Little Patch of Earth

Summer of the Day Trips 2018

Summer of the Nature Walks 2017

Summer of the Beaches I Reflections 2016

Summer of the Parks Reflections 2015

Monday, October 4, 2021

Summer 2021 Snapshot

My seasonal check in is a bit late this year because life has been full (see life project below)!

Life Hack: I realized recently that multitasking is not helping me. So when I think of it I close all the tabs on my phone/computer to reset to just the things I need. I have also been creating blocks of time to work on different aspects of my life and then doing a brain dump when I start working on school/work/PTA stuff for the day (I keep track of school and work on Toggl).

New Product I Love: I am not a pumpkin person and I don't love all the pumpkin options at this time of year, so no new favorite Trader Joe's products. I am however loving these tassel earrings and wooden earrings given to me for my birthday!

Last Book I Finished: Raising Lions by Joe Newman

Joe was diagnosed with ADHD as a child. Quickly put on medication, he felt like the world told him he was broken. As an adult, he has become a behavior therapist who come along schools to help them with the most difficult students. His no nonsense approach is designed to help these kids learn self control and boundaries so they can be successful in the school environment. I don't agree with everything he says, but I have implemented many of the strategies in my own home.

Life Project: I started a Master's in Education through Western Governor's University. It is all online and fits well into my life right now. And I am working hard! You may not see me as much on the blog or on Facebook this year because of it.

Thursday, September 30, 2021

East Beach Batting Cages

The batting cages are a fun past time for the physically active kids. The different cages have different speeds as well as baseball and softball pitches. We love to go bat a little, then eat tacos for dinner at East Beach Tacos (11am-6pm). You can also get dinner at the Habit next door (11am-9pm) or take a picnic to the nearby Cabrillo Ball Park that has the SB Chromatic Gate. If you are going, be sure to check out the Axxess deal: Buy one, get one the first time and buy 3, get 1 anytime!

Why it is a favorite: They loved being taught to hit by daddy.

Location: On Milpas St near the railroad crossing

Directions: Heading south on the 101, exit first Milpas exit and take a right onto Milpas. The batting cages are about half a block down, just past Habit.

Time Spent: 30 to 45 minutes plus taco time.

Cost: $3 and up

Hours: Monday-Thursday 11am-8pm, Friday 11am-9pm, Saturday 10-9, Sunday 10-8

Parking: Parking in the lot next door is very limited at busy times.

Nearby: East Beach, SB Zoo, Dwight Murphy Park,

More info: Batting Cages Website or Facebook

Kid Quotes: "Mom can we go back to the batting cages?" 8 year old

Summer of Nature Walks and Easy Hikes (Summer 2017)

Wednesday, August 11, 2021

Bike Paths

We are so blessed to have an abundance of bike paths and routes to explore our town. Depending on where you are starting, you may be able to bike with minimal time on shared spaces and just stick to the bike path.

By the beach, you can explore the downtown area on bike or simply stick to the waterfront along the Cabrillo Blvd Trail. From Goleta Beach, you can take the Obern Trail connecting to the Maria Ygnacio trail or to continue on it to Modoc Rd. Or you can explore your own neighborhood in routes provided by the Santa Barbara Bike Coalition.

Renting Bikes in Santa Barbara:

https://wheelfunrentals.com/ca/santa-barbara/mason/

Tourist Biking Sites:
https://www.santabarbara.com/activities/biking/

https://ctycms.com/ca-santa-barbara/docs/bikesmap---downtown.pdf
https://santabarbaraca.com/itinerary/popular-bike-trails-in-santa-barbara/

South County Maps
Comprehensive: http://www.trafficsolutions.org/thenewsite/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/TS-Map_Insert_SB-Goleta_13.pdf

Neighborhood Routes:
https://www.sbbike.org/neighborhood_routes

Out Most Artistic Bike Ride July 2016

Summer of Nature Walks and Easy Hikes (Summer 2017)

Monday, August 9, 2021

SB Picnic Spots

Santa Barbara has so many beautiful spots. You could picnic in almost any park or beach location and have a great view. One tradition we have is having a picnic with the kids on our anniversary or anniversary of our first date. My kids love asking us questions about the first date/wedding/first kiss and since all those dates fall in the summer, it is a great time for a picnic. I also friend-sourced this one.

1. The Mission Rose Garden is a classic choice. The view of the Mission and the Spanish architecture around is classic.

Rose Garden with the Spanish Architecture on display

Rose Garden

2. The Courthouse is one of our favorite spots. Any spot in the block would be good, but we like the grass above the Sunken Gardens.

Courthouse

Sunken Gardens

3. Alice Keck Park is picturesque with the pond and the gazebo. It is easy to spread a blanket on the grass or find a bench to picnic on.

Gazebo

Duck Pond

4. Stow House is another of our favorites. The house and lawn create a beautiful spot. When there is music in the summer it is especially fun to linger.

5. You absolutely can't beat the view of Franchesci Park on the Riviera. On a clear day, you can see all the way down to the water.

Picnic tables

Franchesci View

6. Chase Palm Park is another great spot with a grassy field for picnic blankets. With the beach across the street, the view is wonderful.

Chase Palm Park Pond

What is your favorite spot for a picnic? I would love to hear below or on social media!

Summer of Nature Walks and Easy Hikes (Summer 2017)

Wednesday, August 4, 2021

UCSB Labyrinth Trail

The labyrinth in the lagoon at UCSB was constructed over 2 months in 2011with decomposed granite and river rocks, but it took 5 years to plan and clear all the hurdles. Campus leaders want to create a space for students to have a "quiet place on campus to be alone just to think and sort things out." Labyrinths have been used in different faith traditions as a form of meditation or prayer. Unlike a maze where there are choices between paths, the labyrinth has one path in and retraces the path back out. Overall, the path and retracing are .6 miles total. (When it reopens, we hope to visit nearby REEF in their visitor hours.)

Why it is a favorite: it is a beautiful location with sea birds flying overhead and the ocean breeze blowing

Stone Labyrinth

Location: Lagoon Island at the UCSB Lagoon

Directions: We have accessed it in two ways: walking from Goleta Beach and from lot 6.
To Goleta Beach, take the 101 to the 217. Exit at Sandspit Rd and turn left. The first right will be Goleta Beach. At the T, turn right and park at the end of the parking lot. Walk on the bike path up toward Campus taking the left hand paths to lead down to Campus Point. At Campus Point, take the path that crosses over the lagoon and head up the steps to Lagoon Island. From there it is a short walk to to the labyrinth. Head toward the right after heading up the hill.

To Campus Point, take the 101 to the 217 to its end. At the roundabout take the second exit to Lagoon Rd. At the sign indicating authorized cars only, turn left into lot 6. Park in a coastal access space and pay the hourly fee (see below). Take the path down to Campus Point. At Campus Point, take the path that crosses over the lagoon and head up the steps to Lagoon Island. From there it is a short walk to to the labyrinth. Head toward the right after heading up the hill.

Path to the Labyrinth

Time Spent: 30 to 90 minutes depending on the path you take to get there.

Cost: Free

Entrance to Labyrinth

Hours: Daytime

Parking: Parking at Goleta Beach is free and plentiful except on very busy summer/weekend days. Lot 6 has coastal access for $3 for 1 hour, $5 for 2 hours , $7 for 3 hours.

Lagoon Path

Nearby: Goleta Beach, Goleta Beach Playground, Campus Point, and Depressions Beach

More info: Directions, Labyrinths around the world, and UCSB News Release

Kid Quotes: "It was cool, Mom." 11 year old

Steps to Lagoon Island

Lagoon

Summer of Nature Walks and Easy Hikes (Summer 2017)

Monday, August 2, 2021

Oak Park Wading Pool

The Oak Park Wading Pool is a fun spot for the littles under 8. We recently took one last trip with my girl who will be 8 soon and had a great time. The pool is shallow, one side at one foot and the other 18 inches, with a water spot in the middle of the deeper end. There is always a life guard on duty (two the recent day we were there). Children need to be in a bathing suit and/or swim diaper and must be with a responsible person 18 years or older. Parents line up to enter on the hour and must exit 10 minutes before the hour for cleaning. You can get right back in line if it isn't busy.

Deeper Side

Why it is a favorite: running under the water spout

Location: Oak Park near the Junipero St side

Directions: Take the 101 to Mission St. Turn toward the mountains and get back onto the 101 going North. Take the next exit (Pueblo) and continue straight. Turn right onto Junipero St and park in the lot to your left.

Time Spent: 1 hour

Cost: Free

Hours: 12-5 daily in summer, closing August 13, 2021.

Parking: Oak Park has a parking lot on West Junipero St. near Calle Real with limited spaces and there is some street parking.

Shallow Side

Nearby: Oak Park Playground, Parks with Outdoorsy Play Areas and Creek Walks

More info: Santa Barbara Parks and Rec and Santa Barbara Area Info

Kid Quotes: "Let's go again." 7 year old

Water Spout

Summer of Nature Walks and Easy Hikes (Summer 2017)

Wednesday, July 28, 2021

Creek Walks

I have fond memories from my childhood of exploring creeks in Santa Barbara: the Botanic Gardens, Rocky Nook Park, Tucker's Grove and Oak Park were all places we would poke around, look at bugs, find the best walking stick and get occasionally get wet. I know I have lost some of you and others are freaking out about poison oak (which I have never had), but I am a firm believer in nature play for kids. (This probably fueled my love for nature as well as my pre-kids job as a science teacher.) Disclaimer: only you know the conditions of any creek you may walk in. Beware of high water levels and excessive poison oak.

My own kids love to take a creek walk or play in a park that let's them pick up rocks, sticks and examine bugs. They love the water when it is there, but they still love the dry creeks. My 7 year old especially would walk in the creek at least once a week. It isn't a power walk, but that is hardly the point.

Why it is a favorite: I could write a thesis about this, but in short, kids need unstructured play and need the calming time in nature.

Location: Many places listed in Best Parks with Outdoorsy Play Areas (Botanic Gardens, Stevens Park, Rocky Nook Park, Tucker's Grove and Oak Park as well as a creek in your neighborhood. If you pay attention as you stroll near your creek, you can find access points.

Directions: See posts above for the park directions

Time Spent: an hour or more

Cost: Free

Hours: Daylight

Parking: See posts above for the parking information

Nearby: Botanic Gardens, Rocky Nook Park, Stevens Park, Tucker's Grove and Oak Park

More info: Creeks of SB County, Map of Major Creeks, Comprehensive Map

Kid Quotes: "Mama, when can we go on a creek walk?" 7 year old (at least once a week!)

Summer of Nature Walks and Easy Hikes (Summer 2017)

Monday, July 26, 2021

Ice in Paradise

Ice in Paradise out only area ice rink opened in 2015 and recently reopened after the long COVID closure. Hockey leagues recently resumed and the ice was reservable until recently. While the skating lessons have not resumed, the public skate hours are back!!

Why it is a favorite: Kids feel like the graceful Olympic ice skaters.

Location: Storke Road at Santa Felicia Dr next to Girsh Park

Directions: Take the 101 to the Glen Annie/Storke Rd exit. Turn toward the ocean (and Costco) onto Glen Annie which quickly becomes Storke Rd. After crossing Hollister Ave, pass the Camino Real Marketplace and turn right onto Santa Felicia Dr. Ice in Paradise will be on your left.

Time Spent: up to 2 hours (or more if your kids don't tire out)

Cost: $15 on the Studio Rink, $10 on the NHL Rink

NHL Rink (Main)

Hours: Weekdays
8-11, 1:30-4:30, NHL Rink $20 for the session
7:30-9:30 Studio Rink $15 for the session

Saturday and Sunday
1:30-4:30, NHL Rink $20 for the session
7-9 NHL Rink $20 for the session (Saturday Only)

Studio Rink

Parking: There is a large onsite lot for free parking.

Nearby: Girsh Park, Ellwood Butterfly Preserve, and Sands Beach

More info: Ice in Paradise Website, Ice in Paradise on Instagram and Ice in Paradise FB page

Kid Quotes: "I don't remember how to do this!" 11 year old (said with joy)

The connected Rinkside Cafe is open 3:30pm on weekdays and 8am on weekends. Current closing times below:

Summer of Nature Walks and Easy Hikes (Summer 2017)