Santa Ynez Valley
I can’t recall if it was an accident or on purpose? I entered the little town of Solvang in the middle of nowhere, California. It was almost like finding the Wonka Factory…almost. I was driving through what became stressfully winding roads amongst beautiful trees and woods, there were so many twists and turns I felt like I was playing old-skool Pole Position and trying to keep up pace so as not to upset the speedy locals behind me. 
The sun was warm and as delicious as the smells coming out of the chocolate shops. I strolled around for hours, snapping pictures and enjoying the adorable secret little town I had discovered, picturing myself living there in an old Danish house with a windmill. The town was littered with tourists but, I still enjoyed watching in-house clog shoes being made in front of my eyes…wishing I could afford a pair. As the sun went down, restaurants and bars opened their doors and lit candles, creating a Dickins-esque feel to the darkening scene. Although there is nothing epic to report on this excursion, it was just one of those evenings, like many others, on the road where I enjoyed “a day off” to stroll, relax and soak up the unexpected. As promised to myself every night, I left around 6pm as the sun dissolved into the hillside to ensure that I found camp before dark. Good night, Solvang.
American Drifter 