As I noted yesterday, I had a two-day business trip to the Lompoc area and back. A few observations from the drive.
There are a lot more political signs in Santa Barbara County than there are down in LA. By signs, I mean the ones people put up on corners and in front of their houses. Congresscritters, measures, propositions, local stuff, and of course presidental candidates. North of Santa Barbara the Obama signs were few and far between; there was perhaps one or two, and perhaps 10-15 McCain-Palin signs. Surprisingly few bumperstickers or magnets (and nary a one on the AFB — for either side). Driving back today, however, I noticed that once I hit Santa Barbara the Obama stickers and signs just sprouted up.
There were at least 3 flagmen areas along San Marcos Pass (I’m referring to the Route 154 portion here, between Route 246 and US 101). It was down to a single lane in areas; it looks like they are widening the road. Lake Cachuma is down quite a bit. The hills are also quite brown — there could be a nasty fire season up there again.
This trip, I tried doing the US 101 to Route 23 and up to Route 118, instead of my usual gambit of taking Route 118 all the way across to Route 126. It was significantly fast. Again, freeway speeds trump the shorter route.
The new construction in Ventura is quite nice, although it is quite sad seeing the Wagon Wheel boarded up like that. For those unfamiliar with this icon, look here.
There was a lot more traffic on Route 118 going EB around 3:30pm than I’m used to. As I crossed into the San Fernando Valley, I tried to observe where the fire was. Other than right around DeSoto, there wasn’t that much visible damage from the freeway. They’ve already started reseeding.
Lastly, roadtrips be good for the beast. I did 342.5 mi on 10.554 gallons, for just around 32 mpg.
