Pismo Coast Village

Thought I would include a pic as you enter the resort. Believe it or not, the white statue between the signs is a clam. (claming is still quite active in this part of the central Calif. coast. A walkway to the left leads to the below photo's.

Pismo Beach

This is a pic of just one of the pathways behind the rv park that is great for walking.

Pismo Beach

The pathway turns into a wooden boardwalk (for about a 1/4 mile).

Pismo Beach

The boardwalk eventually ends up at the dunes as you come upon the beach.

Pismo Beach

This is were the trail ends at the Oceano Dunes State Park. As you can see, they allow motor vehicles on the sand. This stretch of beach goes for several miles and is a popular spot for all types of vehicles, ATV's and Dune Buggy's. The vehicle on the left is a mini van - so 4x4
vehicles is not really a requirement to drive the beach.

Pismo Beach

Well, we made it to Pismo Beach without incident. The drive was very scenic. The above pic is of our site where will spend the next seven days. The following photo's of PB were taken Sunday although we did arrive on Saturday. The weather is certainly different from the So. Calif. region - cooler for sure.

Pismo Beach

This beach house is a vacation rental that is literally on the sand at Pismo Beach. Not sure how much it costs but it is a unique property for sure.

Pismo Beach

While the next picture shows more of the rv park, this one shows the lagoon just before the ocean.

Pismo Beach

A picture of our rv park (Pismo Coast RV). It is right on the beach but you do have to go around a lagoon (on the right) to get to the beach itself.

Pismo Beach

Pismo Beach pier

Santa Barbara

Since we are leaving the area on Saturday, thought a trip to Santa Barbara would be a nice day trip. The above pic was taken from the pier (called Sterns Wharf), looking back at the coastline.

We took in the zoo which was a neat experience. Nothing to compare to the San Diego Zoo, but a nice zoo none the less. The below pics were taken there.

Santa Barbara Zoo

While walking around the SB Zoo, thought this lagoon view on the backside was worth taking.

Santa Barbara Zoo

The grounds were very well manicured and had lots of neat little areas

Santa Barbara Zoo

Bird/s of Paradise

Santa Barbara Zoo

An Asian Otter - very playful

Santa Barbara Zoo

No, he is not roaring - just yawning.

Lake Casitas

The services offered at Lake Casitas even includes a large water park facility as the temp's during the summer can get very warm. Click to enlarge

Lake Casitas

This was a small stream next to some of the wooded campsites. Water was very clear.

Lake Casitas

You will notice a small marina in the distance (has boat launching ramp as well)

Lake Casitas

Have taken in most of the sites around the Ventura area but thought this recreational area was worth showing. Lake Casitas has dozens of camping sites both day and overnight stays. Some of the sites have full hookups right next to the shoreline. A max of 14 days is permitted.
Will be attaching a few photo's of the lake as well.

Ventura, Ca

Thought we would put the camera on a post and set the shutter on a timer. Came out OK

Ventura, Ca

Lots of blooms this time of year as well as a great view.

Ventura, Ca

Looking northward along the coastline (opposite direction from the last post)

Ventura, Ca

A walking path behind the RV park (this is part of the pathway for Emma Woods State Beach)

Ventura, Ca

Well, we have arrived in Ventura without incident (except for a stop to replace a valve stem on one of the RV tires). The weather on Saturday could not have been better. Of course Sunday was cloudy with intermittent light showers for most of the day.
I will be posting a few photo's of the shoreline just behind the RV park. As we visit a few places of interest will add more.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Once you get off of the tram there is a valley floor (called Long Valley). Thought I would include a pic of the fallen tree that was cut to allow people to continue on the nature trail winding around this valley.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

It's us! You will note the absence of my beard - although I do have a mustache.
Nice view of the back country. That peak over my left shoulder is the top of Mt. San Jacinto which I believe is just over 11k

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Nice view of the Coachella Valley from the top.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Just as we were passing the tram coming down

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Our visit to the top of Mt. San Jacinto was a great experience. Could not have picked a better day.
I have attached some pic's (and one that actually shows both of us). The above is on our way up

The Living Desert

Actually, there were two (male/female). This guy just decided to come up to the view window and stare back at the people . Just click of the pic for a full view

The Living Desert

Quite an effort to get a drink, huh

The Living Desert

Replica of ancient Indian cliff dwelling - very cool

The Living Desert

As you may have already noticed, you can click on the picture/s individually to view the larger version.

The Living Desert

If you ever find yourself in this area, I would highly recommend this attraction. I have posted a few of the photo's from our visit, but just too many neat things to do it justice in these pic's. They have one of the largest miniature trains displays in the US. The animals aren't too bad either.

The carve out look alike of Mt. Rushmore was very well done

Palm Desert, CA

Hello all,

Well, we have landed in the low desert (near Palm Desert) without too much effort. All went well on our maiden voyage. Above is a pic of our space at the Shadow Hills RV Resort. Not too busy this time of year as all of the "snowbirds" have departed for the great white north! (Shirley is waving hello as well).

I will be posting a few photos's of our visit to the "Living Desert" and the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway shortly.