Port Heuneme is home to the Navy Construction Battalion on the West Coast. When WW-II broke out, civilian construction workers were prohibited by the Geneva conventions from participating in the fighting. The CB's or "SeaBee's" were created to allow combat engineering in support of the Navy & Marine Corps. The Bee holding a Tommy gun in his front feet and tools in his back ones, symbolizes the dual role of construction and combat.
We drove to Oxnard's beach and we stunned at the beauty!
Wonderful sandy beaches and a great view of the Channel Islands off shore (plus a few oil drilling rigs!)
The beach hosts a number of very nice looking residential neighborhoods and some condos.
We didn't ask how much!
A few miles up the coast, we visited Channel Island National Park. This boat is used by the Parks Department to shuttle visitors out to the islands - which form the Park! Unfortunately, time did not permit us to visit the Islands.
From the top deck of the National Park Visitor center, we could see next ultimate destination - Ventura.
Our first stop in Ventura was Surfer's Point, where some of the best surfing in California is said to be had. The surf seemed pretty modest but there were an abundance of surfers to enjoy what was to be had.
This dude used a paddle to propel his board back out into the open water to await the "right" wave. He then used the paddle to chase the wave when it came along. He never had to be in the water (unless he fell, of course). Since we have learned this is the new way of surfing.
We traveled to the center of Ventura (named after Saint Bonaventure) to the San Buenaventura Mission Church which still serves a large parish.
The church is kept in wonderful condition yet still reflects its heritage.
Father Junipero Serra established many of the Missions along the coast of California and is revered by the faithful.
After the mission, we walked to the Ortega Adobe.
If you have ever eaten any Ortega brand Mexican food, here is where it all started!
This small Adobe Hacienda is the original home of this family and is preserved by the City, proud of one of it's favorite sons. The house is well preserved and outfitted with typical items of the era.
The bicycle leaning against the wall gives you an idea of the modest nature of the home.
At day's end, we visited Dr Priest who applied an epoxy seal to Theresa's broken tooth. He warned it was fragile, but would probably last until we get home in March - if Theresa was careful not to use that side to chew!
We made it back to the Navy Lodge in time to listen to President Obama's state-of-the-union address.
Tomorrow - Hurst Castle & Solvang!
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