We took a couple months off after our 11 week trip and it sure was nice to get back into King Tut and go to the coast. Even though it is a decently normal August temperature wise, it is still warm this time of year. I had to bring out the sweatshirts and pants in Santa Cruz!
We had 6 nights at New Brighton which is a good amount of time. Not too long but definitely retired people time. To think back to all the frantic 3 day trips we used to take and feeling almost “guilty” for taking the third day. It was great when San Juan gave up and started building in “mental” health days off because we were all taking them anyway! You can work a long time knowing you have a random day off in October!
We had a relatively easy time getting through the San Jose etc area, on our way to the coast. Timed it well. Our only problem was going over the Altamont Pass leaves few places for a break/lunch! Since Sam’s Club gas was closed, we ended up gassing up at Flagg City and then drove all the way to a pullout on Highway 17. That was a bit long for us (OK my bladder mostly) but it was a nice pullout at least. We are much less picky after our cross country travels!!
This whole region of the central coast is just amazing. The weather was very nice, although we had a couple marine layer mornings and evenings, but every day was just perfect! Cool at night and 70s during the day.
We like to walk into town to Gayle’s bakery and get sourdough for our cheese and bread afternoon snack, and then walk down to the Capitola Pier. It is about 4 miles around trip-so that is what we did our first full day. And maybe, hmm just maybe, we did go to Donut Station also. Need fuel for all those hills! And of course, a slice of Pizza my ❤️ is needed to make it back to the campground. We walked the train tracks for the last part so it was nice to get off Park Ave.
The next day we went to Asilomar and walked the boardwalk there. We started north this time and discovered there is a public restroom right off the golf course and that was a perfect turnaround place a little over a mile and a half in. The tide was coming in so the tide pools weren’t the best- gotta watch for those dang “sleeper” waves- but the walk itself is great. Flat and mostly boardwalk. Easy peasy. We continued to walk along the bay in Pacific Grove and found sea lions and a sea otter. And lots of Brown Pelicans, Western gulls, various terns, shore birds of all varieties and cormorants. No cetaceans though. And we got to stop at our favorite “farm market” on highway 1 for corn and berries. They truly have amazing quality in all their very local produce.
We walked around Santa Cruz, especially along West Cliff Drive (or what remains of it), and on the pier the following day. Again the weather was perfect and we got to stop for lunch at Woodies Cafe. They have the best halibut and chips! Yummy! As usual, lots of sea lions and another sea otter!
We were mostly walking around the campsite and down to Seacliff the next couple days. Seacliff campground is so trashed from the storms of 2023, and then again last year! Right after we figured we should try staying there because about half the sites had power. It is tiring to stay too long on the beach when you have to conserve power. We already had to run the generator every day for 15 minutes because we can’t get enough solar in the New Brighton sites. Such a problem- little afternoon sun because we were in the trees!
On Saturday we went to the farmer’s market at Cabrillo College. It is one of the best we’ve been to, and probably rivals the one in Davis. Last time we got such a deal on irises and this time we got a pot of Tiger Lilies (4 to a pot) for $1! They were very much in bloom but to get 4 bulbs for a dollar is quite the steal. So we bought the last 3 pots. And just walking around all the berry stands smells so good. It is maybe a third prepared food and crafts and just so many fresh fruits and veggies. And music etc. We truly enjoy going there.
Overall, a very relaxing trip and much appreciated. We have one more planned before the baby is due and then we figure we will be pretty busy between the new house, getting our house ready, and him so no camping for a bit. Works for us!! No pictures from Dave this time, but as always you can leave a comment!