California Trip, Part One

 This month I spent a week in Northern California with a little side trip to Santa Barbara.  It was rather spontaneous planning, but I thought this would be the perfect time to spend time hiking with Nick, get to know Lauren (Nick's partner) better, and see a few friends that I haven't seen in a number of years.  I flew down to Sacramento on April 2, rented a car, and drove to Napa.

 

Nick is very much into studying and appreciating native plants.  This is his own native plant nursery.  His day job is working at a family run garden center.  

Since Nick wouldn't have time off for another 4 days, I drove down to Santa Barbara to stay with my long time friend John and his partner Mary.  I also wanted to see Nora, who was a wonderful caregiver for my parents for several years.

John and I go back to 7th grade at Santa Barbara Junior High.  We also spent several months traveling around Europe on motorcycles when we were 18.

John and Mary took me hiking above Montecito, not far from their home.

It was good to see water running in California.  This is Cold Springs Creek, which had a massive debris flow a few years ago killing 23 people down below.  

The view overlooking Santa Barbara, the harbor, and the Channel Islands in the distance.  That's ceanothus blooming in the lower left.

It was great to catch up with Nora, who I hadn't seen since 2011.   We had a long lunch during which I had my first jamaica, a soft drink made with hibiscus flowers.  Nora and her co-worker Mercedes were the glue that made it possible for Mom and Dad to remain in their home for their last few years.  It was reassuring to know they were in good hands, getting consistent professional care.  

To be continued