So this is how the surf report looks for Goleta in the summer. Not always, but a lot.
Lucky for us, we live in Paradise and we have lots of other options….besides Xbox.
There is lots of nature to enjoy on all the beautiful front country trails.
And even more wonders just over the mountains.
But this day we wanted to be near the beach, so we decided to ride the fun little bike path
from El Cap to Refugio.
Starting from El Capitan State Park, it’s fun to ride through the campground and
check out all the campers.
It’s no wonder El Cap gets booked up so fast, it is a remarkable place.
The bike path starts at the “north” end of the campground. There will be a gate and a sign saying it’s
closed, but there’s also a well worn trail that goes right around it. It’s been like this for years.
How’s that for mixed messages…
What they’re trying to tell us is, the trail is dangerous at times.
And they’d rather we didn’t use it…
A small portion of the trail is built into the crumbling cliff above the beach.
But if your careful, it’s no problem. So be careful.
It makes you wonder, if we can’t afford to maintain this tiny bit of costal trail we already have, how are we
going to maintain the 1200 mile California Coastal Trail they are working so hard to get access for?
But anyways…
Once you get past the sketchy parts, it’s clear sailing. And beautiful views abound.
Pedaling up the Gaviota Coast makes you appreciate the beauty even more.
The ride is not long, but if you slow down and savor all the views it can take up some time.
Soon you’ll smell the campfires and know you’re nearing your destination.
Good old Refugio. Another campground that’s booked more often than not…
We settled in for a beer and to take in the ambiance…
And to make sure biking was the right choice today….it was.
Back on the bikes and head back down the coast, nice and slow…
