Day 15: A matter of good taste

We started our day by leaving the ocean views for vineyards and garden fields busy with workers along the highway. Row upon of strawberries, cauliflower, and many other vegetables in various states of readiness to be picked or planted. Bryan was very interested in the irrigation systems used and almost stopped to ask someone about their farming practices. I did stop....long enough to buy a box of the sweetest, juiciest strawberries that I have ever tasted. Imagine the many hours of intensive, manual labour to continuous crop this land. I will appreciate their efforts even more when  I pick up veggies at the grocery store.

I continued on past the Vandenberg Air Force Base, the place where long range missiles are tested, and arrived at a park just before Lompoc. While I waited for Bryan with his lunch, I met Tim who tried his best to sell me on the benefits of  ham radio in areas with limited cell phone coverage. His demonstration included response calls from as far away as Florida. Pretty impressive! He also kindly supplied me with advice on how to navigate our route, including 10 AAA maps of the area. Five of them were of the LA area alone! When he left with his 2 grand daughters, another helpful soul arrived with his 4 grandkids. While we chatted, Bryan arrived. By the time we left, we felt a connection with Rob who blessed us by praying for us.
Both Tim and Rob were good ambassadors of California and, even more importantly, of God's love.

We diverted from the 101 to Highway 246, towards the" Denmark of California", Solvang. I booked into the Viking Inn with our kind Oriental hosts, then headed downtown to explore the fabled shops, including so many bakeries. While I was gone, Bryan completed his 100 km for the day, had a rest and came to find me. This town tastefully celebrates the heritage that the 3 Danish founders hoped to preserve when they started the folk school here in the early 1900's. The shops are classy and interesting, the baking looks amazing, and there are lots of places to stay and eat.The farmers' market was colorful with an overwhelming variety of produce and products. After our walkabout, we relaxed in the sunny courtyard of the motel. Bryan also had a chance to compare notes with cyclists and get advice from the owners of a bike shop, which encourages him to set his goal for Ventura back on the 101 tomorrow. Later for supper, Bryan did justice to the Danish smorgasbord.. We look forward to Danish pastries for breakfast....mmmm so tasty!