I am a California Native, most things to see in California, I've probably seen them. Mostly in part to my parents who, on a whim, would throw me and my brother into the back seat of their car, and drive on day trips, weekend trips, and in May every year, a week trip. I've driven up and down the California Coast Line dozens and dozens of times, I've camped in all parts of California, I've skiied on all of the mountains from Pinecrest to Tahoe, I've swam in the ocean as far North as Fort Bragg, down to the border of San Diego and Mexico, but I never get bored, and seeing the beautiful state I live in, never gets old.
A very cold, a very grumpy pelican!
A seal swimming below me from the Pier.
This last weekend, I decided to bust out my new camera, get out of town and be all touristy. I went to Santa Cruz, CA. A town that I spent a lot of my youngest years in. My cousins grew up in Boulder Creek I'd visit them for weeks at a time, and my parents had a beach house in Aptos. A place where I have many photos, and video, and memories. They even have a Cement Ship , docked off of Seacliff pier. Before they closed it off to visitors, my brother and I used to walk around on this ship and see and hear the birds and the seals. And just below Santa Cruz, is the small town of Capitola. This whole region brings back many memories for me, as a child and as a teenager.
The city of Santa Cruz is busy, but if you go down to the beaches, and especially at this time of the year, it's pretty empty, and I was lucky enough to have perfect weather for the trip. The boardwalk was open, but I didn't get to go. The Giant Dipper was once a ride that I would ride on over and over with my dad.
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk from the Pier.
It's also whale watching season, but it's rare to see a whale when you are on shore, that is what I found out through a local, although it isn't completely impossible. There were surfers, and the biggest waves I've ever seen at the ocean in years. I even got within 10 feet of an Elephant Seal just chilling on the beach. So big, and fat, and beautiful. What an experience.
An Elephant Seal!
Natural Bridges State Beach
I can't seem to get enough of how much beauty lies on the coast line. And although I've been back over and over again, I still am in awe every time.
