Knapp's Castle
Knapp's Castle is one of the most popular and favorite place for sunset viewing. Knapp's Castle is located about 15 miles north from Santa Barbara. The simple hike can take up to 0.8 mile, which is about 20 min. Once you get to the top to the ruins , the view is unforgettable.
I decided to go in the after noon to get the perfect sunset but I also end up staying late for stargazing. The sunset was full of colors everywhere on both sides of the castle. As it got darker and the moon started to fade away from our view, the sky got brighter and the Milky Way got visible to the human eye. It got really cold but it was worth it.
The combination of colors in one side and the combination of other color on the other side were stunning. In Santa Barbara we tend to have the most amazing sunset because the city lies along the ocean and with the mountains also been close to the city we get the perfect weather. Maybe I can write next time on the sunsets and what places in Santa Barbara are perfect for sunset viewing. What you think?
According to an article written by a local online news The Independent, In 1940 the 160-acre Knapp property was purchased by Francis Holden, a close friend of the famous opera singer Lotte Lehmann. The two had planned on making it their mountain home. Within weeks, however, the main buildings were destroyed in a forest fire that left behind it a scattering of stone archways, solitary chimneys and other stonework that has become known since as Knapp’s Castle.
If you want to read more about the article, you can go to Knapp’s Castle Construction
The Knapp's Castle is a very special place for locals, because the castle is actually a private property, however the current and amazing owner has given access for people to visit the place. However he can prohibit the place at any time, some people say that sometimes you can find him camping at night. I would love to camp there as well.
We can only show him some type of appreciation by taking care of this place as visitors and respecting his decision when this place is not open for the public.
Going back to my experience at the castle, once the moon was all set up on the dark blue sky, you could see the warm sun hiding through the Santa Ynez Mountains bringing cold temperatures and an amazing view to the moon.
I was able to take a look at the moon with a telescope and what I saw was something I will never forget. I saw a close up of the waxing crescent moon.
If it wasn't enough of the solar system beauty I was also able to see Saturn! It was small but the "Saturn rings" were so bright it made it easier to look with the telescope. Mother nature was definitely working in our favor.
