There is something so magical and wonderful about the tall tall trees next to the crashing ocean waves.
We were so happy to be able to go this year. We pulled in minutes after the park opened for the year. We were also happy to drive into the park to see that it was barely touched by the wildfires last summer. You can read about that here.
Here are a few pictures I took of our favorite camping spot.
Alma and I both brought supplies to paint, and on a quiet, sunny afternoon while the guys were out hiking, we painted, and had so much fun!
Larry and Jesse made funny faces
I was so happy Larry brought his son,(seen below) who is such a kind hearted kid (except when he's throwing bugs in the fire..Larry..what's up with that..seriously?). When we were leaving, he was giving me a good bye hug and he rubbed my back, you know like an adult would.
Ahhh...until we meet again...I will be dreaming of you Big Sur.
Lying in the park on a beautiful day, sunshine in the grass, and the children play. Siren’s passing, fire engine red, someone’s house is burning down on a day like this?
The evening comes and we’re hanging out, On the front step, and a car rolls by with the windows rolled down, And that war song is playing, “why can’t we be friends?” Someone iss screaming and crying in the apartment upstairs
Funny the way it is, if you think about it Somebody’s going hungry and someone else is eating out Funny the way it is, not right or wrong Somebody’s heart is broken and it becomes your favorite song
the way your mouth feels in your lovers kiss Like a pretty bird on a breeze or water to a fish A bomb blast brings a building crashing to the floor You can hear the laughter, while the children play “war”
Funny the way it is, if you think about it one kid walks 10 miles to school, another’s dropping out Funny the way it is, not right or wrong On a soldier’s last breath his baby’s being born
Standing on a bridge, watch the water passing under me It must’ve been much harder when there was no bridge, just water Now the world is small. Remember how it used to be, with mountains and oceans and winters and rivers and stars?
Watch the sky, the jet planes, so far out of my reach Is there someone up there looking down on me? Boy chase a bird, so close but every time He’ll never catch her, but he can’t stop trying
Funny the way it is, if you think about it one kid walks 10 miles to school, another’s dropping out Funny the way it is, not right or wrong on a soldier’s last breath his baby’s being born Funny the way it is, nor right or wrong Somebody’s broken heart becomes your favorite song Funny the way it is, if you think about it A kid walks 10 miles to school, another’s dropping out.
Standing on a bridge, watch the water passing under me It must’ve been much harder when there was no bridge, just water Now the world is small. Remember how it used to be, with mountains and oceans and winters and rivers and stars?
Of course, if you know me you know my love for the California Coast. My favorite area is from Half Moon Bay right on through Big Sur. Smack dab in the middle of all that is Santa Cruz and it's surrounding towns. There is just something so magical about the tall evergreens and redwoods next to the giantness of the Pacific Ocean. I'm so happy I live and play here.
For Roberts birthday we spent the weekend in Santa Cruz. We stayed at the Howard Johnson on W.Cliff Drive. It was by no means five star accommodations but it had a view of the wharf, and was a very short walk to the Boardwalk. Not to mention the price was right. Life is good if you can see the ocean from your room!
We walked the wharf and said hi to the sea lions, and they (of course) barked back! It's quite a sight, if you've never seen them.
Later that night we heard A LOT of sirens going to the wharf. Then we saw and smelled the smoke. We finally heard on the news (you can read a newspaper article here) there was a grease fire in one of the restaurants. Luckily there was only minimal damage and it was business as usual the next day.
On Saturday we went to the Boardwalk.
We stopped to watch a little of a volleyball tournament that was going on. There was so much eye candy it gave me a toothache! ; )
We played skee ball.
Which Rob ALWAYS calls skeet ball. He also pronounced onions "ungions". Yes, true story..I teased him to no end and he and I practiced the pronunciation for what seemed like months. He now says "onions".
We took pictures in a photo booth, which has always been a tradition of mine. Oh how I wish there were more photo booths in the world!
I had the best corn dog in the whole wide world!
Nice and crunchy on the outside, and warm sweet and soft on the inside, dipped in mustard...I was in heaven for the 2.5 seconds as I inhaled it. Mmmmmm... Sorry for the blurry pic...it was too yummy to take a proper picture! heehee!
Now...I NEVER...EVER leave the boardwalk without a stop a Marini's. (You can order online right here) They make beautiful, colorful, and yummy taffy as well as tons of other candy. They have windows were you can see them make their sweet calorie filled goodness. This time, I got a milk chocolate covered strawberry and a chocolate covered chocolate chip cookie.
Later that evening we went to Seabright Brewery. We had a Red and a Oatmeal Stout.
I like dark beer, but I am noticing lately beer makes me break out in a red rash in my face and chest. Lovely isn't it?!
There was a surprisingly older crowd for Seabright. (Like late 40's-50's) I think it may have been the band. Forgive me I don't remember the name, but it was a loud bluesy rock band.
We didn't stay long, and took growlers back to the hotel. There was one guy at the bar who said, "Wow! That's how you take your pitchers to go?!" He had never seen growlers before, despite all of the growlers hanging up around the bar that are imprinted with Seabright Brewery. OK sir..maybe it was his first time in a brewery..?
We saw a man with a thorn crown and tie dye shirt playing a wooden flute walking down the street...
We saw a pay phone! Yes they still exist!
We saw kids going to eat on the wharf before their prom. (Look Carrie a bright orange dress!)
Another fantastic trip to Santa Cruz! I hadn't been there in quite a while, and as always I feel like I've left a piece of my heart there.
