I took his advice and decided to cap this adventure off in Santa Barbara at two of my most favorite pools. To make it extra special Dad and Bill made the journey from Portland and Denver to be part of this journey. We did it right by staying at the Four Seasons Biltmore making it a combination "boys trip" and Christmas party.
The first pool (#49) to tackle was a community pool, Los Banos Del Mar located by the Santa Barbara Harbor. It's a great outdoor long course pool built 50 years ago (kinda ironic) where you can see the sunrise over the mountains and boat basin. I have swam at this pool a few times in the past and was able to swim yet again with the Santa Barbara Masters morning crowd. It was a good workout and I recognized a handful of guys from past visits. Such a great feeling to swim outdoors!
After breakfast at the Cajun Kitchen it was time for a little culture at the Santa Barbara Mission. We took a self guided and learned of the important role the Franciscan friars had in the early history of California. We then knocked around State Street checking out old haunts. Late afternoon found us enjoying the luxury and holiday atmosphere of the Four Seasons in Montecito. To fuel up for the final pool the next morning we went to Los Arroyos for Mexican food and margaritas.
The grand finale and 50th pool was the historic private Coral Casino Beach & Cabana Club that sits on Butterfly Beach in Montectio. While I've had the opportunity to swim here in the past, every time I go I am blown away by this awesome outdoor 50 meter pool that's literally steps from the Pacific. Bill joined me for this swim and dad was there as the photographer and videographer to memorialize the occasion.
We capped our easy going workout off with a 50 fly (37 sec) followed by a jacuzzi overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Always thinking and one step ahead of the game, Bill thought the event wouldn't be complete without a dip in the chilly ocean. Speedo-clad we jumped in the ocean with the hoots and hollering of a bunch of surfer girls (in wetsuits) paddling past us out to the break.
Two awesome outdoor pools in beautiful Santa Barbara in two days with Dad and Bill I can't think of any better way to put a bow on this 50th Birthday project!
Looking forward to the next trip and many more swims in Santa Barbara!
Mission accomplished and ONWARD!
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