Monday, March 16, 2015

I am still in the Santa Barbara area and am spending my time with Marge and Bill.  I moved Myrtle up into the hills to the east of Santa Barbara and am staying at Rancho Oso, which was originally a huge land grant from the Spanish king.  It is located in Las Padres National Forest, in the Santa Ynez recreational area.  The ranch is much smaller now, and has an RV area with full hookups, and cabins, covered wagons, and a teepee to rent.  They also have a couple of tent camp areas that are lovely.   There are large horse pastures where you can keep your horse or rent one of theirs.  For recreation there is every thing from a swimming pool and putt putt golf to trails to ride or walk.  Last year when I stayed here I camped next to a couple on motorcycles who were exploring back roads in the area and finding all kinds of interesting places.

Yesterday morning Susan and Rick (Marge's daughter and her husband) picked me up at Rancho Oso so that I could leave Myrtle and Livy camped while I drive Marge's car back and forth.  It is easier than moving Myrtle every day, and sure saves gas!

I took a couple of pictures yesterday from the RV area, which consists of sites on tiered steps up a good-sized hill.  Every site has a great view and each is a bit different.

Looking right down the hill from Myrtle's current site
you can see the tree we camped under last year.

You can see from the picture how green the area is.  The green is misleading.  The area is into the midst of a very long drought--can't remember if we are in the 7th or 8th year.  Santa Barbara had a massive rainstorm a few weeks ago--7 inches.  Consequently everything is growing madly, flowering and going to seed while it has enough moisture.  I'll take time to get some flower pictures in the next morning or two.  I get up there at night in the dark.

Even the most barren spots on the farther hills,
the results of past fires, are somewhat green.

I woke up this morning just as the sun was rising, pulled up the shade for the window over my bed, and saw a gorgeous sky.  I took a picture through the window screen because I was too sleepy to think of opening the screen.  Then went right back to sleep!

A bit strange, but you get the idea.  The silver shape
in the foreground is the Airstream-type trailer next door.

The weather here has been record breaking.  Saturday set a record at 88 degrees, and yesterday set a new record at 95 degrees.  This is the first time they have had so many days above 90 degrees so early in the year.

Marge is gradually getting healthier.  She is at the hairdresser's this morning having her hair done.  We'll see how tired she is when she gets back.  She is frustrated at her lack of "oomph!" The Encino Royale singers are doing a concert for the community St. Patrick's day celebration at 5 this evening.  Marge isn't sure she is going to be able to sing--we'll see how it goes.

That's the news.  I'm keeping my computer at Marge and Bill's because my signal is so weak at Rancho Oso.  I can talk on my phone up there only if I sit on my bed next to the window!  I'll talk at you all later!