Photoblogging Santa Barbara/Reagan Ranch

By Michelle Malkin  •  October 20, 2007 12:36 AM

I’ll be spending a large chunk of my birthday on a plane later today, but the opportunity to visit the Young America’s Foundation offices and the Reagan Ranch was well worth it. Quite a special treat. After speaking to students, staff, and local YAF supporters in Santa Barbara, I drove up to visit Rancho del Cielo with the kids and fellow lecturers. The ranch truly reflects the essence of the man–there’s a spirituality about it, infused with modesty, self-reliance, and purposefulness. In other words: Quintessentially American. Quintessentially Reagan.

A few fun tidbits: President Reagan laid the linoleum flooring in the tiny, 1,500-square-foot home himself. There’s no central heating; just two fireplaces warmed the house. Naturally, Reagan chopped the wood himself. The showerhead at the ranch’s modest bathroom is a replica of the Liberty Bell. A few deer, horses, and cattle still roam the acreage.

The visit was both inspiring and dispiriting–an infectious reminder of Reagan’s enduring greatness, strength, and character, but also a depressing reminder of how small, mediocre, and wanting our current crop of Republican presidential candidates (let alone the rest of the GOP leadership) seem by comparison.

Sigh.

Here are a few photos:

santa barbara sunrise
Sunrise in Santa Barbara

reagan jeep scrambler
YAF headquarters, in front of Reagan’s Jeep Scrambler


The entrance to Rancho del Cielo


A Gone With the Wind parody poster featuring RR and Margaret Thatcher

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Comments


  1. #1
    On October 20th, 2007 at 12:50 am, steveegg said:

    Happy (still slightly early) birthday. It just isn’t official until it’s that day where you are.

    Great pics.

  2. #2
    On October 20th, 2007 at 12:51 am, ttevolla said:

    It seems you had the famous pleasant California weather for your day here.

  3. #3
    On October 20th, 2007 at 12:54 am, BRY said:

    Happy b-day Michelle, hope you are having fun. I’m sure it was hard resisting the urge to get behind the wheel of that jeep though :)

  4. #4
    On October 20th, 2007 at 12:56 am, gatewaypundit said:

    Happy Birthday!
    It looks like you had a wonderful day.

  5. #5
    On October 20th, 2007 at 1:32 am, BrianNY said:

    …infused with modesty, self-reliance, and purposefulness. In other words: Quintessentially American. Quintessentially Reagan.

    Bingo.

    I had the honor of listening to many hours of Ronald Reagan’s three minute radio addresses from 1975 to 1979. All of the above qualities sum up his amazing thoughts and personality.

    It’s also amazing to learn that he personally researched and hand wrote every one of those thousand hours of radio broadcasts. The man was a wealth of knowledge, insight and leadership.

    The Kennedy’s refused to debate him on radio and television after he cleaned Bobby’s clock on many various issues..

    The audio collection is called, “Reagan In His Own Voice” by Kiron K. Skinner and I highly recommend it.

    His broadcast on what would happen to Southeast Asia if the US pulled out of Vietnam is outright chilling.

  6. #6
    On October 20th, 2007 at 1:48 am, SteveG said:

    Happy Birthday!!!

    I’ve been hard on you over immigration, but hey, if I’d have known you were in my home town I’d have rolled out the red carpet.
    Glad you enjoyed your stay

  7. #7
    On October 20th, 2007 at 3:09 am, graysonret said:

    Happy Birthday, Michelle. What a nice place to spend it, too. We surely could use another Ronald Reagan today.

  8. #8
    On October 20th, 2007 at 3:17 am, puhiawa said:

    I was going to skip, but…….Happy Birthday. You look great and may you have many more! {Michelle}

  9. #9
    On October 20th, 2007 at 3:38 am, SirKnob said:

    Happy Birthday Ms Malkin, I hope you and yours have a really great day :-)

  10. #10
    On October 20th, 2007 at 5:07 am, Texhoma said:

    God, I miss him. Thank you Michelle, and Happy Birthday.

  11. #11
    On October 20th, 2007 at 6:24 am, Chuck said:

    Happy Birthday Michelle

    And many more

  12. #12
    On October 20th, 2007 at 7:06 am, PBoilermaker said:

    Happy Birthday!

  13. #13
    On October 20th, 2007 at 7:10 am, Thunderbird 1 said:

    Aw, what the heck. I was holding out until I might someday shake your hand in person, but “Happy Birthday, Michelle, but most of all – thank you!”

    Here’s an un-”conventional” UP arrow to wish you many more: ^

  14. #14
    On October 20th, 2007 at 7:11 am, trailortrash said:

    Happy Birthday Michelle!!

  15. #15
    On October 20th, 2007 at 7:30 am, Phiber0p said:

    Happy Birthday Michelle! Enjoy your day!
    :)

  16. #16
    On October 20th, 2007 at 7:57 am, FloridaBill said:

    Happy Birthday Michelle!!!

    Hope the kids got you good presents, like maybe an iPhone?

  17. #17
    On October 20th, 2007 at 8:03 am, JammieWearingFool said:

    I plan on visiting the Reagan Library when I’m out there in the spring, and hopefully can get up to Santa Barbara as well.

    Looks lovely.

    Happy birthday, Michelle.!

  18. #18
    On October 20th, 2007 at 8:10 am, almeehan said:

    A very special Happy Birthday to a genuine person who is a great inspiration to me and to many Americans.I also like your outfit and those boots! Those are real butt kickin boots and you have a special gift for kicking the right(left) people in the butt. Keep on applying those boots and have nice big piece of cake and some great ice cream with the kids and hubby.

  19. #19
    On October 20th, 2007 at 8:11 am, Walldog said:

    Everyone at RonaldReagan.Com wishes you a Happy Birthday, Michelle!

  20. #20
    On October 20th, 2007 at 8:36 am, JHSII said:

    Happy Birthday Michelle!!!! :-D

    My birthday before last was spent on the road too – it was much better than the usual. :-)

  21. #21
    On October 20th, 2007 at 8:41 am, malkin_fan said:

    Happy Birthday Michelle

  22. #22
    On October 20th, 2007 at 9:12 am, Perk said:

    thank you for adding this site for me to my list of must visit.

  23. #23
    On October 20th, 2007 at 9:25 am, ajmontana said:

    Happy Birthday Michelle!!!!

    From the M-6
    “Cake”

  24. #24
    On October 20th, 2007 at 9:26 am, On-my-soap-box said:

    I thought I gave you the day off with pay!!!

    Even on your Birthday, you are here for us. That sets you apart – you are special.

    Be Blessed.

    Soap

  25. #25
    On October 20th, 2007 at 9:36 am, ajmontana said:

    Good morning soap. 8)

  26. #26
    On October 20th, 2007 at 9:39 am, Regulus said:

    Happy B-Day, Michelle!

  27. #27
    On October 20th, 2007 at 9:42 am, On-my-soap-box said:

    Yo AJ,

    You feeling better?

  28. #28
    On October 20th, 2007 at 9:44 am, ajmontana said:

    Yes, Thanks, :)

  29. #29
    On October 20th, 2007 at 9:51 am, michiganmom said:

    Happy Birthday Michelle! From one October baby to another. Isn’t October a beautiful month for birthday celebrations!

  30. #30
    On October 20th, 2007 at 9:58 am, DesertLover said:

    Happy Birthday Michelle … and many many more …

  31. #31
    On October 20th, 2007 at 10:01 am, zorro said:

    Nice photos. I’ve always believed that President Reagan was truly Heaven sent. His eight years had the effect of pressing the reset button on World Politics.

    Happy Birthday and may God Bless you and your family!

  32. #32
    On October 20th, 2007 at 10:08 am, allrsn said:

    Happy Birthday1

  33. #33
    On October 20th, 2007 at 10:08 am, josetheguerilla said:

    Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!! Thanks for the pics.

    but also a depressing reminder of how small, mediocre, and wanting our current crop of Republican presidential candidates (let alone the rest of the GOP leadership) seem by comparison.MM

    That’s because nobody rides horses anymore. You might hurt the horse!!!!!

  34. #34
    On October 20th, 2007 at 10:15 am, mojoe said:

    Happy Birthday Michelle, and many more.

    All you needed was a hawaiian shirt and a camera around your neck and you’d have fit right in with the tourist types.

    I agree, it is depressing that there isn’t someone comparable in politics today.

  35. #35
    On October 20th, 2007 at 10:27 am, Kevin K. said:

    Happy Birthday, Michelle! May you have as many more as you want. Hope that you get some good family time for your celebration . The trip to the Reagan Ranch with all those good people is a good beginning on the celebration, though. Thanks for your work.

  36. #36
    On October 20th, 2007 at 10:29 am, Boomer said:

    Happy Birthday Michelle! Have a safe trip home and thanks for the wonderful pictures. Santa Barbara area was still a beautiful place the last time I was there (circa 1980s). Hopefully the Department of Homeland Insecurity TSA folks won’t bother you too much. With all the grief you have been giving their inept boss I am surprised he hasn’t put you on the do not fly list yet.

  37. #37
    On October 20th, 2007 at 10:39 am, T J Green said:

    Reagan history any day is a treat! Happy Birthday, M!

  38. #38
    On October 20th, 2007 at 10:46 am, Tennessee Dave said:

    Michelle,
    Happy Birthday! Today is my birthday also. My wife is taking me out for BBQ tonight. I hope you have some good birthday eats.
    Live long and prosper!
    Dave

  39. #39
    On October 20th, 2007 at 11:20 am, Boomer said:

    Happy Birthday! Tennessee Dave may you also have many more to look forward to. Enjoy the BBQ!

  40. #40
    On October 20th, 2007 at 11:23 am, ajmontana said:

    Yummmmmmmm, BBQ. Happy B-day to you also. :)

  41. #41
    On October 20th, 2007 at 11:23 am, BOB said:

    Happy Birthday Michelle!!

    Have some dark chocolate hot-fudge cake with ice cream for me. I’m a diabetic but I can still remember how good it was.

  42. #42
    On October 20th, 2007 at 11:25 am, 30 pcs of silver said:

    Happy Birthday!

    Adding Santa Barbara/Reagan Ranch to the list of vacations…

  43. #43
    On October 20th, 2007 at 11:37 am, IrishEyes said:

    Happy birthday, Michelle. I hope you really enjoy your visit.

    I still remember being on vacation in the area when President Reagan died. It felt like the true end of an era. I don’t think I’ve quite gotten over it. It sure would help if the GOP had someone comparable today. Sigh.

  44. #44
    On October 20th, 2007 at 12:03 pm, stacman said:

    Have a very Happy Birthday!

    It sounds (and looks) like you found a great way to spend it.

    Thanks for sharing it…

  45. #45
    On October 20th, 2007 at 12:23 pm, USMCgramma said:

    Happy birthday and thanks for being you!

  46. #46
    On October 20th, 2007 at 12:24 pm, greenfairie said:

    Welcome to Cali, Michelle, and happy birthday!

    I’ve got to go visit the Reagan Presidential Library and make a trip out to the ranch in SB sometime. So much to see here, so little time!

  47. #47
    On October 20th, 2007 at 12:39 pm, amerpun said:

    Happy Birthday Michelle!

  48. #48
    On October 20th, 2007 at 12:53 pm, Mulligan said:

    Happy birthday Michelle! God bless you and your family always. Thanks so much for the lovely pictures, and all the great work you do.

  49. #49
    On October 20th, 2007 at 1:15 pm, meatpieandtatters said:

    Happy birthday, Michelle. Great pics!

  50. #50
    On October 20th, 2007 at 1:33 pm, Speakup said:

    Last week the candle factory burned down. Everyone just stood around and sang, ‘Happy Birthday’.

    There is still no cure for the common birthday.

    Happy birthday to yooou!

  51. #51
    On October 20th, 2007 at 1:41 pm, RetFireman said:

    Happy Birthday, and I am jealous, jealous, jealous, jealous as Hell jealous.

    Did I mention I am jealous?

  52. #52
    On October 20th, 2007 at 1:54 pm, teresafromtejas said:

    Happy Birthday!

  53. #53
    On October 20th, 2007 at 2:19 pm, Glamchild said:

    There’s a sweet simplicity about the place. We always hear about the personal wealth, and trustfunds of Republicans. Not Reagan. Ronald Reagan grew up completely poor, and was self-made—as were many of the Reagan Kitchen Cabinet.

    They may have amassed private wealth through their own efforts, but most of those were self-made men. The Reagans were not fabulously wealthy, but they did have wealthy friends…..which comes in handy!

  54. #54
    On October 20th, 2007 at 2:20 pm, Glamchild said:

    Ooops. Happy Birthday!

  55. #55
    On October 20th, 2007 at 2:40 pm, Bornin58 said:

    Happy Birthday Michelle !!!!

  56. #56
    On October 20th, 2007 at 2:53 pm, 24Klady said:

    Happy Birthday Michelle and to the others celebrating also. Wishing you God’s richest blessings and a safe trip home.

  57. #57
    On October 20th, 2007 at 3:39 pm, CC said:

    Happy birthday, Michelle! You look 21, but have the wisdom of of someone several times your real age (whatever that may be), and the courage of a lioness.

    Thank you for your loyalty, patriotism dedication, and endless spunk.

  58. #58
    On October 20th, 2007 at 3:54 pm, mucho muchacho said:

    This is a must see for anyone interested in the Reagans or their ranch:

    “Huell gets a tour of the Santa Barbara ranch home of President Ronald
    Reagan and his wife, Nancy, who named it Rancho del Cielo. Huell hears
    stories about the historic events that took place there, as well as more
    personal stories from a former secret service agent assigned to President
    Reagan”.

    California’s Gold #127 – REAGAN RANCH

  59. #59
    On October 20th, 2007 at 5:02 pm, Christian Soldier said:

    Dear Michelle-Happy Birthday and MANY more! You are doing a great service for this country.

    A note of encouragement: the growing numbers of Patriots here in SOCAL are becomming more vocal.

  60. #60
    On October 20th, 2007 at 7:49 pm, Ali-Bubba said:

    Happy birthday. I think this makes you a Libra — just like me and John Lennon!

    Of course, only idiots believe in astrology, but I thought I’d point that out.

  61. #61
    On October 20th, 2007 at 10:52 pm, xplodeit said:

    Happy Birthday!

  62. #62
    On October 20th, 2007 at 11:50 pm, ArmywifeArmymom said:

    I hope you had a very happy birthday!

    The visit was both inspiring and dispiriting–an infectious reminder of Reagan’s enduring greatness, strength, and character, but also a depressing reminder of how small, mediocre, and wanting our current crop of Republican presidential candidates (let alone the rest of the GOP leadership) seem by comparison.

    Amen to that, 1000 times over!

  63. #63
    On October 21st, 2007 at 7:42 am, maurelius said:

    Michelle,

    Many of the photos you put up are underexposed. Pull out your camera’s manual and learn how to control exposure I would say most of the photos (not the photo of the sunset) need at least +1 if not more stops of exposure.

    This is kinda pet peeve of mine. Digital cameras allow us to view the shot immediately and there is no excuse NOT to get the proper exposure anymore.

    BTW, happy birthday inday.

  64. #64
    On October 21st, 2007 at 9:17 am, ajmontana said:

    It’s Sunrise and Oh brother. sheesh.

  65. #65
    On October 21st, 2007 at 11:07 am, Brian72 said:

    Happy Birthday Michelle, and here’s to many more! (swill of adult beverage)

  66. #66
    On October 21st, 2007 at 12:09 pm, maurelius said:

    Mea culpa on tagging the sunrise shot as a sunset shot.

    However, the subjects of the photos are very hard to discern and in order to see what the photos intend to convey one has to download the photo and tweak the brightness & contrast.

    Digital cameras make photography less costly, quicker, and easier. However, they still have to make assumptions about what they are looking at and it is up to the photographer to judge if the camera’s assumptions are correct and to override the camera when needed.

    Incidentally, I posted a photo on my blog yesterday giving a demonstration on how light affects colors at Blogger Beer. It isn’t the biggest deal in the world and there is no doubt this is common, but it would make for a better blog.

    The photo of the sign (with the horse) gives another good example. Was the subject the tree and the sky? I doubt it, but that is what is the camera set the exposure for and as a result we see a nice blue sky, nice green leaves and can barely see any detail on the underexposed subject.

    The shot after that the camera averages out the scene and gets it completely wrong. The windows are washed out (which I guess is completely acceptable) but the interior is again too dark.

  67. #67
    On October 21st, 2007 at 11:29 pm, RyanInSanJose said:

    A little late, but Happy Birthday, Michelle!

  68. #68
    On October 21st, 2007 at 11:35 pm, BOB said:

    Leave the camera in auto…the photos are fine.

  69. #69
    On October 22nd, 2007 at 4:02 am, blacktygrrrr said:

    Happy Birthday Double-M.

    Many more.

    eric

    http://www.blacktygrrrr.wordpress.com

  70. #70
    On October 22nd, 2007 at 7:25 am, roydee43 said:

    Happy Birthday (afterglow) Michelle!

    And thanks for the work you do and the causes you support and for helping direct our influences on important issues.

    And thanks for letting us have a chance to blog and read the opinions other conservatives.

    And may your influence and wisdom continue to grow.

  71. #71
    On October 22nd, 2007 at 9:22 am, Lan Astaslem said:

    I know it’s belated, but I still wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday Michelle. Here’s to many, many more!

    I miss Ronald Reagan…

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