Little Patch of Earth: June 2023

Monday, June 19, 2023

Riding a Surrey

We went on a surrey ride as a family recently and had a blast. Since my kids are big, we chose the double bench model that can seat 6 people (plus 2 tiny kids in a child seat). We did the super tourist option and biked along the bike path to the bird refuge, then back to Leadbetter Beach.

Why it is a favorite: It was an activity we all could be part of and it involved the beach!

Location: Multiple locations. We used Wheel Fun Rentals.

Directions: Heading south on the 101, exit Garden St and take a right onto Garden St. Turn right again on Yanonali St. Turn left on to Anacapa St and right onto Mason St.

Time Spent: 2 hours

Cost: Single Surrey $50 for 2 hours, Double Surrey $60 for 2 hours

Hours:Year Round-- M-TH 9am-5pm; F-SUN 9am-6pm

Parking: Street Parking limited nearby

Nearby: Chase Palm Park, East Beach

More info: Wheel Fun Rentals

Kid's Choice Awards (Summer 2021)

Summer of the Beaches II (Summer 2020)

Summer of Museums (Summer 2019)

Summer of Day Trips (Summer 2018)

Summer of Nature Walks and Easy Hikes (Summer 2017)

Summer of the Beaches (Summer 2016)

Summer of the Parks (Summer 2015)

Monday, June 12, 2023

Cold Springs Loop

Cold Springs Loop is a moderate trail for older kids or kids who love hiking. This one was another birthday request at my house. All Trails info helped us choose the loop over the East or West trail out and back.

Directions: Take the 101S to Cabrillo Blvd. Turn left onto Cabrillo, then take Hot Springs Rd at the roundabout. Turn left onto Sycamore Canyon Rd and right onto Cold Spring Rd. Turn right onto Mountain Dr. Park near the trailhead around 811 E Mountain Dr.

To hike the loop, take the East Cold Spring Trail to where it meets the Ridge Trail and follow the Ridge Trail back to the start. The end is very steep coming down and some people prefer to do that at the beginning. I liked starting with the section in and around the creek.

Trail Rating: Difficult for toddlers and kids not used to hiking, Moderate for others
Distance: 2.6 miles round trip
Time: 1.5 - 2 hours round trip

Nearby attractions: Hot Springs Trail

Choose Your Own Adventure 2023

Inspiration Point

San Antonio Creek Trail

Thursday, June 1, 2023

Choose Your Own Adventure!

This blog recently turned 8 (what?!) years old! We have covered a lot of territory from parks to beaches (twice) to day trips to museums to nature trails to hikes to family vacations and even some recipes along the way. Traditionally we pick a theme and try to do a whole list of ideas on that theme. Last year my idea didn't fly. My kids are getting older (almost 13 and almost 10) and are less on board with my ideas (plus we have done a lot more camps post COVID days), so I am switching it up a bit. I have only blogged about things I do with my kids and I want to keep it that way. So for 2023 I am picking and choosing ideas from past years that we didn't get to. We did make it to all the parks as well as all the beaches from Haskell's to Miramar but most of the other's years lists had some things we missed. I am planning to let my kids take turns choosing from this long list this summer when we have time to adventure together. Or maybe they will choose things from the Kids Choice list in 2021. I may even ask my not-quite-13 year old to write a post. I am holding this loosely, like a lot of things right now.