Captain’s Blog July 24, 2011 (Day 79) Santa Barbara Zoo (Almost)

The Santa Barbara Zoo was on the agenda as well as the Santa Barbara Harbor. We got a late start and didn’t leave Oxnard until 2:45 PM  for the 34 mile trip. Since all the freeways are at least 4 lane and the speed limit 70  we figured on a  35-40 minute drive.

Not so much. Despite the fact that we are 57 miles from L.A. it didn’t make the traffic any lighter. In fact, the traffic was just as bad if not worse and we found ourselves in stop and go traffic all the way to the zoo. It took us so long that we  didn't arrive at the zoo until  4:20 PM. Much to our chagrin the zoo closed at 5 PM. Since it was so close to closing time we decided it wasn’t worth the cost for a 40 min. run through the zoo. (No discount for arriving late)  There were quite a few people arriving at the same time we did and they were quite surprised the zoo closed so early too.

We made the best of it and decided to ride around the area and walk on the beach. That didn’t happen either! Not a single parking space to be had – anywhere. Santa Barbara was a mob scene.

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Stopping at a rest room was a treat. Ron had to park in the roadway and we took turns watching the car parked illegally.

 

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We drove through some very exclusive neighborhoods but didn’t have any luck getting pictures. High walls and shrubs made it next to impossible.

After laughing about our almost trip to the zoo we stopped and had dinner or should I say breakfast at Denny’s. It just so happens that Nancy like breakfast as much as we do.

While there, a homeless man came in acting very weird. He ended up causing a scene and was scary to say the least. We were relieved when he finally left.

The ride home was as bad as the ride into Santa Barbara – long with wall to wall traffic. We had a good day anyway enjoying the nice weather and the ocean scenery.

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We noticed a photographer taking photos under a less then attractive railroad trestle. He was shooting photos of a bride and groom. Not sure why they picked that spot with the all the beautiful areas in Santa Barbara. Tried to get a good pic but almost missed. There was even lots of traffic on  that side street.

 

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We had another great day with our usual laughs. Next time we know to  leave much earlier and just maybe we’ll make it to the zoo before closing. LOL.

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