Those Were the Days...

Cachuma Lake Recreation Area ~ California ~ 1989 and Beyond

As she poked her little head out of the tent and sputtered, “Daddy, I feel better now,” our campmates laughed out loud.  These words are music to a parent’s ears after their child has spent the entire afternoon complaining of a stomach-ache and dizzy head. Both of our children alternately suffer from motion sickness whether we travel by car, bus, train, plane, or cruise ship. This particular time it was four-year old Erin, as we valiantly attempted to put together the pieces of a puzzle that would lead us to discover that she suffered from migraine headaches. Now all she has to do is maintain a limp vigil around a (preferably clean) receptacle for a few hours waiting to vomit and her headaches miraculously disappear. Jeff and I were becoming used to this traveling scenario, though we were understandably concerned. And while our friends had plenty of camping experience and three lively children of their own, someone else’s sick child wasn’t their idea of a good time. After pitching our tents earlier that morning we had traipsed all over the Santa Ynez Valley from Solvang to Los Olivos and Buellton in search of adventure. We stopped into wineries, visited a Shetland pony farm, fed ducks, and lunched in one of Solvang’s little Danish restaurants. But every time we got in and out of the car Erin felt woozier and looked worse. We finally hustled ourselves and our friends back to the campground just in time for Erin to lose her headache and revive herself. And so it goes.

On another one of our many visits to Lake Cachuma, we invited our very good friends John and Ann-Marie. Their daughter Candice is one year older than our daughter and their son Nolan is just six months younger than our son. Traveling with two other children who also brought their blankets (Nonnie and Softie) and their binkies made a huge difference in traveling. This trip was perfect! And it was here that we really learned what camping was all about. The kids got along well, and we were able to laugh and visit with our friends, while enjoying the peacefulness of the area. We went for short hikes, took the kids fishing, played games, and managed to squeeze in a visit to Solvang. We took our traditional picture in the giant clog outside of the little Danish shoe store, let the kids turn a few cartwheels and somersaults at the Hans Christian Andersen Park, and enjoyed a caramel apple and some luscious fudge from the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. All four kids enjoyed drinking their hot cocoa in that cool morning air while still clad in their comfy pj’s. We grilled hot dogs with homemade chili for dinner, and roasted a few marshmallows for our s’mores. It was all cozy and messy and delicious at the same time and we were feeling pretty proud of ourselves until we happened to glance across the way at a couple who had definitely been camping before. Their envious site was set up beautifully and looked picture-perfect. Their tent was centered on the site under a glorious shade tree. They had a little welcome mat, twinkly lights glittering about their tent, and some very comfortable-looking camp chairs set up near their fire pit. And get this … their picnic table was set up with a lovely tablecloth, candles, plates, stemware, and real silverware. We were fairly new at camping I guess, because we used paper plates and Styrofoam cups and bowls. It was all we could do to grill hot dogs, but this lovely couple poured wine for dinner, enjoyed grilled steaks (that smelled absolutely delicious) and lit a perfect campfire. Surprisingly on another evening they even roasted a turkey! Now we love our hamburgers and hot dogs and our homemade gloppity-glop (a Bass Lake favorite) but I made a promise to myself right then and there that all future vacations would include a tablecloth, and at least one night where we enjoyed something truly special for dinner. And lastly, you may be wondering if this lovely couple had children with them to create that special chaos that only young ones can. To be honest, no, they did not. But the vision of their campsite gave me something to aspire to and I’ll never forget it.

     

We loved camping at Cachuma Lake and spent many long relaxing weekends there. Our kids grew up visiting the quaint little village of Solvang, hiking at Nojoqui Falls, and visiting the surrounding wineries throughout the Santa Ynez Valley. There are some very decent wines made here and some delightful places to picnic and enjoy your wine purchase. Take a peek at http://www.santaynezwinecountry.com for visitor information regarding the 17 (or so) wineries and visit http://www.solvangusa.com for more information on Solvang itself. When you go to Solvang, you must try the Aebleskivers.  They are sweet little pancake balls and come with raspberry jam and powdered sugar. We loved them so much that we now own an Aebleskiver pan to make them at home ourselves. The Danish pastries found throughout Solvang are tasty as well. Don’t forget to stop into Pea Soup Andersen’s in Buellton (now run by Best Western) for a giant bowl of the homemade split-pea soup they’ve been serving to hungry travelers for over 80 years. My parents honeymooned here by the way! You will learn all you need to know about Andersen’s on their website at http://www.peasoupandersens.net/ or http://www.bestwesterncalifornia.com/hotels/best-western-pea-soup-andersens-inn/. For extensive information on the Santa Barbara area please visit their website at http://www.santabarbara.com. Cachuma Lake Recreation Area is just northeast of Santa Barbara off Highway 154.  With more than 420 sites, this campground accommodates RV, trailer, and tent camping on a first-come, first-serve basis. There are also three Yurts available which can be reserved six months in advance, and three small cabins which can be reserved one year in advance.  The campground has a swimming pool, a miniature golf course, a general store supplying last-minute items such as ice, snacks, and postcards. The marina stocks bait, fuel, and fishing licenses. You can find more information regarding Santa Barbara County Parks and Cachuma Lake Recreation Area at http://www.sbparks.org/DOCS/cachuma.html.

                  

Keep in Mind …

Be prepared for illness by bringing a small basin, pail, or plastic bag to catch those throw-ups that may come your way.

Remember that young parents tend to assume the worst possible scenario, and we are no exception. Though Erin’s painful migraines continue to this day and sometimes appear at the most inopportune times, we feel fortunate that they were never something worse.

Wander through your campground with an open mind and a welcoming spirit. You never know what good tips you may get from other campers!

Happy Camping My Friends!
Deb :)