America Trip 2013 Part Eight - Santa Cruz Beach

The contrast between mountains and ocean is almost always striking, and the change when travelling from the Redwood park to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is too.

We enjoyed a great time relaxing on the beach, walking along the ocean, playing more kubb, riding the famous Big Dipper roller coaster, and playing classic video games.

That looks like the end of another wonderful visit with family and friends ... see you all next time!

America Trip 2013 Part Seven - Santa Cruz Mountains and Redwoods

One of our favorite side trips when we visit San Jose is driving across the Santa Cruz Mountains on the way to the ocean and stopping at Henry Cowell Park to see the huge redwood trees. Even though I've visited the park a few times, I'm always amazed by the magnificent trees. Some of the oldest trees are about 2000 years old. Next to the park, there is a western-themed railroad stop and entertainment area called "Roaring Camp". After enjoying a picnic lunch in the park, we continued on to Santa Cruz and spent the afternoon on the beach; those pictures will be the next post.

I used a panorama camera effect, which distorts the photo a little, but helps to show the size of the trees.

Nozomi and Elaine (and trees!)

We thought about riding the train to the beach, but decided to save that for another time.

Old West themed camp and store

We did this the last time we visited, but it always makes me laugh.