Montana de Oro Bluff Trail

The Bluff Trail is a long stretch of coastal path inside the Montana de Oro State Park.

There are benches along the way.

Perfect breakfast spot.

For the olallieberry cream cheese muffin we picked up at Linn's in Cambria the day before. 

This dude thought we made an incredible selection.

So we shared a few crumbs.

Love this door in the rock or bridge connecting two rocks or a window in the waves.

See the trees in the distance that seem to be a continuation of the slope.

Never get tired of staring at the sea.

Or listening to the crash of surf against the rocks.

Check out the picnic table.

Wow.

What a view and you are surrounded by water on three sides.

Further down the trail, the docents told us to check out the blow hole as it was quite active that day.

Foam and sharp rocks.

And the sweet couple.

Docents at Montana de Oro.

Thanks for the tips!

Wild Safari

We have been going to the San Diego Wild Animal Park for years and years and years.

It was renamed the San Diego Zoo Safari Park but I can never remember that.

Yesterday I rode the Africa Tram Safari.

Stopped to watch a mom and daughter team traverse the Jungle Ropes Safari.

Watched in awe as the giraffes participated in the Photo Caravan Safari.

Looked up at the Balloon Safari.

Walked the Safari Trail to see the animals up close (and snoozing on parked cars).

So much to see at the Wild Animal Park.

Er, Safari Park.

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

There is so much going on along the coast, the pier and State Street that it is easy to neglect the inland beauty of Santa Barbara.

Most visitors stop by the Mission.

But it is not much further to get to the Botanic Garden.

All natural, all nature, holiday garland.

Inspiration Point in the distance.

Shady spots along the way.

Coast Redwood - Sequoia sempervirens

In addition to the trails, there is a tea house, gift shop and succulents for sale.

Before you leave, walk across the parking lot, cross the street, hike up the short trail and take one last look --- at the city and Pacific Ocean spread out below.