SO CAL -- DAY 2

Our second day in paradise began with a hike/trail run into the Santa Barbara mountains. Joel led us up these winding trails and showed all the beautiful vistas that were filled with fog that day. But even without the views, it was amazing. And as Joel pointed out, this was his daily exercise (in contrast with our treadmill slogs which is all we can do in Maine this time of year).

We then toured his school, which was so impressive and charming. A lesson on Bhuddism in a yurt, an art project of block-printing feathers for frames for scratch pictures of birds, a talk from the creator of X-box at morning meeting -- all kids happy and content in their work, and the classrooms opened to the outdoors! We were wowed by all we saw.

gardens on the grounds of the school

 Then, we headed into Santa Barbara where Cormac and Declan indulged their consumer sides and Liam satisfied his historic urges.

We visited the courthouse where unfortunately the murals were under restoration.

tile work inside the Santa Barbara courthouse

We climbed the bell tower and saw the Spanish-style architecture from above.

The Santa Barbara mission was another must stop for Liam.

oldest public art in California (mountain lion spout on top of wall)

Lunch was the most authentic tacos any of us have ever had. $1.60 per taco with choices like beef tongue or eye, as well as less adventuresome options like chicken fajita-style and roast pork, if you are ever in Santa Barbara do not miss going to Lily's Tacos.

We needed some dose of the ocean, so we headed to the beach and Stearns Wharf .

After a great day enjoying Santa Barbara with our tour guide Mary Anne, we headed to dinner with another set of friends who live out here. Visiting with old friends, like Alex and Andrew, who used to live in Bangor, has been another real pleasure of this trip.

even the highways are scenic!