We'll catch a morning flight from Buffalo to Los Angeles and drive the Pacific Coast Highway to Ventura, arriving at our hotel, the beachfront Crowne Plaza , in the late afternoon. Since each room has a mini-fridge and microwave, we'll also make a run to the local grocery store so you don't have to eat out every meal. Student free time begins around 7 p.m. Suggestions: Bring a daypack (water, snacks, journal, clothes), and wear comfortable, layered clothes. Total walking: 1 mile.
After morning meditation on the beach, we'll spend the day on a walking tour of downtown Ventura, including stops at San Buenaventura Mission, Serra Cross Park, and Surfer's Point. Student free time begins around 3 p.m. Suggestions: Bring a daypack (water, snacks, sunscreen, journal, clothes), and wear comfortable, layered clothes. Total walking: 7 miles.
After morning meditation on the beach, we'll catch a ferry to Santa Cruz Island for a day of hiking. Our trail offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and possible sightings of the Santa Cruz Island fox, a formerly endangered species endemic to the Channel Islands. We'll spend part of the hike in silence, lost in the expanse of sky and sea, before returning to the mainland on the afternoon ferry. If we're lucky, we'll spot a few dolphins or migrating whales along the way. Student free time begins around