I went to Santa Barbara last Friday for the 4th of July weekend. It was beautiful there, as always. I really enjoyed myself. One of the highlights of my weekend was on Saturday afternoon when a baby sea lion swam right out of the ocean onto the sand in front of my towel. He was adorable!
In no time he had attracted a crowd. The lifeguards had to come protect him from the idiots people who think it's smart to pet wild animals and pose their babies next to them for pictures. (Seriously, what is wrong with people?) The lifeguards made a lot of rescues on the 4th, but saving this little guy was also a big priority.
The day started off well too. I had breakfast at The Shoreline Cafe which is one of my favorite places in Santa Barbara. There are plastic tables right in the sand on the beach. It's a nice place to drink my morning coffee, watch the dolphins swim and wait for the early morning beach fog to burn off.
By 10:00 a.m. the weather was beautiful. I took this photo from Stearn's Wharf looking back at the beach.
People set up on the beach early in the day and stayed through evening.
There were bands playing, vendors selling all sorts of food and crafts, and a festive atmosphere everywhere we turned.
Usually we stay on the beach for fireworks, but we decided to try something new this year. In the evening we moved a short distance to a neighborhood called The Mesa. There's a park on the bluff with beautiful views of the mountains and ocean. It was a great place to be as dusk fell.
The park was full of people having a great time.
These lucky people live right across the street with a full ocean (and firework) view. How awesome would it be to never need to leave your own balcony? This home is worth millions of dollars just based on its location alone.
A short while later darkness fell. We all know what happens once darkness falls on the 4th of July.
Fireworks!
** For those of you who asked about the wedding photo below - the sparklers didn't hurt. They never touched us at all. The photo was taken on our first and only try. I was thrilled when I saw how well it came out. **
© Twenty Four At Heart
My writing is copyright protected and I will kick your ass if you steal content. I try to protect the identities of those I mention here by changing whatever identifying details I feel I need to change. If that makes this a fictional blog then so be it. Disclaimer: I'm in no way responsible for what I write because I'm in no way responsible.
*cancels sea lion cuddling trip for baby*
Seriously? They put their babies down there alone for a photo? Unbelievable.
Posted by: stoneskin | July 06, 2009 at 04:28 AM
As Oldest Son and I say when we read stuff like your sea lion story:
"People ARE Stupid!!!"
As for the rest of it. Yes, watching dolphins swim and beautiful beaches and lots of bands and lovely fireworks.
Since it can't be me enjoying all that great stuff, I'm glad it's you.
Posted by: Jan | July 06, 2009 at 05:37 AM
Awwww. Baby seals are cute. Looks like you had a great 4th! :-)
Posted by: Alan | July 06, 2009 at 06:11 AM
Looks like an awesome weekend!
Posted by: Linda | July 06, 2009 at 07:00 AM
He's so cute! Can I bring him home in my truck and throw him in the bathtub with all the neighborhood babies? What? No?
Posted by: Kelly | July 06, 2009 at 07:55 AM
Oh thank you! My two sisters and their families were both down there with my mother but I missed it!
Posted by: LPC | July 06, 2009 at 08:40 AM
Sounds like you had an awesome time!
PS Will you adopt me?;)
Posted by: Sam | July 06, 2009 at 08:44 AM
What a fantastic gift for your Anniversary. Hopefully the baby seal made it back to where he came from safely.
Posted by: The Queen of Chaos | July 06, 2009 at 08:45 AM
The sea Lion is cute but have those morons ever seen how they eat? I would never put my baby next to one.
Looks like you had a great time!
Posted by: Beautiful Wreck | July 06, 2009 at 09:07 AM
Seals are cute but can also be quite mean if provoked. I'm really surprised none of the stupid people or their children were bitten. AND, you can bet they would find someone to sue if it happened. *sitting her shaking my head*
Di
The Blue Ridge Gal
Posted by: di | July 06, 2009 at 11:43 AM
Sounds like you had a fab weekend! Your pictures are excellent.
Posted by: Helena | July 06, 2009 at 04:30 PM
That sounds like a most wonderful day and evening. And I agree, what are people thinking when they do these things?!
Posted by: Lori | July 06, 2009 at 08:50 PM
Sounds like a wonderful weekend to visit Santa Barbara! Thanks so much for sharing!
Posted by: Beth Christians | July 07, 2009 at 10:20 AM