The three hour drive from Mariposa (outside Yosemite) to Santa Cruz was an interesting transition. Fred rode his motorcycle on a different route and left earlier that we did. Going to Santa Cruz was the last leg of our stay in California. It was exciting to head to the beach but sad because it was our last place. The landscape change was funny. We went from warm mountains and windy roads to flat and brown landscape to cooler foggy coastline.
We arrive at the hotel just minutes before Fred. We found that we were only a block from the beach! We walked down to the boardwalk for lunch. We passed a Mexican place and had lunch. The meals were simple and very inexpensive. Then we headed to the wharf. There were so many restaurants and shops. Walking along the pier and seeing waves crashing on each side and beach goers, volleyball players, surfers and fisherman was amazing.
We learned the day before that some friends from CT (Sheri and Jane) who were visiting their cousin were in Santa Cruz. We hooked up with them for dinner on the wharf :-) What a nice time! Sally (the cousin/local person) had a list of recommendations for us. This list proved to be very helpful!
We got concerned with sleeping next to the party group next to the beach when the neighbors were making noises into the wee hours of the morning! We found out, it only was for that one night. We slept better the 2nd night.
Next day includes Mystery Spot tour, slow train ride into the redwoods and great pizza and people watching...
