Direct from Hadsten House In Solvang, California: Two Breakfasts A Dinner And A Dip!

I started the day off yesterday by going to Mass at the Mission Santa Ines. Started in 1804 it sufered under the earthquake of 1812 where part of the Mission was destroyed but it was rebuilt in 1817 and has had continuous services since. A place that has something for both the religious and not so religious, the Mission has a lovely garden some of it from plants introduced by the original founders. The place is a focal point of tranquility and serenity.
I had the usual great breakfast at Hadsten House and then quietly had my second cup of coffee while seated outside my room watching people and traffic while also looking off in the distance as vultures flew round and round above the Santa Rita Hills.
Shortly after, my daughter Taryn and her friend Victoria informed us that they were going to do some shopping in Solvang and Darlene informed me that she wanted pancakes. So off we went to Paula's Pancake House for some treats. Now, I was not that hungry but could not resist "Paula's Special" of two humungous pancakes complete with choice of fruit topping and whipped cream (as if I needed that)! Darlene had three Buttermilk pancakes with Blueberry topping.
De-e-e l-i-c-i-o-u-s!!!!
Darlene and I then went onto a horse drawn trolley ride around Solvang and then looked into some stores. Returning to the room we were informed that the girls would be ready to eat very shortly. "Yes, your Majesties!!!"
About two hours later we set sail for the Los Olivos Cafe, made famous in the movie, Sideways. It seems that this movie has had a great deal of influence in Santa Barbara County and many places still advertise its making. Los Olivos Cafe does not need any advertising. It is known for its great entrees and fine food. The staff is top knotch and the owner, Sam Marmorstein has his own winery called Ber Nat Vineyards which makes some of the best Chardonnay and Syrah anywhere.
Executive Chef Nat Ely produces gourmet items that are not only delicious and unique but satisfy. I never leave feeling that I really didn't get my share. You all must try the Los Olivos Burger and some of his great pizza dishes----the Florentine is my favourite.
After munching down our food (again, I really didn't need it but----) and a brief visit to the Jedlikas Tack Store, we were off to Refugio Beach State Park. This is a large park about 15 miles south of Solvang on the 101 Highway! There is much frontage and the beach seems to go on forever. Last year when we were here we could see the whales in the far distance as they came up to spout their air and then plung again into the ocean.
The beach is very clean and groves of Palm trees line the length of it. The water can be cold but this did not deter the young ladies from going down for an inspection.
The girls decided that they did not wish to go but go they did. Once there, it was: "Let's go to the water and dip our feet!"
This turned into a "free for all" whereby they got soaked while doing "wave surfing". They had a ball! They also informed us that they DID bring their suits but they thought doing in with their clothes was more fun that in their suits------Sometimes the "ladder just doesn't make it to the window." They are teens after all! Darlene commented that this was the first time that people changed from wet clothes to come home in their bathing suits!
The rest of the night was uneventful and we settled down without much of anything!