bridges -
ghosts
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parks -
state -
beaches
Photo © Debbie Stock
A Southern Pacific railroad trestle which crosses the
creek was featured in an article in Reader's Digest. A Gaviota park ranger wrote
about its history as the "ghost bridge" which miraculously has withstood
earthquakes and numerous natural disasters during its hundred some odd years
of existence. The park ranger reports that ghosts of the bridge may exist
in some form. The Ghost Bridge eerily sits near Highway 101 with a backdrop
of the blue Pacific Ocean. It is visible only when the brush is cleared from
the southbound lanes. Another great bridge that holds many tales of
the past is located further south at a place designated as a roadside vista.
Turn off the road some time and wander onto the old bridge sandwiched
between the railroad track and Highway 101. This forgotten bridge that once
served the first Highway traffic has incredible character, much like Ghost
Bridge.
The Gaviota Coast in Santa Barbara County, California,
lies between Coal Oil Point in Goleta and Point Sal near
Lompoc and includes coastal watersheds from the top of a ridge to the ocean. Comprising
only 15% of Southern California's coast, it contains about 50% of its remaining
rural coastline. Orchards produce crops such as macadamia nuts and avocados.
Now a sparsely populated coastal region which enjoys abundant marine life,
coastal streams, and mild climate, it is believed that Chumash Indians
made this one of their most active community and port locations for hundreds
of years.
There's something really special about Gaviota. From the
Park Ranger who wrote a Reader's Digest article about the Ghost Bridge
(see photo below), to this reader who shares remembrances, Gaviota holds
special meaning to many who have visited.
The last time I saw
GAVIOTA was in 1979. It was pretty much as I remembered it as a child.
I remember taking walks with my mother hand in hand down the beach south
to the drain tunnel that ran under the railroad tracks which drained onto
the beach. I remember Tim the Lifeguard baby sitting me on the beach
as my mom would fish on the peer . I was so proud sitting on the lifeguard
stand with my larger than life friend., no one could touch me !
Making the rounds with Van
the ranger, cleaning the bathrooms with him, taking ocean temps, and helping
out in the ranger station as I looked into the playground with the one
merry-go-round, large and small swing set..Friends that came and gone each
year but never forgotten..Oh yes, not to forget Mac who ran the store and
seemed to be the keeper of the peer, The rows of trees that separated the
trailer camping to my brother signing his and his girlfriends name on one
of the tressel supports.I probably know more about that place than most
know about there own home town.
GAVIOTA will always be in
my heart no matter what changes have been made.the sounds of the trains
passing over head, the waves crashing on the beach echoing thru the canyon
will never change..Mark Benavente...
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Gaviota State Park is a popular spot for swimming, picnicking
and surf fishing. This section of the coast
was first called "gaviota" (seagull) by soldiers of the Portola Expedition in 1769. A pier on the west end of the beach is
used by divers and surfers. A Southern Pacific
railroad trestle crosses the creek above the day-use parking lot. Visitors can explore the upland portions of the park from
a trailhead in the parking area. Gaviota Peak
offers a view of the coast and the Channel Islands.
Location/Directions: The park is located 33 miles west
of Santa Barbara on U.S. 101. State Parks
Management District: Channel Coast County: Santa
Barbara Nearest City: Buellton Telephone: (805) 968-1033
Operating hours: call the park. Local
Reservations...first-come...first-served campgrounds Please contact
the park directly for detailed camping availability information.
Statewide fee schedules information for boating, camping, tours, parking,
and passes. 50 developed campsites The park is wheelchair accessible.
The weather
Gaviota State Park is a popular spot for swimming, picnicking
and surf fishing. This section of the coast
was first called "gaviota" (seagull) by soldiers of the Portola Expedition in 1769. A pier on the west end of the beach is
used by divers and surfers. A Southern Pacific
railroad trestle crosses the creek above the day-use parking lot. Visitors can explore the upland portions of the park from
a trailhead in the parking area. Gaviota Peak
offers a view of the coast and the Channel Islands.
Location/Directions: The park is located 33 miles west
of Santa Barbara on U.S. 101. State Parks
Management District: Channel Coast County: Santa
Barbara Nearest City: Buellton Telephone:
(805) 968-1033 Operating hours: call the park.
Local Reservations...first-come...first-served campgrounds Please contact the park directly for detailed camping availability
information. Statewide fee schedules information
for boating, camping, tours, parking, and passes. 50
developed campsites The park is wheelchair accessible.
The weather can be changeable and layered clothing is recommended.
