About Santa Cruz's Live Oak

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!

26 th Ave., Santa Cruz, CA, September 2007

In November, it will be 10 years since I moved from Silicon Valley to Santa Cruz County. Living in a beach community is wonderful beyond compare. Yesterday was Labor Day, and instead of sitting in traffic for hours trying to get to a beach, I drove a couple of miles to 26th Avenue, one of the most beautiful beaches slightly North of Pleasure Point. The waves were incredible. My grandson commented that it was like "watching a show" - surfers, boogie-boarders, skim boarders - the day was clear and bright.

I think September and October are two of the best beach months in Santa Cruz. It's hard to imagine how people live in places that are not so naturally beautiful and inspirational.

"From the mountains to the sea" is a slogan many Realtors in the area use. Where else do you get the stimulating combination of a university town (UCSC), several eclectic beach towns, each with their own unique character (Davenport to Santa Cruz, Capitola, Aptos, Seacliff, Rio Del Mar, Seascape, Manresa, LaSelva Beach, Sunset Beach, just to name a few).

I feel so lucky to live here.

Feel free to join me, if the spirit moves you!