Monday, September 12, 2011

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 :)


Las Vegas Escape

Hubby and I decided to escape to Las Vegas for the weekend. Well, let me be honest - I dragged him to Las Vegas (which he hates) to see Rod Stewart at Caesar's Palace. I love Rod and haven't seen him perform since college. I just couldn't pass this opportunity up and so off we flew.

Our stay began at the Cosmopolitan Hotel, which is a Marriott property. Whew - pricey and trendy and sophisticated. So not me! We enjoyed the fluffy bedding, the oversized shower, the view of the Bellagio Fountains, and the location. I could live without the bumpin' loud music in the Chandelier atrium near the restaurants though. I never even found the casino here!

We loved dining at Holstein's for burgers, fries, and shakes. Now these were not your ordinary burgers - delicious kobe beef marinated in soy/kalbi with a fried egg and kimchi. The bun was toasty too. Our fries were crispy and delicious sweet potato fries (my favorite) and a couple of the most delicious milkshakes ever. Hubby had the S'mores with chocolate, grahams, a hand-crafted marshmallow, and rum. Yep, rum. Mine was the Oreo cookie shake with Bailey's. Unbelievably delicious.

You can bet that when I return to Vegas I will hit up Holstein's for sure. The Cosmopolitan - I'll skip that and leave it for a younger more sophisticated crowd.

Oh, and how was Rod Stewart you wonder? He was rockin! For a man easily into his 60's he still has the moves and the voice. A bit raspy to be sure but highly entertaining.

Au revoir Vegas for now... probably won't see you for awhile.
We're off to the Grand Canyon next...
Deb :)

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Labor Day Weekend in Carlsbad, California

Hubby and I high-tailed it out of our 115 degree netherworld and made straight for Carlsbad, California for the Labor Day Weekend. By 3pm on Friday afternoon we were sipping fresh Pineapple Mojitos at Las Olas in Carlsbad and couldn't be cooler. The weather was a perfect 72 degrees when we pulled into town and we smiled for three days straight. Las Olas (www.lasolasmex.com) was a great little gem of a place right on Carlsbad Boulevard, just north of the Carlsbad Village intersection. Chips and salsa, tempting little chilitos, fresh sopa del mar with shrimp and scallops and veggies, char-grilled chicken chile rellenos, and we were set. If you are stopping through Carlsbad, don't miss this place with friendly service and open air views of people strolling by. There's an ice-cream place right next door that was hopping!

We made reservations at the Carlsbad Inn because our friends own a time-share on this property. (www.carlsbadinn.com) The room was nicely appointed with marble counters in the bathroom, a glass-enclosed walk-in shower, comfy bed, and a little balcony with an ocean view. Ah, the smell of the ocean and the setting sun after those pineapple mojitos about did me in. Slept with the door open all night long and couldn't have been happier! We are not time-share people because we want to go everywhere and can't think of one place we want to visit year after year... but.... if you are into time-shares check this place out. They had some great deals for late September and October and the resort rooms are quite nice. There are lots of activities for kids and adults with cook-outs, live music, day trips, swimming pool, fully equipped gym, and bike rentals. Carlsbad is a stone's throw from Legoland for the little ones and a bit longer drive into San Diego for Sea World and the World Famous San Diego Zoo. The Coaster is within walking distance of the resort if you want to take the train into downtown San Diego.

Carlsbad Village has some nifty little shops like the Carlsbad Chocolate Bar (yum) and the Humble Hippie. There were dress shops, t-shirt shops, book stores, and delightful little food places too. We snacked at Pizza Port and sampled some very VERY tasty brews at the bar next door. You can get your pizza on a wheat/beer crust and it's quite nice. Check them out at www.pizzaport.com and enjoy yourself. There was a farmer's market from 1pm to 5pm with fresh fruit and veggies, and a variety of other goodies like fudge and fresh kettle korn. We do love to eat. But seriously, California produce is second to none. Fresh strawberries, sweet white corn, huge yellow and red tomatoes, and giant zucchini.

Saturday and Sunday morning had us up and walking along the beach admiring the waves and watching the surfers. The beach was crowded on this last big bash weekend of the summer but we didn't mind. There's a super-crowded Starbucks in town, a great little donut place owned by a older Cambodian man who luckily escaped his homeland during the '70's, and a great local place called Elsye's. We had the blueberry pancakes and dark hot chocolate here. What a nice treat, just sitting outside enjoying the sunshine and fresh air and a tasty breakfast. I can't find a website for them, but they are a local hang-out where neighborhood friends were sipping their coffees after walking their dogs. I LOVE a dog-friendly place. If you're traveling with your pooch, Carlsbad will welcome you with open arms. I saw dogs in and out of all the shops and patio restaurants. I also loved seeing all the old VW bugs and busses. Made me think ... hummm... We'll see about that somewhere down the road.

Sunday was a banner day for us as we were invited aboard a friend's yacht. Oh my lordy - what a gorgeous piece of machinery this was. It was my first time aboard a vessel of this size, and what a charmed existence. It was like a mini-cruise to be sure. We sailed all through San Diego Harbor and into Coronado Bay for a truly wonderful afternoon. Sunshine, water, a bit of wind, and a bottle of beer. It just don't get any better than this.

Sadly, our dinner on Sunday night was not that tasty. We stopped into KoKo Beach (www.kokobeach.com) for dinner and were disappointed. The sodas were not primed correctly and tasted bitter, the bread was cold, salad dressings were tasteless, and the prime rib was ruddy. I did enjoy the clam chowder though, so if you must go here you can have the soup! There are tons of other places nearby, so skip this one altogether.

You can find plenty of information regarding Carlsbad at www.visitcarlsbad.com. I saw lots of other lodging ranging from the Super 8 Motel and a Best Western to the higher end waterfront places. Dining was a mixed bag as well so you can certainly find something in every price range. Excellent weekend for sure.

Next up... the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas baby!!

Hugs,
Deb