Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

Today we went to the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History - I think its one of the few things that I haven't done yet in SB. I'd heard it was very cute, and it was - looks like nothing has changed since about 1950.

The displays of animals were really quite amazing though, even under a layer of dust. With different sections on insects, marine life, mammals, and birds, it was really a very thorough example of wildlife native to Santa Barbara, California, and America.

The Bald Eagle. This is one nasty looking bird. Built to pray on those small than them. A strange animal to pick for your national symbol i would think. I much prefer the Emu and Kangaroo, Advance Australia Fair.

Speaking of nasty looking birds - this is the Californian Condor, which we think we spotted at the Grand Canyon. With a wing span of up to 3m - its also one HUGE bird. A HUGE UGLY bird! Freaked me out a bit actually.

There was also a dispay for ''El Día de los Muertos'' (Day of the Dead or All Souls' Day) - a Mexican celebration. The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. Its really very vibrant and a true celebration - its not morbid and sad at all like the Catholic version, All Souls' Day.

Wine country

We thought that we were well overdue to finally visit some of the fine wineries that California has to offer. Its beautiful driving country, and so so so green!

The first wine tasting (at Gainey Vineyards) we did was ok - apart from the very noisy birthday party which crashed our nice quiet afternoon out. Wines didn't exactly win us over either. But they did have a great fall harvest display.

We then tried to find a winery with a restaurant attached - do you think we could find one of those? Of course not! Who would serve food with wine! So we headed into Solvang for some more Danish goodness for lunch.

We then found ourselves at Bridlewood winery. This hit the spot, and as they specialised in Reds (which is a bit rarer in this white wine country) Murray was very pleased. We bought home a wonderful bottle of Port. I was going to save it for Christmas... but whoops... the cork fell out!

Apparently there is a film called Sideways which features many of the wineries in the region. I'll have to check it out some time. Maybe add it to my Netflix.

San Simeon

San Simeon Wharf was originally built so that the Hearst Family could ship in items for thier maganificent castle. Today it looked awesome with the fog hanging around just off shore.

We then headed up the coast a little more to check out some of the crazy sealions that were all beached. These were all young males - I can't imagine the site when they're all beached. And quite frankly, they make me feel a little sick, so I'd rather not see them.

On the way home we stopped at this awesome steakhouse. I think Murray's "Frankenstien having a stroke" photos says it all.

Hearst Castle - The second time around

Last year I was lukcy enough to visit Hearst Castle - and almost a full year later, I'm lucky enough to be back here again.

Check out last years visit here - http://melbourne-girl.blogspot.com/2008/10/hearst-castle.html

Last year I took "Tour 1" which is an overview of the main Castle. This year I went on Tour Two, which gives visitors a closer look at the main house's upper floors, Mr. Hearst's private suite, the libraries, and the kitchen.

Driving up the mountain to Hearst Castle - about 5 miles from the Visitor Center to the Castle. There was also some crazy fog hanging right on the shoreline. On the way you pass areas where William Randolph Hearst keep animals that were part of his private zoo collection. Only 4 types of animals from the original herds are left - including Zebras!



Last year with Mum - this year with Murray. The Neptune Pool at Hearst Castle was rebuilt three times to suit its owner's tastes. Its centerpiece is the façade of an ancient Roman temple that William Randolph Hearst had purchased and imported to California.



Right at the top of each of the towers there are actual bedrooms. Later in the tour we'll actually get to visit this room.

The Antique ceilings were amazing. Many of them are acutal antiques, changed only to fit the rooms in Hearst Castle.

The Library - where guests were invited to read many rare and vaulable books but tey were to remain in the Library. There were some fun stories about guests moving the furniture and using the room for cartwheels and other shinanigans. Which is amazing when you consider the priceless furniture and huge book collection.



His office - few of his guests ever went in here. People who came in here usually referred to him as "The Cheif".

Probably my favorite room. Atop one of the castle towers are the hexagonal Celestial Suites. It is said that when the shutters are open and the fog has rolled in it feels like you're leeping on clouds. When the shutters are closed it feels like you're in a jewellery box.

In the kitchen - these are so cute - I want some in my kitchen... in my castle on the hill. Guests were invited to use the kitchen whenever they wanted.

The drawing room of genius architect Julia Morgan.



The Roman Pool at Hearst castle is a tiled indoor pool decorated with eight statues of Roman gods, goddesses and heroes.

Nojoqui "Water" Falls

Using his best research skills, Murray found out about Najoqui Waterfalls - the only water falls in Santa Barbara County. So on our way to Solvang, we thought it would be nice to visit them.

Lions and tigers and bears? Oh my!


So we're walking along this dry dusty creek bed when it occurs to us... huh... its the end of summer. California is in drout. And there is no water in this creek bed which we assume comes from the waterfalls. Changes of water actually falling... slim to none.

But I'm glad that we went up there, because it was still a very pretty site.

See the water? Those little droplets? Thats the "waterfall".

Mental Note: Return to Nojoqui after actual rain.

What a bunch of characters

We're basically famous - so many characters wanted to have thier photo taken with us!

Minnie and Micky on holidays (you can tell by thier cool casual get up)

Goofy with some dog character

Its Woody Murray! Woody!

Cruella De Vil

Cruella De Vil

If she doesn't scare you

No evil thing will

Lilo? Stitch? We dont know.

And Pluto!

When you wish upon a star

When you wish upon a star
Makes no difference who you are
Anything your heart desires
Will come to you

After a great dinner with Allyson and Todd we raced back to thier hotel rooftop pool to watch the spectacular Disneyland firework display. Was amazing - I can't believe they do this everyday. I want to live at Disneyland.

Mumma always said...

Life is like a block of chocolates, you never know what' you're gonna get!

Well, at least at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. you know that you're gonna get the biggest meal you ever saw!!!

Run Forest Run!

Stop Forest Stop!