Oil, Water, Fire

As we drove into Santa Barbara, the thickening layer of smoke overhead was a suffocating reminder that the surrounding hills were on fire. So, naturally, we headed for the water!-- Only in retrospect do I realize that not even this ocean could save us if the flames came close because of the tip a friend gave me: the beaches in this city are soiled by oil spills. While the sand and water appear clean, you'll later notice the blackness on your feet as you leave the beach. (Windex will take care of that!) The oil riggers dotting the horizon confirmed this warning, so we avoided the beach and visited Stearn's Wharf. -- Stearn's Wharf was a beautiful little tourist trap with free validated parking after a purchase at a gift shop. The ocean breeze kept the smoke out of the air, and the large pelicans and sea lions kept the wonder in the air. It's amazing that the wildlife continues to survive despite our filth. I'm afraid that one day we'll find the joke's on us.