Have you ever traveled somewhere and felt an instant connection? I feel that way every time I am in California.
Maybe it’s because of the beauty created by its people.
On the beach in Santa Barbara
Maybe it’s because this is a place where the mountains meet the ocean.
Maybe it’s because California is full of trendsetters. Our dog Roxy may want to grow out her “do” like this fella in Malibu.
Maybe it’s because we share the same sense of humor.
Maybe it’s because there are so many little courtyards filled with gardens off the beaten path. This one is complete with a coop and chickens! One is checking me out. Do you see him?
Maybe it’s because the vegetation is so exotic.
Maybe it’s because of the ease in which new friendships can be made.
At Lucky’s in Montecito with Leeza, Jim, and Linda.
Maybe it’s because I am sharing these adventures with my best friend.
Have you ever felt a connection to a place while on vacation?
Susie Lindau's Wild Ride 
I LOVE this post!
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Thanks JM! Glad it brought a smile and no night terrors. 🙂
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Beautiful Post:) I love the CA Coast. Have a Great One!
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Thanks Renee! It is a beautiful place!
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Thanks for the fabulous photovacay! We’ve had a few wonderful holidays in CA. If the south of France did not hold my heart captive, CA might be just the right alternative!
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I am always surprised at the similarity of the two places. Between the wine country, the lighting and all of the restaurants, and courtyards it is the next best thing to being there! Thanks Patricia!
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I did when I visited the Boardwalk in Los Angeles with my hubs.. it just felt like I was home. I could sure see myself living there one day!! Looks like you felt the same!
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I love visiting! It is one of my favorite vacation places, but I could never leave Colorado. I love that it is only 2 hours away by plane! It sounds like you have a very short warm season where you live.
Thanks Barbara!
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I was born and raised in San Francisco, so Northern California will always be very special to me. I usually visit the Bay Area twice a year to see family and friends. When I visit wine country, I feel extremely relaxed … It probably helps that I’m a big fan of wine, too.
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Wine is goood! We just got back from the Wine Cask in Santa Barbara and had an excellent dinner! I think it is important to go somewhere we can chillax on vacation.
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My connection….a few years back before it got so busy…Sedona Arizona….the place just spoke to me.
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loved the photo story beautiful shots Susie. 🙂
i did have the same feeling when i was on a vacation in Ranikhet ( northern India) was my first visit and yet it was like meeting an old friend…breathtakingly beautiful scenery..lovely weather ,beautiful people..
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That is simply the best kind of vacation!
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That last photo is amazing… Roxy? Lovely sentiment.
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Thanks Ted!
Roxy is at the puppy farm. She doesn’t go on our vacations. Believe me when I say that she whimpered all the way to the kennel and couldn’t wait to get out of the car. They love her there!
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Okay, Susie – I decided a girl like you didn’t need the 71st comment but I kept thinking about your blog last night. I spent 13 wonderful years with Montrey/Carmel being my home base for my government work and we always thought that was where we’d retire – little did we know the gov had other ideas. Anyway, I’ve always thought of the Central Coast as ‘God’s Country’ and who knows – maybe that will become my 66th move – I loved the years I spent in CA even if I did have to fly red eye everywhere the gov. sent me from there. Oh, my heart by still.
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Hey! I always love to hear from you! Half those comments are my own!
We loved the Carmel area too and all the hobbit homes. You never know what could be in the future. I always dream big! We would love a vacation home here, but for the money, we should just come out here more often.
I am looking out the window right now at the mountains and can see the ocean too!
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Wonderful pictures, Susie! I especially love the last one. You should frame that one. It took me a while, but I found the rooster. Silly guy. I can’t believe I’m going to see you tomorrow. Fun!
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I am really looking forward to seeing you too!
That rooster cracked me up! Thanks so much Debra!
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That dog photo makes me laugh. Is he called Dog Bon Jovi. Looks like an early Bon Jovi hairdo!! 😉
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It does! Hahaha! Love that name!
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Nice photos. Happy to see you having a wonderful time with your hubby 😉
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Thanks Barry! We are having a blast. Every day is a new adventure!
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California is wonderful and it’s one of my favorites. but New Mexico feeds my soul
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thanks for the smile. You’re posts are always so happy
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Thanks! I guess they reflect the author! 🙂
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Two places for me, Cape Cod and Disney World. Lots of childhood memories that never get old.
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Cool! I have been both places and they are so different, but I had a great time!
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I haven’t travelled nearly enough to know where my home away from home would be… though I suspect it would involve lots of sunshine and exotic foods. Cali looks pretty perfect, especially with you in it 😉
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Awwww! Thanks Alarna! We have really been enjoying it.
I have wondered where else I would feel this bond like I do in Colorado and California. There are so many places I haven’t been!
Have you been to Bali?
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No, I haven’t! But it is on the to-do list…(I’m ashamed to admit I’ve only ventured as far as NZ, but this is going to change!). Likewise, have you seen Hawaii?
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I have been to Maui and Kawaii and both are beautiful! We’ve also been all over Panama and the southern coast of Costa Rica. Costa Rica is what Hawaii must have looked like before it was overdeveloped, but it has been a few years..I love traveling!
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Are you still in CA? Welcome to our state 🙂
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Yep! Now we’re in LA! Thanks Michael!
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come north..we want to hang with you guys!
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Next time! 🙂
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deal!
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I left my heart…. and probably my brain, too, now that I think about it. I really enjoyed your photo essay, Susie. Though Boulder’s my lovely home, now, the Bay Area will always be my real home. You can take the blonde out of Cali….
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Hahaha! At least you are a natural blonde Elaine! Thanks for stopping by. It is beautiful. I love the bay area too!
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Lovely photos, Susie, lovely post. You make me long once again for Cali.
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Thanks Ray!
I love going there for vacation especially Santa Barbara. It is a lot like Boulder!
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If I ever leave California, I’m sure I will miss it too. I feel the same connection you describe, so here I am, six years after moving here. thanks for the tribute to my adopted home state.
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I feel that way about Colorado too, but I will try to come to your lovely state at least once a year! Thanks for coming by!
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