Middle Canyon

We sailed about 90 miles north to Santa Barbara. What a beautiful town! Unfortunately the citizens have decided they don't want those air polluting cruise ships. Since there are no berths the ships anchor offshore and must keep their engines running while anchored. Santa Barbara has decreased the number allowed from 60 to 20 per year.

We tendered off the ship to the mainland. Progress slowed because a sea lion cimbed on the exit area of the ship and resisted encouragement to leave.

The town lies between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez mountains and calls itself the American Riviera. Original inhabitants were the Chumash Indians who were of course subjugated by the Spanish and later the English. Since it lacks a natural harbor significant growth only occurred with the Gold Rush, the transcontinental railroad and post WW II. Fortunately a few earthquakes wiped out some of the less desirable early architecture. Rebuilding has followed Spanish/Mediterranean/Mexican style.

On the tender I met our resident astronomer, Howard Parkin, a very friendly, affable resident from the Isle of Man.

I continued my pursuit of a watch charger by taking a cab to the closest Best Buy. Success!Read more