Today was a great day!  We had a full day of activities with our adventure this weekend.  We went with our friend and neighbor Barb to places all over the area. Barb is from Alaska, so she appreciates the beauty of Santa Barbara as much as we do and we all just walk around smiling, we're so happy to be here! Come see how we spent a beautiful, sunny Santa Barbara Saturday... We started the day by eating at a wonderful restaurant in Carpinteria, CA called the Beach Grill at Padaro.  The outdoor gardens, which are right along the oceanfront, are spectacular.  Perfectly manicured lawns and comfortable seating all outside added to the great atmosphere.  This is our new favorite place, and me and the boys plan to go back for dinner quite often.  We met a few new friends there, and Barb, me and the boys really had a long leisurely lunch enjoying the sunshine and the park-like beauty of this place.  The food was excellent and reasonable.  Great place to go and be able to sit with the dogs and have a few glasses of wine, and watch the ocean...... Find out more about the Cafe - Click Here Here's Toby ....uh...thinking of leaving his "mark". A view from our table.  Santa Barbara is just a few miles away, right where the camera is pointing.  This is a great place for outdoor events and weddings...maybe a future Yorkie pawty?  Hmmm, a great place to have it! Another view of the cafe, and the mountains.  Here comes Barb bringing lunch! And, yes, I ordered a separate order of chicken for those two chicken monsters.... We always meet so many new friends!  What a cutie pie this one was, and sweet too! B Barb with Elvis and me and Toby.  The ocean is right over that hedge.  B\ This is where you walk into the gardens We were feeling great after such a nice lunch and a few good conversations with new friends, and we walked on to a few more stores on this stretch of road that is directly off the highway, it's called "Santa Claus Lane".  There are several nice restaurants and some nice stores.  There is a really nice market, that has fresh local fruits and veggies and a deli where they make fabulous food.  They have a garden behind the store, but every time I've been there, it's been close to closing time. We'll have to go back and see the gardens back there too. We did get to buy some wonderful mangos. We then headed for the Carpinteria Bluffs to hike and see the harbor seals. This is a fantastic area with such beauty, from Eucalyptus trees to fields of flowers or veggies.  This view is walking down a path towards the bluffs and beach area. You can read about the Carpinteria Bluffs here - Click HERE hWe reached the bluffs and spent some time walking around and enjoying the glorious view.  This spot is one of the best in the area, in my opinion.   It's really beautiful all over.   To read about the Seal Rookery and Seal Watch - Click Here. Most of the seals stay near the rookery, but you see one or two in the water all along the beach.  We saw a few swimming right here.  rcarpbluffs.html Here are just some views from different spots along the bluff The seals are down there by the rocks. People looking down at the seals and the "Seal Watch" volunteer. Here's Barb and some others watching the seals. RThe seals.... While we were back in this area, we came across the cutest little thing. Here name was Mitzy and she was visiting from Palmdale, CA. The boys got to get up close and personal, and she was just adorable! Let's get her! No, I'll get YOU! Ahhh, she's biting my neck! Look at that face! Bye, Mitzy!  We had fun playing with you! We had a great time, and I got this shot of Barb and Elvis as we were walking back to the car.  It's so nice up here on the bluff.  Thanks to my friend, Karla, who lives in Carpinteria, for showing us.   Just a few flower pictures from the path along the bluffs Moving onward to Rincon Beach... Click Here to go to Page 2 Some pet travel info.... There are many dangers outside when you choose to take you dog with you. If you do travel with your dog and take him/her into places like this area, please be aware of local plant and animal life that could be poisonous or dangerous. Do some research of the area, and make sure both you and your pet are safe. California foxtails can be very dangerous for dogs, Click HERE for information about foxtails. I always travel with extra water (bottled) because new water sources can cause stomach upset in you pet, when they are used to your water.  I also always have several collapsable water bowls with me all the time and I stop and give them water often. If you travel, it's best to use bottled water.   I also travel with spare blankets and a first aid kit for the dogs. My dogs also travel using a doggie car seat and are harnessed in for safety. Using a crate or car seat that secures your dog when traveling is very important. With a small dog, especially, even a small crash could cause your dog serious injury. You are doing him/her a disservice by allowing them to roam freely in your car. They count on us to protect them. Click HERE to see how to make a dog first aid kit. Click HERE for more information about dangers outside. Never leave you dog alone in a hot car.   The temperature inside of a car rises quickly and can cause heatstoke and even death. Click HERE to read about heatstroke in dogs.