Santa Cruz, CA

Now this is more like it! Cold Water Classic, Steamer Lane, Santa Cruz, CA

A couple of days ago, I posted a blog on my camera battery conking out on the Fourth Day of the Cold Water Classic. Day Four was drizzly, weather-wise, but Day Five was unbelievably beautiful - clear and warm. Day four was on a Friday, so parking was a not an issue - it was a little more challenging on Day Five, a Saturday, but since the weather was so beautiful it was pleasant walking along West Cliff Drive and experiencing the surrounding beauty of the Pacific Ocean.

Not a Great Photo of Steamer Lane, October 12, 2007 - 4th Day of Coldwater Classic - My Camera Battery Died. Those two "dots" in the water are surfers waiting for the waves that eventually came when my battery was COMPELTELY dead.

I made the ten or fifteen minute trip across town specifically to take pictures of the Coldwater Classic. I found a parking space right away, jumped out of the car, made my way to the cliff. Point and click and then point and click again, and NOTHING. No juice. The first picture was supposed to be a test. I had just charged my batteries two days ago. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

So click here to see what the Cold Water Classic is really about.

The day was not a total loss. I made up for the fiasco by having the best burger you can get at Jack's!!! I love Santa Cruz!

Upper Yacht Harbor, Santa Cruz Just Before Dusk, October 2007 (c)

Another walk with my friend on a warm October early evening . . . we started at the Upper Yacht Harbor off of 7th Avenue in Santa Cruz. We quickly climbed into another world - the natural habitat known as Arana Gulch in the city of Santa Cruz. It is amazing that on the ocean side you have the busy Yacht Harbor, and behind it lies the natural Earth . . . no development allowed.

Arana Gulch at Dusk

A totally amazing tree in Arana Gulch

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!

The Hook, September, 2007, Pleasure Point, CA

September in Santa Cruz is amazing - I can't get over it.

Last Saturday, one of my daughters joined me for a walk on East Cliff Drive. There were lots of surfers in the water. A beautiful day, even when waiting for the perfect set.

We walked from the parking lot at 41st Avenue (The Hook) down to 26th Avenue (and back). On the way to 26th Avenue, we went the beach route. Once we got to 26th Avenue, we cut though back neighborhoods. We're both interested in architecture and landscaping and it was fun looking at the different houses - some very modest and some totally remodeled.

The Pleasure Point area is unique. Originally modest, always eclectic and charming. Still many very small "beach shacks." Then there are those that have been remodeled over the years, and turned into the cutest and/or most magnificent beach houses you have ever seen.