Carpinteria, California
click photo to enlarge	We were in Carpinteria for their annual farm and flower tour. We have come to enjoy this little seaside town just south of Santa Barbara. There is also a train stop here so I need to research it and see if I can take the Metro Link all the way here. It could make for a fun weekend ride on the train.
click photo to enlarge	Carpinteria Beach is known for its gentle slope and calm waves in selected sandy areas but also good surfing swells in some of the more rocky areas. Seals and sea lions can be seen in the area December through May at the rookery in the nearby Carpinteria Bluffs], as well as an occasional gray whale. Tidepools contain starfish, sea anemones, crabs, snails, octopuses and sea urchins. A popular campground is located adjacent to the beach. There is bird watching at Carpinteria Salt Marsh Reserve.
click photo to enlarge	We went to the beach to watch the sunset while we were in town. We miss going to see the sunset at Lake Erie when we lived in Cleveland. Since 1987, the California Avocado Festival has been held in Carpinteria on the first weekend of October. The Santa Barbara Polo Club, one of the main equestrian polo fields in the country, is located in Carpinteria. The city is also home to Hollandia Produce, an organic produce company with 70 employees. The average high in January is 65 and the hottest month Sept. with a high of 77. What an ideal climate.
click photo to enlarge	click photo to enlarge