Tuesday January, 18th

Our first full day in Ventura.  Judy continues to regain her strength and it won't be long before she's back in the saddle of her Roadking Trike and we're off exploring the canyon roads here in southern California. 

Today we decided to explore the Old Town section of San Buenaventura, which is what it was called until 1891.  Named for St. Bonaventure, the Mission Church, founded in 1782, on Main Street still bears the original name.  The name was shortened to Ventura when the settlers came after the Civil War.

Today, the Old Town is filled with blocks of busy stores and shops.  Many thrift and antique stores, sidewalk cafes, book stores, bicycle shops, diners, bars and boutiques.  Even on a Tuesday morning the streets are filled with tourists and locals filing in and out of the establishments along Main Street.

Looking for breakfast, we happened upon the Busy Bee Cafe-Diner.  What a find!  A "Classic" fifties style joint, replete with red and white checker board tiles, red leather booths and two plays for a quarter juke boxes at every table.

Our order was taken by a pleated skirt and bobby sox wearing waitress as we dropped a coin in the box to listen to some Elvis and others.  Not only was the atmosphere great, but the food was too!  Traditional French toast, and sausage for me, and wheat French toast for Judy.  Everything is served hot with a whole red apple on the side.  A nice garnish and an even better take with you for later snack.

After breakfast we strolled in and out of some thrift and antique shoppes.  Observation:  Changing the name from Thrift to Antique increases the price by a minimum of 20%.  After a few purchases, we headed back to the resort.

After dinner, hot tub time!  Welcome to California.