| A new tour to discover the animals present amongst the sprawling forests, idyllic pastures, and foothills carpeted with gold and purple wildflowers north of Santa Barbara. Set amidst acres of wilderness flanked by the picturesque Santa Ynez and San Rafael Mountains, lies the shimmering blue Cachuma Lake. Wildlife abounds in and around the Lake and this cruise provides a perfect way to see it. An experienced naturalist will lead you on a fascinating cruise and point out the wildlife, wildflowers, resident and migratory birds. Bring binoculars to possibly catch a closer look at hummingbirds, hooded orioles, band-tailed pigeons, bright blue scrub jays, blackbirds, acorn woodpeckers, tiny finches and creamy mourning doves Learn about watersheds, the ecology of oak woodland, savannah, and lake habitats. Time at the Nature Center featuring touch tables, intriguing exhibits and hands-on activities to learn about Chumash that lived in the area, settler history, geology, birds, animals, plants, and more. Enjoy an included picnic lunch in a beautiful outdoor setting. Next, we continue north into the rolling hills of the Santa Ynez Valley to visit a family-run farm that has llamas, alpacas, sheep, ostriches and other animals. Not only will you be able to get up close with these animals but we’ll take a guided tour of the working mill that is used to make yarn from the animal fur. Required: rubber-soled, closed-toe walking shoes. Suggested: sunscreen, hat, and sweater or jacket as it can be cool on the water. |