California Dreamin' – Detours

David and I traveled the four-lane highway 101 to get to our main goals, San Francisco and highway 1 along the coast, as quickly as possible, but we took a little detour on the way.

Cachuma Lake, off highway 154, is nestled in the Santa Ynez and San Rafael Mountains in Santa Barbara County. This recreational area offers boating, fishing, hiking and accommodations—camping, cabins and yurts—yet this mountainous preserve is just a short drive from the ocean and the charming town of Santa Barbara. If it hadn't been 105 degrees (Yes, we went looking for summer and definitely found it!), we would have spent more time exploring this area.

Also off highway 154 is Solvang, the town dedicated to everything Danish. I'm not sure what one does there except buy Danish products, eat in Danish restaurants, and gawk at Danish architecture.  Since the Danes are the happiest people in the world, at least according to two studies reported by ABC news, I suppose the residents of Solvang are pleased simply to revel in their Danish-ness. 

David and I left the little town smiling.  Was it because we finally discovered summer or was it the ambience of Solvang?  Probably both.

Practicalities -
Click for more information about Cachuma Lake or Solvang.