So, we found the California Gnatcatcher, an irritating little bird that has caused southern California developers nightmares.  A little gray bird with a cute mew of a call, it inhabits the coastal scrub habitat of the California coast from near the tip of the Baja Peninsula to just north of Los Angeles.  It's "critical habitat" is on the coastal hillsides that make such fine property for building one's twenty million dollar house.  Oh well, once in a while the bird causes us as much trouble as we cause the birds.

Chris was in Las Vegas when we arrived and returned after the weekend.  We met him on our last evening.  From his lovely apartment in La Jolla we walked a couple of blocks to the shore to watch the sunset over the Pacific and enjoyed a pleasant dinner at a local brewpub.  He does enjoy his new habitat while working to prepare the USS Boxer for its next cruise. 

Our next move was a small one to South Carlsbad Beach State Park.  The weather turned sour again and we were greeted by a strong west wind and showers that created a sandstorm along the beach.  Still we settled in and enjoyed three lovely sunsets while in place there.  We cruised up and down the coast finding our first Allen's Hummingbird in Huntington Beach. 

On Saturday we arrived here at the Tom and Lorrie Doolittles in flowery Goleta near Santa Barbara.  We're staying in the house.  Our "Harley" sits plugged in at the curb waiting patiently for our return.  We have enjoyed the reunion and town life for this bit exploring the towns, the harbors, the parks, and the mission.  This morning our hosts are occupied with their occupations and we have chores ourselves, but will join Tom and Lorrie for lunch in Santa Barbara.  Lots of high class cafes and shops there. 

Tomorrow we boat to Santa Cruz Island to visit this National Park and see the Island Scrub Jay.  The forecast is poor.  We will have choppy boat rides and a gray day, and so it will be an adventure.  So be it.  Our next stop is near Monterey.  Then we are off to San Francisco for a week's stay in that area.