Schwann Lake Park - An October Walk in Santa Cruz . . .

Amazing Tree in Schwann Lake Park

There are so many hidden gems in Santa Cruz County, from interesting architectural surprises around every turn to beautiful parks and amazing gardens. The other day, a friend showed me a place I had never seen before: Schwann Lake (or Lagoon) Park - a part of Schwann Lagoon County Park. It was dusk, the weather was perfect, and the sights were amazing.

The area has a magical quality to it, which I personally equate to nature just doin' it's thing, without too much interference from humans (some would debate me on this point, as there are definite human influences about, such as patches of ivy which can choke out indigenous plants).

As a child, I got the same feeling while walking through weed-high acres on my way home from a friend's house. Just the feeling that you are connected to the Earth and that the Earth has mysteries that must be experienced - words won't do the majesty of it all, justice!