Impressions from Santa Barbara and Ventura Region
I would like to share something from our recent holiday in California in November. The last week we spent in Oxnard Southern California with Paula’s family and they took us on sightseeing in some of the areas that now so sadly are hit with wildfires.
Lake Casitas, Ventura
First stop was Lake Casitas in the Ventura Region which is a recreation area for hikers and bicyclists. I found it both beautiful and desolate and dangerously dry. Passing Santa Barbara further north we saw a historical library in Santa Ynez Valley. It was the oldest functioning library in California. The librarian invited us in and to meet an engaged person makes a visit so much more memorable.
“How tiny is it? The favourite local joke is, should there be more than two people looking for books at the same time, it’s crowded. It’s 168 square feet in size and houses about 850 books.
How old is it? When it first opened, New Mexico and Arizona were brand new states, the Titanic sank, and 18 U.S. Presidents have been in office over the last 100 years. It was built in 1912 and holds the distinction as the oldest branch library in the entire state of CA.
The Santa Ynez Library is Santa Barbara County Historical Landmark #11.
If you like things simple, this is the place. The little gem has no phone or computer and well, not much of anything fancy. Despite the library’s limited hours of 1 to 4 pm on Saturday’s only, it has 400 visitors each year. Imagine, some homes have larger closets than this genuine heartwarming charmer”
Pictures from the Santa Ynez Library
Adjacent is the Santa Ynez Carriage House
These coaches were beautiful. From “Parks-Janeway Carriage House” homepage:
This remarkable building is home to one of the finest collections of authentic horse-drawn vehicles to be found in the entire West – the kinds of vehicles that opened the West to modern civilization in the days when “horse-power” meant just that.
The Coach Museum
The Coach Museum
The Coach Museum
The Coach Museum
California Coach Museum
California Coach Museum
California Coach Museum
We were so thankful for being shown around at these places and hopefully, they are not in danger of the wildfires.
Categories: Historical issues, Travelling, USA
From one Heart to Another 
Thanks for the virtual visit. Very interesting.
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For a dull English girl who always dreamed of living in the Wild West this article is wonderful, the pictures fantastic and the sadness I feel for the people whose lives have been ripped apart by the fires is acute. Thank you – I loved this
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Thank you so much for your encouragement. I never thought it possible for me to see these places. I have so much respect for the native Americans who lived there and the pioneers who managed to build and survive
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It’s on my bucket-list and I am hoping I may manage to make some of my American dreams come true next year. I only ever speak my truth so there is no need for encouragement. I loved your article on so many levels. I look forward to reading more …. 😊
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I wish I was fluent in English to be able to express more in detail when I am writing. I have to keep it simple
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But I think that simplicity has a real value. Your voice is clear and true.
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Maria, I am reminded of your love for prams, so I am not surprised at how much you enjoyed the stage coaches. I heard from your friend, Pam. It is so funny that lived right around the corner from me. A connection made via Denmark! Love it!
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So good you got in touch with Paula. I tried to explain to her how to use the frog 🐸 to share a post but it’s hard when I am now so far away. She tried to share a post yesterday
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Lovely memories and some wonderful photos, Maria. I hope the fires haven’t destroyed too much of what you saw during your visit.
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I hope not. The area around the lake has burned but that was a desolate place. I hope the library and the coach museum are safe. These have national values
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Fingers crossed. Always sad when something like that happens even if it is ‘only’ nature that suffers.
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I hate to watch the videos of the burning areas
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Me too, it’s scary and upsetting.
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What a wonderful trip. The library is quite beautiful and those coaches. Wow! I so hope those wild fires do no more damage.
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I will try to check up on that. It’s frightening with these fires
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I hope to visit this museum one day. Someone in my family moved out that way, so there’s a chance I’ll get there.
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