Santa Cruz Boardwalk

 

This is supposed to be the American, sunshine, beach, and themepark.

It must have been a decade since the last visit. Ever since kids grow up, it is hard to find time to come. This is the weekend after the 4th July. Hopefully Highway 17 traffic is ok.

The 1st destination is Wilder Ranch State Park visited last Nov (link). Before that, we stopped at the Santa Cruz local farmer's market. Could be a bit early (before 9AM), they are still setting up. Was going to buy a scone from a talk blonde. She said the stand will open in ten minutes, we could come back later. We end up buying a pastry on the next alley. A pastry for $8! It is not cheap in general, $5 per pound for peaches, 3 corns for $2, etc.

farmer's market

We don't have the state park pass this time, so we park on Highway 1, right outside of the entrance. Save $10, why not. The park has no change since the last visit except there are more bikers. Mountain bike or dirt bike I meant. Not road bike.

Summer time morning breeze is still chilly. We knew it is 20 degrees F less than inland, so we brough a jacket. It is a must! The route is about an hour. Can't survive without one.

Compared with the winter time, it is much more lively, flowers, birds, and even sea lions.

Wide Rose

Bull Thistle 牛薊

Flock of Ibis (鷺)

Sea lions

Completed the loop in about an hour and a quarter. Let's check out the 2nd destination, west side cliff. It is still early, so finding parking space is no problem. We found a bench facing the ocean and enjoyed the pastry we just bought. The section of the road toward Boardwalk was shut down since last year. Now it is reopened. We park the car at the Lighthouse Field State Beach and walk toward the Boardwalk.

Lighthouse Field State Beach

The lighthouse is now a surfing museum. An event in the front lawn draws a lot of crowd. An old couple walk two dogs each just passed by us when we walked off the parking lot. Apparently this state beach is dog friendly. But most importantly, it is for surfing (below).

A group of surfers

Not limited to surfing. There are kayaking and more.

Continue walking south, we arrived at the Boardwalk. Of course you can drive. This is the busiest area in Santa Cruz.

Volleyball event going on on the beach.

All kinds of rides on Boardwalk, pirate ships, roller coaster, etc. 

Of course there is arcade. For those who has not seen one (below).

The churro stand won't open until noon, so we went back to the wharf. Yes, this is the wharf severely damaged in the storm last year. It is fine now. There are kayak rental on the wharf. $45 for solo and $80 for double for 3 hours.

The last not the least, four sea lions lying on the deck along the wharf, enjoying the sun. Life treats them well? A perfect ending to today's story. American dream is supposedly relax and enjoyable lifestyple. Not anymore? ICE agents are roaming around the streets, cost of living is getting higher and higher. Only sea lions don't need to worry about these.