2015-17 Moro Bay & Solvang, California
Hello All,
Our next stop would be Morro Bay. It is one of the few ports of call for boaters transiting this section of the coastline. At the entrance to the bay is massive Morro Rock. This 581-foot landmark can be seen from miles around and is located just offshore from the bay.
Our next stop would be Morro Bay. It is one of the few ports of call for boaters transiting this section of the coastline. At the entrance to the bay is massive Morro Rock. This 581-foot landmark can be seen from miles around and is located just offshore from the bay.
Several different types of birds nest on the rock. While you can walk around the base of the rock, the public is forbidden from climbing on it.
We were happy with the fact that the low overcast was starting to burn off by the time we arrived in the area. The warm sun felt wonderful as we walked along the scenic bay front. Flowers along the walkway were quite lovely and many were unfamiliar to us. However the next two photos are of Sea-lavender and the third photo is of a lovely Orchid Rock Rose.
After a bite of lunch we continued our trek down the coast south bound. We slowly worked our way as far south as Santa Barbara. Along the way we were fascinated with the many unfamiliar trees and flowers that were used to landscape homes and businesses of the area. We suspect that many were brought to the area from the Mediterranean or South Africa as they share a similar type climate with this part of the state.
We believe this brown bark tree to be a Naked Coral Tree. It is easy to understand the name since in the spring it is naked of any leaves while it is covered with bright coral colored flowers. It is definitely not a tree we see in our neck of the woods.
We believe this brown bark tree to be a Naked Coral Tree. It is easy to understand the name since in the spring it is naked of any leaves while it is covered with bright coral colored flowers. It is definitely not a tree we see in our neck of the woods.
This beauty is a Purple Fernleaf Acacia. The leaves are a silver grayish color and at the tips of the branches they fade into a crimson color.
Here is another tree that intrigued us. It has unusual golden flowers that seem to encompass some branches on the tree.
We learned that it is a Southern Silky Oak, but is not closely related to true oaks. It is an evergreen from the eastern coast of Australia.
We learned that it is a Southern Silky Oak, but is not closely related to true oaks. It is an evergreen from the eastern coast of Australia.
There were also Morning Glories growing throughout the area. We find them to be quite beautiful. The flower can be found growing wild along the coast and also in gardens of coastal California, Oregon, and Washington. In fact there are over 1,000 species of this flowering plant growing throughout the world.
As we slowly worked our through the Santa Ynez Valley we came upon a sign advertising the Danish Village of Solvang. Since it was only about nine miles off the highway we decided to check it out. Wow, were we ever impressed with this gorgeous little village.
Solvang was founded in 1911 by a group of Danes who traveled west to establish a Danish colony far from the midwestern winters of the United States. It is commonly known as “Little Denmark.” We found it to be colorful and abundantly rich in the culture of the Danish settlers who put their stamp on the area for more than 100 years. It is known for the old world Danish-style architecture and is revered for the many eating establishments, bakeries, and wineries it offers. What a wonderful place to kick-back and relax for a few days. We highly recommend it as a destination.
Solvang was founded in 1911 by a group of Danes who traveled west to establish a Danish colony far from the midwestern winters of the United States. It is commonly known as “Little Denmark.” We found it to be colorful and abundantly rich in the culture of the Danish settlers who put their stamp on the area for more than 100 years. It is known for the old world Danish-style architecture and is revered for the many eating establishments, bakeries, and wineries it offers. What a wonderful place to kick-back and relax for a few days. We highly recommend it as a destination.
In addition to the architecture and bright colors one thing that really impressed us was how spotlessly clean and well maintained the village was. It was easy to see that there was great pride of ownership within their community.
We found the landscaping throughout the village to be lovely. The large trees lining the streets are California Sycamore.
In our travels we have seen a lot of wisteria growing. But, never have we come across a main vine as thick as this one. Had the lone flower not been coming off the vine’s trunk it could have easily been mistaken for a tree. We do know that if properly cared for these plants can grow quite old. There is one in Bridgeport, England, that is in excess of 100 years old and another one in Japan that exceeds 144 years old.
A local farmer’s market was open on one of the side street on the day we visited. It was quite popular.
What a lovely place to have a pastry and a hot cup of coffee.
Or, maybe sip a glass of wine. All entities of the village add up to RELAXATION…
Even the lodging accommodations in the village were in the old world theme. In our eyes it is truly quite lovely.
With a population of about 5,500 this little place certainly has a lot going for it.
All good things must come to an end. We bid farewell to the California coast and turned inland heading for the many national parks found in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of this vast and diversified state.
Our route took us up and over the drought ridden coastal mountains in the southern part of the state. To say this area desperately needed rain would truly be an understatement! Many parts of the state are really suffering.
Our route took us up and over the drought ridden coastal mountains in the southern part of the state. To say this area desperately needed rain would truly be an understatement! Many parts of the state are really suffering.
Next up on our adventures will be Sequoia National Park. We certainly hope you will consider riding along with us.
Until next time,
Dave & Barb
The Traveling Browns
Until next time,
Dave & Barb
The Traveling Browns