Living History

Years ago, when we went to Carpinteria with Mom and Dad, we were in search of the California equivalent of the East Coast beach vacation. It was as close as it gets out here. Just below Santa Barbara, the water is warm enough to get into briefly anyway, and the houses manage to converge on an actual beach, as opposed to cliffs. Later, we went back down that way and stayed at the famous-but-declining Miramar Beach Hotel. Looks like it's been declining and passing through the hands of various well-intentioned investment-owners.

We stayed in one of the boarded-up places in the picture above. The grounds were still georgous, and the cafe was decorated with pictures of famous visitors. One of my favorite pictures of Garrett that is in a collage on our wall was taken right on the beach in front of the building above. He's about 12 or so, smiling broadly at an elaborate sand castle we all built. It was a classic family beach vacation!