Manipulated Reality

Travel and Photography

Lake Casitas Recreation Area

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Day Trip to Lake Casitas Recreation Area

Travel doesn’t always have to take you far from where you live. Staycations can be a great way to explore the surrounding areas close to where you live.

Adventure might be waiting just around the corner, and perhaps it is possible to get away from it all, if only for the day!

Lake Casitas Recreation Area is great for a day trip, and offers a variety of things to do. You can go boating, fishing, or ride down the lazy river water adventure in an inner tube!

Plan on bringing something to BBQ. Picnic areas with tables and grills are available.

If you want to stay for more than a day, reserve a campsite.

lake casitas recreation center
Drive right up to the lake!

If you don’t own a boat, stop by Casitas Boat Rentals. They have small fishing boats, pontoons, canoes, and kayaks available to rent.

Kayak and boat rentals at lake casitas recreation area
Lake Casitas Boat Rentals
Lake Casitas recreation area kayaking
Kayaking at Lake Casitas
Casitas lake kayaking
Kayaking around the lake!

If boating isn’t you thing, try fishing! Record size bass have been caught out of Lake Casitas. Remember to get a fishing license… The park rangers do check!

lake casitas fishing
Fishing time!
Lake Casitas Recreation Area
So relaxing!

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Independence Day In Santa Barbara

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Celebrating Independence Day in Santa Barbara, California

Last year I was in Ireland for the 4th of July. I didn’t really think I’d miss celebrating Independence Day in Santa Barbara, but I did.

I missed getting together with family and friends for barbeques, going to the parades, and seeing the local fireworks display… The things I’ve done traditionally my entire life.

I decided to delay my travel this year and stay in Santa Barbara for the 4th of July… I wanted fireworks!

It’s always fun to start the day by checking out the parade. It’s practically right outside my door.

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line up for parade
Getting ready for parade
Independence Day Parade
Soldiers

After the parade, the Santa Barbara Wharf is a great place to hang out. Live music and performances are featured throughout the day on West Beach.

Celebrating Independence Day
Heading down to West Beach!
Santa Barbara West Beach 4th of Julu
Independence Day on West Beach

Santa Barbara puts on a great fireworks display right on the waterfront.

Independence Day fireworks
It begins!

After the fireworks, the crowd heads down State Street. As we walk through the tunnel under the freeway, several people break out an American flag. The crowd begins chanting USA, USA… The voices echo off the concrete walls, and I am happy I decided to stay in Santa Barbara for this 4th of July.

American Flag on 4th of July
Home for Independence Day!

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Summer Solstice Celebration

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Santa Barbara Summer Solstice Celebration

I try to make sure I’m in Santa Barbara for the Summer Solstice Celebration every year.

It runs for 3 days in Alameda Park, and is one of my favorite festivals. It’s also the largest art event in Santa Barbara County, and pulls in a crowd of over 100,000 people.

The festival includes live music, drum circles, a DJ area for dancing, food booths, craft vendors and a beer garden.

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If you’re lucky, maybe you can even dance with a Unicorn!

On Day 2 of the Summer Solstice Celebration, the Parade is a must see. Every year has a theme… This year it was Legends.

The parade has a lot of fun, whimsical floats and puppets, music, dancing, drumming and fantastic costumes!

Summer Solstice Celebration Parade
Summer Solstice Parade
Summer Solstice Celebration Parade
Posing on a float!
Solstice Parade
All dressed up!

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I Madonnari Festival

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Whenever I’m in Santa Barbara during the I Madonnari Festival , I make sure to stop by for a visit. It’s held every year at the  Santa Barbara Mission and worth checking out. The artists produce large scale pieces, using only chalk.

The festival benefits the Children’s Creative Project, a nonprofit arts education program.

Here are a few of my favorites from the latest I Madonnari Festival.

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Kayaking At Cachuma Lake

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Kayaking Cachuma Lake

A friend invited to me go kayaking up at Cachuma Lake yesterday.  I hesitated at first. It’s been quite awhile since I’ve been out on the lake. In fact, I’ve actually avoided going. The drought in California has impacted the lake on such a level, that it’s depressing.

Getting out in nature should never have that effect.

I decided to go anyway. I met my friend at his campground, and we headed to the lake. It was worse that I could have ever imagined. The lake was a mere fragment of it’s former self.

Drought effect on Cachuma Lake
Where did all the water go?

Wow! I felt as if I had been punched in the belly. I stood staring in disbelief. I wondered how much longer before it totally disappeared.

A pipe running through the center of Cachuma Lake was pointed out to us. It’s impossible to miss! The pipe feeds water down into Santa Barbara. This July, there are plans to drop the lake ten more feet to keep that supply running.

What happens when Cachuma Lake ceases to exist? Where will you get your water from Santa Barbara?

To see the lake disappearing, you face the reality of how important it is not to lift the water restrictions too soon. And, it makes you wonder why nothing was done sooner.

Once in the water, you can’t help but notice the beauty surrounding the lake. As we paddled around the lake, we talked about what a great loss this would be for all of us if a solution isn’t found.

Cachuma Lake Kayaking
Kayaking around Cachuma Lake
Shore of Cachuma Lake
Taking a break on the shore

Rain, of course would be the most obvious solution. That, however cannot be relied on.

So, until Mother Nature starts producing it again, what are our options?

What are we doing?

Bureau of Reclamation

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Roller Derby Girls Brawlin’ Bettie’s

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Roller Derby Girls… Brawlin’ Bettie’s

My friends had tickets and invited me to go… It was to see the Brawlin’ Bettie’s.

Who are the Brawlin’ Bettie’s?

Well apparently Santa Barbara has a women’s Roller Derby team! Wow! Who knew… Well, I guess a lot of people… Just not me! They actually have a following!

I needed to take a break from staring at the computer… aka working/editing photos and decided to join them. They had seen the “Bettie’s” before and promised a good time filled with action, plus there would be beer and a food truck with BBQ… Kind of hard to say no to that!

Roller Derby Brawlin' Betties's by Julie Miche

The MC & Roller Derby Fashion

 

Roller Derby Girls by Julie Miche

Brawlin’ Betties

The only Roller Derby I had ever seen was on tv… And, that was when I was a little kid. I was impressed! All I can say is these girls kick ass!

I’m ready to join the team! I’ve even picked my name… Jammin’ Julie! Oh yeah!

I won’t tell anyone that I haven’t even roller bladed for a really long time & hmmm… Not really sure if I’ve ever even had roller skates attached to my feet!

But, in my head… I’m a Brawlin’ Bettie!

 

 

 

 

 

East Beach – Photo Of The Day

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Photo of The Day – Shoes of Jason

I actually made it to East Beach during the afternoon to shoot.  I’ve been shooting a lot at night, so it was a nice change.  I wanted to  play around with low angles, and happened to come across a pair of Vans sitting in the sand.  As I was shooting, the owner of the shoes soon appeared, looking a bit perplexed!  I guess I must have looked a bit strange taking pictures of his shoes!  I told him about the project I’m working on, and he shared some of recent travel adventures!  And, they were quite the adventures!  Maybe I need to shoot more shoes!

Photo Of The Day, Santa Barbara California, Great travel adventures, Vacation by Julie Miche

“Shoes of Jason”

Rincon Surfing

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Rincon Surfing in Carpinteria, CA

Today was one of those days I just had to go to the beach.  I headed out to Carpinteria to photograph some Rincon surfers.  Sometimes, you just need to be out in nature!

Rincon Surfing, Carpinteria California, Santa Barbara, Surf, Travel, Vacation by Julie Miche

“Surfing”

 

Rincon Surfing, Carpinteria California, Santa Barbara, Surf, Travel, Vacation by Julie Miche

“Splash”

 

Rincon Surfing, Carpinteria California, Santa Barbara, Surf, Travel, Vacation by Julie Miche

“Balance”

Rincon Surfers and a Lensbaby

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Photographing Surfers with a Lensbaby at Rincon

Rincon is one of the best places to photograph surfers… And, surf too!  It’s also just a great day trip, and not very far from Santa Barbara. I decided to bring out my Lensbaby, which has quickly become my favorite lens to use at Rincon. The Lensbaby is the perfect lens for playing with the motion of the water, and photographing the surfers out at Rincon.

Manipulated Reality is supported by readers. Product links on Manipulated Reality are referral links for things I like & believe you will too! Read more here.

Rincon Surfers, Ventura CA, Day Trip, Travel, Ocean, Santa Barbara Day Trip, Surfing at Rincon by Julie Miche
Waiting For A Wave
Rincon Surfers and a Lensbaby
Surfer Going In
Rincon Surfers and a Lensbaby
Rincon Surfers
Rincon Surfers, Ventura CA, Day Trip, Travel, Ocean, Santa Barbara Day Trip, Surfing at Rincon by Julie Miche
Surfing Rincon

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Funk Zone Time!

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2nd Saturday Art Walk – Funk Zone

If you’re in Santa Barbara on the Second Saturday of the month, make sure to find your way to the Funk Zone.  Every month over 20 artists open their studios and galleries to the public from 1-5 pm.  Many venues in the Funk Zone feature live music, and there are plenty of wineries to check out too!

Start early if you want to see them all!

My first stop was The Arts Fund Gallery.  They featured multiple artists inside, as well as outside.  They also had live music, a food truck and free tastings from Jun Brewery.

Funk Zone Tasting, Jun Brewery, Santa Barbara by Julie Miche
Jun Brewery Tasting

This is not beer my friends! It is a craft fermented probiotic drink. It’s brewed with Raw Organic Honey and Jasmine. It does have a light alcohol content, so if you’re a lightweight, watch out… Kidding! Joking aside, it was a tasty alternative drink, and quite refreshing on a hot day. And, I’m pretty sure it’s good for you too! You can schedule a tasting by going on their website.

Next I stopped was over to check out the art of Stafford Taylor. I absolutely love his art and will provide a link to his website soon.

The artwork of Stafford Taylor, funk zone, Santa Barbara, CA by Julie Miche
Stafford Taylor and His Art

Santa Barbara Art Foundry & Gallery was next on the list. This place is super cool. It is an actual working bronze foundry, which you are able to tour. The art is an eclectic mix. You can find metal and glass sculptures, paintings, photography, and more. Don’t forget to stop by the wine bar to try some local Fox Wine!

Santa Barbara Art Foundry & Gallery, Funk Zone, Santa Barbara Day Trip by Julie Miche
Santa Barbara Art Foundry & Gallery

As I was walking to the next studio, I came across a truck parked on Yanonali Street & Santa Barbara St. At first, I thought it was some sort of food truck. I decided to investigate, and was surprised to find handcrafted treasures from local artisans and designers inside. How fabulous… Mobile Art! You can find The Habitat Factory in the Funk Zone on 2nd Saturdays or check out their website for more info.

2nd Saturday, Santa Barabara, Art, The Habitat Factory by Julie Miche
The Habitat Factory

I should have started earlier! I was running out of time, and hadn’t even been to half of the studios! I managed to squeeze one more in before it all ended. I was drawn in by a pair of cowboy boots that had been converted to roller skates. There they sat promising more of the unexpected inside. In I walked to find the sculpture and assemblage art of Dan Levin. He refers to his art as Objects Of Curiosity, and that they are! Finished pieces coexist among a fascinating array of random objects.

Santa Barbara, art, Dan Levin by Julie Miche
Dan Levin’s Art

Last but not least, I headed over to Seven. A girl’s got to eat… and ok have a beer too! They also are a part of 2nd Saturday, so I figured I could see some art as well.
The Pulled Pork Sliders, Parmesan Truffle Fries and a beer were the perfect way to end the Art Walk!

Seven in Santa Barbara, Art, Food by Julie Miche
Outside at Seven


Manipulated Reality is supported by readers. Product links on Manipulated Reality are referral links for things I like & believe you will too Read more here.

Looking for more to do in Santa Barbara?

Check out some of my favorite recommendations!

Things To Do In Santa Barbara


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