Solvang Motorcycle Museum

February 17, 2024

We based at Vandenberg SFB for a month. Our primary objective was to kill some time at a reasonably safe and affordable place before venturing further in the quest for the California National Parks. While the parks are open year-round, snow in the mountains might mean activities are not available or stores and museums are still closed.

So, one Saturday morning we ventured over to Solvang, a touristy Danish town. Indeed, I hadn't seen that much Danish stuff since we were in Holland, MI. Our goal was the Solvang Motorcycle Museum, which is only open on weekends. The museum is one guy's collection. It focused primarily on vintage and racing bikes, including two one-of-a-kind bikes. Harold really geeked out. Daniel, the docent, has a passion for the bikes and is quite willing to answer questions. 

1922 Megola and 1932 Brough Superior

Has its own Hot Wheels version

Spare tire included

1921 Mars 1000

Yale

Velux one of one 

Honda one of one

1915 Militaire

1957 Aermacchi Chimera

Jawa Ice Racer

1949 Vincent Black Lightning

Where Are We Going Next?

Channel Islands National Park

February 3, 2024

We were going to content ourselves with a stop at the mainland visitor center for Channel Islands National Park. A day trip involved a boat ride and the islands themselves have little or no infrastructure. The weather would be too cold for swimming, and we're not much on water activities. So did we really want to shell out the money for a boat ride just to walk around an island for a bit? 

In the end, we found a half-day wildlife cruise around Anacapa Island. The cruise did not stop on the island itself, just cruised by landmarks such as the lighthouse, famous Arch Rock and Keyhole Arch. We saw dolphin pods and seals resting on the rocks, and lots of birds. It was a pleasant way to spend a morning. 

A couple of days later, after the atmospheric rivers had dumped rain on the area, we made it to the visitor center in Ventura. Got to get that passport stamp!

Away we go!

Oil rig platform

Watching a pod of dolphins

Anacapa in the green

Arch Rock with seals on the left

Arch Rock and lighthouse

Where Are We Going Next?