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Kayaking At Cachuma Lake

By Julie Miche Leave a Comment

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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Filed Under: California, Santa Barbara Tagged With: Cachuma Lake, California, California Lake, California Tourism, Eco Tourism, Environment, Kayak, Kayaking, Lake Cachuma, Santa Barbara, Tourism in California, travel, Water Restrictions

Surfing In Bundoran, Ireland

By Julie Miche Leave a Comment

Surfing In Bundoran

More than a few people thought I had lost my mind when I told them I was going surfing in Bundoran, Ireland. Since I live in California, they didn’t understand why I just wouldn’t surf at home… I live in Santa Barbara, and I’m only 10 minutes from Rincon.

Well first off, my attempts at surfing haven’t been too successful… That, however wasn’t the reason. I had better luck at Stand Up Paddling. It was going well, so I focused on that.

Just as I was getting confident, signs about a shark attack started appearing on the local beaches. A sea lion in the marina had become a meal for a shark!

Stay out of water shark attack by Julie Miche
California Beach…. Would you go in?

Uggghhh… That immediately put a halt on all my water activities. All I could think about was sharks! I was more than freaked out.

It’s one thing to be out there paddling among dolphins, quite another to be with something that thinks you are food. Since I had halted SUP, surfing wasn’t really topping my list of things to do in California!

Apparently, sharks like warmer water, and we’ve had a lot of it in California lately.

Ireland’s water is much colder, so when I came across a groupon special offered by Bundoran Surf Co. I jumped on it! This was my chance to surf!

Surfing in Bundoran, Ireland by Julie Miche
Bundoran Surf Company

The Groupon Deal included lodging, breakfast, a surfboard, and a wetsuit. What a deal! I chose to upgrade to a private room for a small additional fee. It was quite large, and well worth it. I could have brought friends!

I arrived early evening in Bundoran. The Éireann Bus had taken the scenic route from Dublin, and I actually crossed into Northern Ireland. For awhile I thought I had taken the wrong bus!

After settling in, I headed to Maddens Bridge Bar for food. The fish and chips were really good, and the chocolate fudge cake is to die for! Get the chocolate cake if you go!

I grabbed a pint, and listened to a Trad Session before heading back to the surf lodge. I decided to call it an early night, so I could actually get up to surf in the morning. The 8 hour time difference was tough, and I had been starting my days in Ireland around 2:00 in the afternoon.

Morning was rough to say the least. I ate breakfast, drank lots of coffee, and then suited up in a damp wetsuit. Are they supposed to start out wet? Brrrrr…. I was cold, tired, and kind of grouchy. I am not a morning person.

After my cranky morning whining, I boarded the The Bundoran Surf Co. van heading to Tullan Strand, and with any luck would soon be surfing the Atlantic.

Getting reading to surf in Bundoran, Ireland by Julie Miche
Heading down to the beach

Once on the beach, we stretched, and learned how to paddle while still on land. I was ready for the water! Next we did some swimming, and were taught how to get out of a riptide… Things you generally don’t think about, but really need to know. Thanks guys!

Time to grab the boards… The waves seemed to be coming from several different directions. It was a little overwhelming at first, but in a good way. It’s that moment when you realize the sheer power of the ocean, and how small you are in it. There is no time for fear, only respect for the environment that you are in.

Tullan Strand surfing by Julie Miche
Tullan Strand

I got on the board, up onto my knees, and promptly fell off. On my way down, I swallowed a mouthful of salt water. Holy good God! I was not expecting that. I regrouped, tried again, and kept my mouth shut. This time when I fell in, the water shot straight through my nose! And, I thought standing would be the hard part.

With the help of a really great instructor, and a lot of determination I stood up! Finally… Success! I don’t even know how it happened, but it was truly exhilarating, and I wanted more!
I managed to stand several more times before we headed back to lodge.

Bundoran, Ireland surfing
Paddling, Standing, My Instructor

Riding back in the van, everyone was sharing stories of their own challenges as well as the excitement of the moment they actually surfed! Once back at the lodge, we were treated to some much needed hot cocoa and cookies.

I’m not sure how much surfing I will do in the future, since it most likely would be in California… That is yet to be determined. I am, however, extremely grateful that I was able to surf in Bundoran, Ireland. It was definitely an experience of a lifetime.

Thank you Bundoran Surf Co. for an amazing experience. You guys are awesome! I just might have to come back!

surfing in Bundoran, Ireland by Julie Miche
Thanks Bundoran Surf Co.!

Check out Things To Do In Bundoran, Ireland

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Filed Under: Bundoran, Ireland Tagged With: Bundoran Surf Co, CA, Donegal, Ireland, Julie Miche Travel Blogger & Photographer, Maddens Bridge Bar, Rincon, Santa Barbara, Surf Lessons, Surf Lodge, Surfer, Surfing, Surfing in Bundoran, Things to do in Bundoran, Tullan Strand, Wanderlust, What to do in Bundoran, Wild Atlantic Way

East Beach – Photo Of The Day

By Julie Miche Leave a Comment

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”



















Filed Under: 365 Photography Challenge, Santa Barbara Tagged With: 365 Photography Challenge, Beach, California Tourism, Julie Miche Travel Blogger & Photographer, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Photographer, Tourism in California

Flying Standby

By Julie Miche Leave a Comment

Flying standby challenges!

Have you ever flown standby? I have once, but only because my original flight was cancelled. It was my only choice, and flying standby was something I ever thought I would choose to do! Yet, one year later, I was choosing just that!

The plan was to catch a flight from Santa Barbara to Chicago… Sounded easy enough. I’ve done it many times before, except I had an actual ticket in hand.

The alarm went off at 3:15am… I started my day with 3 hours of sleep! Woo Hoo! Off to a great start!  After making sure I had everything, I headed outside to find my taxi waiting… Yes! The reservation I called in the night before actually worked. I was feeling good now!

I arrived 45 minutes before boarding time. Normally, I wouldn’t cut it that close, but Santa Barbara has a pretty small airport. When I got up to security, nobody was there! I was pretty surprised to find TSA hadn’t even opened yet. Apparently, the magic time for that is 4:45am!

Once, I made it through security, I headed to my gate. I was pleased to see, I was the only one on the flying standby list. I was feeling pretty confident that I was going to make it onto the plane…  And, that’s when I heard they were waiting for fifteen passengers. TSA was moving slowly! Really? Perhaps they should have come earlier! I was there before TSA even opened! Arggg!

All of a sudden there was a group of people running frantically towards the gate. I started counting… Damn! All fifteen had made it. I was not getting on this flight! My next attempt was several hours away, so I went in search of caffeine and something to occupy my time.


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waiting flying standby
Flying Standby Supplies

My next attempt was four hours later. I was more than ready to start traveling. Unfortunately, that next flight was jam packed… No room for me! The customer service agent told me the 2:00pm flight was wide open, however I would most likely end of stuck in LA! Wow! I could have got in my car, and done that myself on any of the freeways there!

Finally, she found room on a flight that had been delayed earlier. It was heading to San Francisco. I would be flying right into the storm known as the “Pineapple Express“! How exciting! Since that was my only chance of getting to Chicago, I said, “YES PLEASE”, and boarded the plane.

Once in the air, the pilot announced we would be flying through moderate turbulence due to the storm… Lovely! Luckily, I was exhausted and fell quickly to sleep. Most of the ride was smooth, and then it hit. Did he say moderate turbulence? I felt like I was at Disneyland up in the sky! And, there was what sounded like rocks pelting the plane. What was it? Rain? Hail? Oh God, maybe we were being attacked by aliens!

After getting a grip, I realized we were flying through the Pineapple Express storm!

Window Seat on plane
My view flying through the Pineapple Express!

Thankful to finally be on the ground in San Francisco, I ran to the next gate hoping to make my connection to Chicago. That went much smoother. There was plenty of room on the plane, and flying standby was not an issue!

Flying into Chicago
Arriving in Chicago!

I arrived five hours later than I originally thought I would. Considering all the delays, that wasn’t too bad. So, would I fly standby again? Sure! I’m ready for the next adventure! I could, however, do without the turbulence and storms!

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Filed Under: Gallery Tagged With: Chicago, flying standby, Julie Plevak, Photographer, Pineapple Express Storm, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Travel Blogger

After Hours: 1st Thursday

By Julie Miche Leave a Comment

1st Thursday After Hours at The Granada

On the 1st Thursday of each month, participating galleries and art-related venues host art openings, live music, artists’ receptions, lectures, wine tastings, and hands-on activities in downtown Santa Barbara.

I do my best to check out 1st Thursday events every month, since we are lucky enough to have so many venues participate, that support local artists. This past Thursday was the last After Hours event of the season… Why this does not run year round is a mystery to me.  The Granda Theatre, the Lobero Theatre, and The New Vic are gracious hosts for the After Hours events. The events feature live entertainment, nibbles, & wine tastings.

In honor of their upcoming New Year’s Eve POPS Concert, the symphony busted out their musical instruments, and let us try them out! It didn’t even matter if you had a clue what you were doing! What fun!

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.

Playing a cello at The Granada Theatre on 1st Thursday After Hours
How do I play this thing?
After hours trying instruments at the Granada
Trying out the instruments!

After giving the instruments a whirl, I headed upstairs to the Granada’s Big Screen to catch the sneak peak of the Lightwire Theater. They will be performing at the Granada on December 10th. I wish I was going to be in town to catch the show, because it looked fantastic!

Next was the wine tasting, champagne, and music by guitarist Bryan Titus… All were very good!

Bryan Titus at the Granada Theatre
Guitarist Bryan Titus

And, where there is good music you have dancers!

Dancing at the Granada Theatre 1st Thursday
Celebrating at the Granada Theatre

If you happen to be in Santa Barbara on the 1st Thursday of the month, be sure to check the schedule to see which venues are hosting events.

Check the schedule here.

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Filed Under: Santa Barbara Tagged With: 1st Thursday, Art, California Tourism, Granada Theatre Afer Hours Event, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Events, Santa Barbarba Photographer Julie Miche, Tourism in California, travel

Monarch Butterfly Migration – Goleta, CA

By Julie Miche Leave a Comment

Monarch Butterfly Migration – Coronado Butterfly Preserve
 
It’s that magical time of year at the Coronado Butterfly Preserve in Goleta, California. It is  just a short drive from Santa Barbara, and is a great day trip.
 
The Monarch butterfly migration has begun, and it is spectacular!  Thousands of butterflies hang in clumps among the leaves of eucalyptus trees.  Others flutter about everywhere.  It’s one of the most amazing things to witness in nature.  There are approximately 30,000  Monarch butterflies gathered in the grove, with more arriving daily.  It seemed like a good reason to go for a hike, and a good excuse to play with my new Lensbaby.
 
 
Monarch Butterflies Migration, coronado butterfly preserve, Goleta CA, Santa Barbara travel, day trips,travel
Ready For Flight
 
Monarch Butterflies Migration ,Monarch Butterfly Migration, coronado butterfly preserve, Goleta CA, Santa Barbara travel, day trips, travel
Monarch Butterly
travel, Monarch Butterflies Migration, Monarch Butterfly Migration, coronado butterfly preserve, Goleta CA, Santa Barbara travel, day trips, beach, hiking trail, hikes
Trail To The Beach
 
travel, Monarch Butterflies Migration, Monarch Butterfly Migration, coronado butterfly preserve, Goleta CA, Santa Barbara travel, day trips, shoreline, ocean, big waves, surf
Big Waves
 
seagulls, Monarch Butterflies Migration, Monarch Butterfly Migration, coronado butterfly preserve, Goleta CA, Santa Barbara travel, day trips, travel
Flock Of Seagulls
 
 

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Filed Under: Lensbaby, Santa Barbara Tagged With: Beach, Beach Bluffs, CA, Coronado Butterfly Preserve, Day trips from Santa Barbara, eucalyptus grove, Goleta CA, Hike, hiking trails, nature, ocean, Santa Barbara, travel

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