I have ventured 30 miles north to Santa Barbara, where I had previously spent one night two months ago.

I stayed with couch surfing host Kate on Thursday and then checked into the Santa Barbara International hostel for three nights.

Kate was a real bubbly character and a pleasure to stay with. She took me on a tour of Santa Barbara which was great as I never really had an opportunity to do so back in September.

We had a semi relaxed night, however I did introduce her to the chocolate cake shots I discovered when we were with Mary in New Orleans! (frangelico, vodka and a sugar covered lemon).

The following day we went for coffee with her friend Dan before I went surfing on Rincon beach and Kate went to work (massage therapist).

I returned from surfing with pain in my shoulder from paddling. Kate kindly put some overtime in and massaged out the pain. Couch surfing really does offer more than just a couch!

After looking through some of her old modelling photos, Kate cracked open the wine as I waited to meet her Boyfriend and his two children. I also met her mother and flatmate jeff and everyone was a pleasure to meet.

It was time for me to move on as I checked in at the hostel. Friday night was bar crawl night which is a great way to meet people. We had a few drinks in the dorm before joining the rest of the hostel.

After a crazy night out a good days surfing was needed to help clear the head. I came back down to Ventura to meet my new buddy Andrew and his mate Jeremy. We all paddled out on c-street. Andrew unfortunately paid a trip to urgent care as he slashed his hand on the fin of his board.

I travelled back to the hostel where I met some of the girls (Prunelle, Johanna and Mikaela) from the previous night out. We had a cheese and wine party in their dorm which was like a slumber party as I let Johanna loose on my hair with a pair of straighteners!!

We managed to venture out and sneak Johanna who was only 20 into a pub (naughty naughty!)

The next day was Sunday, NFL day! New Orleans Saints kicked off at 10am which meant beer o'clock started a lot earlier than usual! I went to the nearest bar on State St where there was a Saints fan called Matt working the bar.

I sunk a few firestones (they never had Sierra Nevada on tap) and indulged in a pulled pork sandwich with sweet potato fries. Saints ran out winners which meant I could go back to the hostel happy. Especially after Matt gave me one pint on the house!

Later that evening I spent time in the lobby with Dan and Sarah a couple from Stoke on Trent who are doing my trip but in reverse. They kindly prepared me some pasta and we enjoyed some fresh orange juice with a cheeky bit of vodka. In fact for a hostel where you aren't supposed to drink, I don't think I've ever drank so much!

It was great to share stories and advice with them and I really admire a couple travelling together just as they admired me doing it alone.

I have now made it back to Ventura and am currently staying with Andrew before heading back to LA then Vegas part two! Five weeks tomorrow I'll be flying home from Miami, I'm starting to mentally prepare myself for this as it may be a shock after 7months travelling.