Adventures in Lompoc

It was nice to take my first day off work in 2012 to spend the weekend with Travis. We drove up to Lompoc on Thursday night to spend the weekend with Travis's aunt Marty and Uncle Benny. We got to their place around 11 on Thursday night and visited shortly before turning in. Tee time would come early on Friday morning. Their home is on the golf course, so I knew where Travis would be when the sun was up.

I got up around 9:30 and decided to go for a run on the beach. I had read online that there is a little known trail on Vandenberg AFB, accessible from Lompoc. As I drove down the road, I passed several ranches growing broccoli, cauliflower and other vegetables; a NASA building; and miles of razor wire fence.

But when I got to my destination, the road was closed due to flooding.

Surf Beach was a mile south, so I turned around and headed that direction. I was surprised to see a wide open parking lot at an Amtrak station. Crashing waves called me to cross the train tracks and take a short walk to the shore.

I left my shoes behind and ran along the surf. I don't think I ever realized how truly hard it is to run on the beach, but now I have a whole new appreciation for those who do it. I didn't want to leave because it was perfect there...and I was all alone...but I didn't have my suit or a towel, so after appreciating the salty air and the enveloping roar of the waves, I headed back to town.

Travis had returned from his morning round and was already ready to get back out on the oak tree-lined course.

Benny's daughter Sherry brought her precious son, Jason, over to meet us. What a doll he is! Keep him and Sherry in your thoughts and prayers, as he is having surgery next week and will be fitted with prosthetic feet within a couple of weeks.

We went out Friday night to hear Benny's band play at the Radisson in Santa Maria. I took some pictures, but they turned out a little dark, but the room was hopping with an eclectic mix of cowboys, a plethora of ethnic backgrounds, stumbling drunk cougars, and dance floor junkies. It was a fun people-watching night and we even got Marty to come out with us for a set.

The next morning, I headed back to the beach. I read a book called "The Magic" and had a few enlightening moments in the chilly sand. In a nutshell, the book reminds us all that we should be grateful every day. Again, I was alone on the beach. Except for a seagull who was hoping I had more than Hot Tamales candy to share with him.

I wanted to stay out there all day, but I returned to town to walk the golf course with Travis. He had shot a 78 in the morning! The course is a par 72. Of course, he was very excited about that.

Travis thinks this hole should be the course's signature with its lofty tee box overlooking the fairway

I wanted to go to some wineries and Travis went with me...but unfortunately, I didn't call Melville Winery and they closed at 4. So I convinced him to come out to my favorite spot for the weekend.

the sky is grey the sand is grey and the ocean is grey. - Ani Difranco

I never knew sand dollars were purple when they're alive.

That evening, we stayed up with Marty. Benny had another gig, so Travis, Marty and I watched a movie and looked through photo albums. The next morning, Marty shared several more albums and it was a beautiful insight into the past of the Miller family. I got to see Pat's horse Click that she has told me about throughout the years...Boppa's bomber photos...and baby pictures of Mellany.

I took pictures of pictures and thought this was a great one to share of Nonny and Boppa, back in their heyday.

I love this picture