CALIFORNIA!

[KB]

BostonBob, I too grew up in Redondo through the 70's and the Riviera Village was one of my favorite hangouts. Learned to surf at and through the Horseshoe (pier) but mostly surfed Topaz/Saphire, Ave C and El Porto and spent my days cruising the strand from Torrance Beach to MB pier. Lived a while on 2nd st. in Hermosa, best time of my life. Want to get back down there for a visit but will have to settle for pics for now.

[Calindy]

I have lived in So Cal for over 26 years, and I remember that this time of year the smell of orange blossoms was so strong, I loved that smell! It seems to have faded away...I guess because houses have replaced the orange groves

[love_walnuts]

I have lived in So Cal for over 26 years, and I remember that this time of year the smell of orange blossoms was so strong, I loved that smell! It seems to have faded away...I guess because houses have replaced the orange groves

http://www.fillmoreca.com/
Simply take a trip to the lovely town of Fillmore. The oranges are in bloom and the aroma will be great. You could take a ride on the historic train at this time. In fact, Hillbilly and Mrs. Hillbilly have possibly done a video about it. If they haven't, I feel sure they will.
While you are there, if there are small kidlets, you could take a small detour off the main highway and see the trout farm. It is truly a treat and the kids can feed the fish.
There is also a wine tasting shop there. Great for us older kids.

Nearby is the town of Santa Paula. Great little town, full of history. And just a short jaunt from there is Ventura and the Pacific Ocean. Many weekends I have taken the trip just to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

[love_walnuts]

Here is the sight you really want for Fillmore. The previous site I listed is a "city/government" site for locals... This is the site for visitors to the area known as "Heritage Valley"

http://www.heritagevalley.net/Fillmore.htm

[Bob C]

Simply take a trip to the lovely town of Fillmore.

I was just thru there yesterday. With all the rain we've had this past winter, the mountains thru that whole area, are a Most Excellent shade of green. Lots of wildflowers blooming, too. Very pretty.

[Hillbillies]

We did not go to through Fillmore this time.  We were near Fillmore last year in Santa Clarita for their Cowboy Days.  It was pretty fun.  We got to walk on the set of the HBO series Deadwood. 

Here is a video we did on Alcatraz.  One thing we did not mention in the video was how cool the head set tour was.  You get to put on a set of head phones and listen to a very descriptive narration by former prison guards, and inmates.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Amw5iBEO1Ec

[Hillbillies]

With the price of gas, some may not want to venture too far this summer in their RV.  The Newport Dunes is only about  85 miles from our area. 

The Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort is celebrating it's 50th anniversary this year.  Here is quick video we did featuring the resort.  The audio is pretty bad.  This was our first experience using our new sennheiser wireless microphone.  I am still trying to get the best setting.

click here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ymo3GKj364o

[Hillbillies]

We were down in Coronado last weekend for the Loews Coronado Bay Resort 3rd Annual Surfing Dogs Contest!  I could not believe how many people brought out their dogs for this event.  It was a lot of fun to watch.  Here is our video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sT_3Rw_IZtw

[K9luvr]

Gee, do they have body surfing competitions for dogs?  My black lab Jett used to love to body surf at a beach north of Ventura.  I'd wade out to chest deep water, call him to me, hold him until a wave came in and send him to the shore.  He LOVED it!

[Hillbillies]

Gee, do they have body surfing competitions for dogs?  My black lab Jett used to love to body surf at a beach north of Ventura.  I'd wade out to chest deep water, call him to me, hold him until a wave came in and send him to the shore.  He LOVED it!

That is a cool story about your dog K9.  We are actually thinking about getting a black lab. 

[K9luvr]

That is a cool story about your dog K9.  We are actually thinking about getting a black lab. 

   I strongly recommend Southern CA Labrador Retriever Rescue (sclrr.org) as a way to get a great lab for your family.  You have kids and the group will work very hard to match the right dog to your family.  Yes, they charge a fee but any dog you get from them will be up todate on all shots, spayed or neutered, etc.  Plus, they have them in a home in a foster situation or may do an owner referral so you can see the dog and make sure it will be a good match.  I was a volunteer for them for a few years.  The big key is they want this to be the dog's LAST home so they work very hard to make sure the dog is right for the adoptee and vice versa.  

If you do go the puppy route, PLEASE go to a reputable breeder that checks for hips (OFA) and eyes (CERT) and doesn't have more than one litter on the ground a year.  That will cost you big bucks but a good breeder will interview you as much as you interview them.  

O.K.  I'll get off my        

Labs are the BEST!

[Hillbillies]

Sorry off topic. 
That sounds good.  We will check into this rescue.  I know what you mean about breeders and the over littering they produce.  Our friend who used to work for a the vet in Phelan just got a lab puppy that was brought into the vet by a breeder who couldn't get rid of it.  The breeder wanted the vet to put it down!  She has had the puppy for awhile now and it is doing great with their other little dog.  We have a little shih tzu, so I am hoping a lab will be a good companion.

[Hillbillies]

Here is the first of a few videos we are going to do on Mammoth. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnZAiT6lKTc

This video hits upon a few things to do up there during the summer.  Skierbob gave us some cool tips on what to do from a local's perspective while visiting the area during summer.  Thanks again Skierbob.  We are hoping to get back up there to shoot some of your tips!

[Surfer_Dude]

Highly polished...well done.

[Hillbillies]

Highly polished...well done.

Thank you!  It's amazing how much time and effort goes into a cheesy 3 minute video.....

[Stitches]

Great work Hillbilly.  Yes.   It takes a long time to make it look so professional.    Veronica looks great, as usual.

[Hillbillies]

Great work Hillbilly.  Yes.   It takes a long time to make it look so professional.    Veronica looks great, as usual.

Thank you Stitches! 

[Hillbillies]

If you haven't been to Temecula in a while, you are in for a surprise.  The quality of the wines has really improved, and the tasting rooms are more on par with Napa and Sonoma.  In fact, South Coast Winery beat out both Northern wine counties to win Winery of the Year at the California State Fair.

Here is a video of our trip last weekend. If you are in the mood to go grape stomping, several festivals are still going on this season!

(Be sure to click "Watch in High Quality" when you go to the link)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWcHYDma6rE

[Buck]

If you haven't been to Temecula in a while, you are in for a surprise.  The quality of the wines has really improved, and the tasting rooms are more on par with Napa and Sonoma.  In fact, South Coast Winery beat out both Northern wine counties to win Winery of the Year at the California State Fair.

Here is a video of our trip last weekend. If you are in the mood to go grape stomping, several festivals are still going on this season!

(Be sure to click "Watch in High Quality" when you go to the link)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWcHYDma6rE

Funny timing...going there today.

[Hillbillies]

Have a great time!