Monday (18th) early AM we hopped on the #11 'Coast Starlight' train from Oakland headed for Santa Barbara. Although the train name promised coastal views it was not until the afternoon that we hit the really scenic parts. Again we booked roomette accommodation and happily spent the time playing Monopoly Deal and Skip Bo. In the afternoon however we took a break to do some wine and cheese tasting in the special first class parlour car where we tasted cheese and wine from Washington and California!
Tuesday (19th) although we had a bit of an on off sunny rainy day we headed out to check out Santa Barbara. In the morning we took a stroll down and around the wharf and picked out our favourites from the many yachts and cruisers parked there. Afterward we took a stroll down state st, the main drag of Santa Barbara and down to the Court House, an impressive Spanish influenced building that is both a working courthouse and tourist attraction. After a bit of culture we then headed back down State st where we stumbled upon a local farmers market with loads of fresh fruit and vegetables, and seeing as we have been lacking in both decided to grab some fruit. This was however undone in our next destination - wine tasting in the Santa Barbara tasting room/bar for the local Kalyra vineyards. As soon as we walked in we noticed a few very Australian inspired sculptures sculptures and after asking found out that the owners were Aussies! (they live 35 min away at the vineyards). Not a bad way to spend our last full day of our adventure.
Tomorrow we make our way back to reality via the #11 again down to Los Angeles. Till next time.
Down at the wharf
The courthouse tower
Inside the courthouse
Farmers market!
Tasting in the Kalyra bar/tasting room
Interesting mural - so what makes an "enlightened Indian"?
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