10/31/25. Ventura, CA Surfers Paradise

What a gorgeous place. The ocean air is so pure at the beach, while was watch the surfers dancing on their boards through the waves.

When I spent my life in CA before heading east 16 years ago, I lived in Northern California, Marin County, just over the Golden Gate Bridge. It was lovely ... but not a beach town.

On my return, I have been led to the Pacific ocean, on the Central California coast, to the pageantry of the endless ocean. It is so refreshing and God-blessed. I still cannot believe I am here.

Dog are allowed on the beaches in CA. In Ventura, the promenade runs along the beach and folks parade with their doggies ... and cats.

We came across a Bengal cat that Chelsea played with for quite a while. Worth watching this very brief video.

This went on longer ... so adorable ... they were not dog and cat; they were God's creation together!

And then ... one of the surfers got off his board, grabbed his pit bull and did this. Teaching him to surf?

On the Ventura Promenade most walkers are either dog walkers, bikers mostly towing surf boards, or folks wandering aimlessly along as they praise the beauty of it all. People are lovely here. Chelsea charms everyone so we get to greet many ... and always say "have a blessed day". They light up.

And the waves were this large and surfers were catching them like I'm sure God intended.

Ventura is a big dog town ... so they also have humungous parks where dogs can meet and greet without leash ... this park called Arroyo Verde is at least a half-mile across with hiking paths up the surrounding mountains. Any time of day dogs make it their own.

This is where I met Gail and Armando, separately, who have become my friends here. We attended a church here on Sunday, Ventura Missionary Church. I'm going to make it my church here for now, while LifePoint will forever be my family church.

Chelsea's best bud has been Lexi, Paul's Cavalier Kiing Charles Spaniel. She's now buds with Armando's large and gentle German Shepherd, Zeus. He likes to protect Chelsea from the big dogs; little does he realize that she loves big dogs the most.

We also frequent the Botanical Gardens, also with miles of hiking trails. Here's Chelsea and I with Surfer's Point in the background and Father Junipero Serra's cross. He planted 9 along the CA coast.

The undeveloped beaches too are my favorite. This beach called Solima is just 6 minutes north of my temporary home here in Ventura. I think it's my favorite spot now ... but this changes daily.

Dogs are allowed on all the beaches here with few exceptions. Yesterday Chelsea encountered another favorite large dog ... quite the exotic creature.

The tail really winds in a full circle and his Afghan fur is soooooo soft. His name is Mo.

He looks a lot heavier than 60 lbs ... most of it his fur. Here's a video of he and Chelsea.

I cannot express how much I love it here, the weather, the beaches, the mountains. I feel God flowing through me nearly constantly. The growth I received at LifePoint is manifesting so fully as I return to where I most belong, a thoroughly changed person.

And ... finally ... one must find a way to really relax while overlooking the Pacific Ocean ... this is the way --- your very own mobile hammock attached to your car's tow bar!

💜 Love to all ... I'm be moving into my 700 sf condo in Santa Barbara 12/15.