Ahhhhhh a hike. Is there anything more exhilarating than hiking in cool weather among monstrously tall redwoods?
We decided to hike the Forest of Niscene Marks. Our goal was to hike to the epicenter of the Loma Prieta Quake of 1989. Little did we know it was about 4 miles away!
So we trudged along.
Four leaf clovers to say, “hey, you’re on your way!”
My aha moment was when I was walking along remembering how I used to hike this all of the time. I missed the beauty because I was so focused on my “workout.” This time, I soaked it all in, basking in God’s glory. Wow, God, you made all of this for us to enjoy.
Now, Tot and Doug raced.
C’mon, Dougy! Let’s go!!!!
Tot was pretty fast!!!
See how TALLLLLL and beautiful it is? No Tot sized trees around here.
Just Wow, God.
Even the spider webs were exquisite.
We were almost there (we thought)
Well, alas, we had another mile or so to get there, and we still had to turn around and head back. We knew we’d have to carry the Tot if we continued so we promised to return next year.
Onto the famous Gayle’s Bakery, BUT FIRST……My favorite coffee place in the world. Aptos Coffee Roasting where it’s always your personal cup.
And… my new fav: Strawberries dipped in peanut butter
We arrived at Gayle’s for their famous sourdough and wheat raisin rolls. It was worth 30 minute wait of crowd!
We decided to salivate while we waited.
COOOOOKIEEEEESSS!
Then: SUCCESS!
We munched them down all the way to Capitola Beach. We saw my old condo 33 Riverview Ave
and found the perfect spot to park. Then we saw the lifeguards in training. This is a thing you do if you are kiddo growing up in Santa Cruz.
Tot was all wet from playing in the water,
so I had to warm her up.
Later, we would stop by my old friend Rocky Snyder. He has his own gym now. We used to rock climb together back in ’93 and ’94. Man, those were good times. I used to be in great shape. Well, I’ll get back!
So much fun….
What a great day 2! Tomorrow, surprises in store!!!