffs and the expansive Pacific. Truly a destination worthy of a honeymoon!

Love to you all from
The Honeymooners

The Honeymoon Adventure has begun!

We are in lovely Cambria, California on the central coast. Thursday morning we left San Diego and headed to the "Gateway to the Channel Islands," Oxnard, California. Here is our route so far:

Thursday night we had dinner at a lovely restaurant in Santa Barbara called Opal. Delish!

During the day we took a boat out to one of the Channel Islands, Anacapa.

We did a Wildlife Tour, but didn't see tons of wildlife.

Still, it was stunning! Only 55,000 people visit this most undeveloped region in North America. It is called the Galapagos of North America for its surprising number of indigenous species (145).

Visit from the Lovely Bowmans!

We went biking along the boardwalk and the bay.

Then our favorite San Diego restaurant that night.

So yummy!

We love the Bowmans! Check out their trek across our fine United States:
From Sea to Shining Sea

July Photo Updates

The July photo album has been updated. See link at the bottom of the page.

Day in the Life

This is my bike. I call it "The Beast"


Long after the Mr has headed to an honest day's work, I roll out of bed and get dressed for the gym. It takes about 10 minutes coasting downhill to get there. About 15 minutes to get back. You'll see why.


This is my local gym. Nothing special. I tend to do weights and the elliptical machines. Except Wednesdays, when Gena is around for YOGA!!


This is why I delay leaving TLN. As I have mentioned, we are OTM. Coming back up is so laborious. I don't ride The Beast. I push her.


Here is where The Beast feels like a heavy piece of junk.


Back in TLN by about 3 pm and it's time to start dreaming about dinner. Vietnamese chicken tonight? Or maybe burritos with guacamole?