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Off track Highway 101 north

Driving the 101 north to Calabasas-Thousand Oaks-Camarillo-Ventura Read more
  • Trip start
    September 11, 2020

    Los Angeles Pet Memorial Park

    September 11, 2020 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 86 °F

    I discovered this park while searching for different things to do in Calabasas as a stop on my day trek north!

    Celebrity veterinarian Dr. Eugene Jones founded this park on September 4, 1928 as a final resting place for celebrity pets and animals of celebrities.

    I didn't look for any Hollywood stars pets plots! Quiet, serene, tailored lawn, and a mausoleum too! Some iconic headstones with the usual and some unusual pet names, tribute bricks, and gardeners working!
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  • Gardens of the World

    September 11, 2020 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 84 °F

    According to the brochure the Gardens are "bringing the beauty of the world to the Conejo Valley." I must agree that this garden is beautiful! Redwood trees, foliage, rock formations, Japanese Garden with Pagoda in the midst of a koi pond, and more! It is extremely beautiful and so peaceful!

    This 4.5 acre cultural landmark is privately owned and operated by the Hogan Family Foundation, lies quietly and discretely across the street from city hall! The different gardens represent Enland, France, Italy, Japan, and the California Mission Courtyard.

    Due to the current COVID-19, no photography allowed within the garden. According to a garden staff who greeted me, concerns about too many people congregating (i.e. posing for photos) in areas could be problematic! And they cordoned off so much of the areas one would hope to walk through.

    I was only able to capture one photo at the main entrance (with permission)! It was still worth it!
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  • Mission San Buenaventura

    September 11, 2020 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F

    One of the many incredible historical icons of California are the number of Catholic missions throughout the state. Today I visited the Mission San Buenaventura.

    A very brief history. On Easter morning, March 31, 1782, Priest Fray Junipero Serra raised the Cross at "la playa del canal de Santa Barbara" (the beach of the Santa Barbara Channel).

    In 1834 the Mexican government issued a secularization decree divesting the padres of administrative control over the Mission. Around 1845 the Mission was illegally sold to Don José Arnez. After California became a state of the Union, Bishop Joseph Sadoc Alemany petitioned the U.S. Government to return the church, clergy residence, cemetery, orchard and vineyard to the Catholic Church. President Abraham Lincoln granted the Proclamation on May 23, 1862.

    The Mission has a compact courtyard with lovely vibrant colored flowers, shrubs, trees, and grotto. A gift shop and Mission Museum that houses the original wooden bell of the Mission. The Holy Cross School sits behind the Mission.
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  • Malibu Hindu Temple

    September 13, 2020 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F

    It is amazing to find a Hindu temple in Calabasas near Malibu built in 1981. It is a temple of the Hindu God Venkateswara. Venkateswara means "Lord of Venkata". Curiosity led me to look up the meaning of Venkateswara. According to Wikipedia, it is a combination of the words Venkata (the name of a hill in Andhra Pradesh) and isvara ("Lord"). There's a lot more meaning to this word!

    The Hindu Temple Society of Southern California own and operate it. There are weekday and weekend temple services, a temple shop, cafe, and events.

    Some surrounding temple grounds are in need of a refresh and paint to revitalize this beautiful site!
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  • Ojai Olive Oil Company

    September 13, 2020 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 82 °F

    Have you ever done an olive oil tasting? If you have or haven't, you will enjoy doing one in Ojai at the Ojai Olive Oil Company!

    This precious family farm gem is tucked away in among valley farms. Ojai Olive Oil is a third-generation family owned and operated farm. From a grove of 150 year old olive trees (heritage trees), Ron and Alice Asquith began producing olive oil. And, the rest is history! Small batches and sold locally and statewide. Since 2000, garnering awards for their various extra virgin olive oils.

    Back to the tasting. If you look the taste of olive oil, and can appreciate the subtle differences in flavor finish well you'll enjoy sampling the best of their Tuscan, Provencal, and Cailletier olive oils followed by tasting their unique infused traditional balsamic vinegars such as Honey Ginger and Raspberry. Um, great!

    And go inside the main building and visit the little gift shop to purchase olive oil, balsamic vinegar, or olive oil soaps or face creams! You'll also see the small manufacturing area where they press the olives and produce the oil!
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  • Arroyo Hondo Vista Point

    September 13, 2020 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 64 °F

    There is an impressive history covering the Gaviota Coast. Among them is the old section of Highway 1 that bridged Arroyo Hondo Canyon, a southbound turnoff Highway 101.

    The California Highway Commission built the first complex bridge, Arroyo Hondo Bridge in 1918. Drivers traveled both north and south the US 101 across this bridge until 1950. Highway expansion bypassed it in 1984, but Caltrans recognized its historical value and left it in place.

    The view from the spots closest to the bridge (unfortunately you can't walk on the bridge or cross over it!) are stunning. You get a clear view of the architectural studiness in the design of the bridge. And there are fantastic views of the ocean and coastline.
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  • Solvang

    September 13, 2020 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F

    Welcome to Solvang, "A little slice of Denmark in Southern California ". Located in the Santa Inez Valley, the heart of Santa Barbara wine country.

    It's been some years since I discovered Solvang while a college student at UCSB. Times definitely change everything as I saw in Solvang. A once quiet and quaint European hamlet with all the authenticity of Denmark is now just another tourist stop and a diverse cultural mix of style and character.

    Danish and international eateries, restaurants, wine shops, candy stores and ice cream parlors. Echoes of Danish heritage are still there, windmills now purposed for business offices or stores, and cobblestone areas, replaced by paved streets, the primary feeling is hoping to experience real Danish life, somewhere in Solvang.
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    Trip end
    September 11, 2020