Seal sanctuary

This morning I jumped into the van with Monkey and Roo and headed up the coastline to the Carpinteria Bluffs - leaving the goose with a trusty babysitter. I'd long heard about this place - what a scenic spot and perfect for young children - and it didn't disappoint. In addition to wide (and short!) trails atop bluffs overlooking the ocean, it also offered access to a protected beach where sea shells and other beach gems not found on most beaches near us. We collected shells, mussels, seaweed, and the like. We even got to see a baby seal up close that had somehow gotten separated from its family.

We broke for a picnic snack - always a hit with preschoolers - of bananas and crackers and then strolled along the bluffs till we hit a seal sanctuary, which was amazing. About 50 seals visible on the beaches below the bluff (protected) - lounging, swimming, sleeping. We glimpsed a brown pelican and one dolphin too! Very exciting. As we walked back we saw a para-glider riding overhead... And lo and behold, he landed right next to us! Very friendly guy too, who chatted all about the operation and said he'd para glided 210 days last year. (!) [Roo spent the whole car-ride home saying she wanted to para glide.]

As we walked back to the car, the Surfliner Amtrak train sped right by us along the walking path-- we stood along the fence waving as it went by. Most satisfactory for two young train-lovers. A red-letter outing if ever there was one! The spot is less than 20 minutes away, so you better believe we'll be going again.