Back to Reality

Today's my last vacation day. Last Wednesday, I had the day off for road-trip preparations and we then drove through the night to get across Nevada. By sunrise we were at Donner Lake in California. This was good... it went just according to my plans! We stopped, I changed from my driving clothes and into my "Thursday" clothes (beach gear).

We stopped at our motel and were able to get an early check-in. I would recommend the Auburn Motel 6 to anyone... the room was cozy and clean, the service was friendly and prompt and like I mentioned above, we got an early check-in (all I had hoped to do was pay for the room, since I was doing this trip in cash).

As soon as our stuff was stashed in the room we continued west. I had a day at the beach that I didn't want to miss ANY of!

I simply adore Santa Cruz and though the Boardwalk was closed (except for the shops) found that the perfect place to wind down. Wandering the beach, getting soaked, taking endless photos... what more could I want?

Nothing.

Since Cindy and I have been walking and getting into shape for much of the year, we surprised ourselves this time around by discovering just how close we had been on our last trip through here (8 years ago) to the Walton Lighthouse. 

We walked along the shoreline, skirting around a carved out rock, saw a young musician on the cliff and continued forward amid playful children, thieving birds, and stick-chasing dogs towards the light tower.

I could so move to-and-live-in Santa Cruz, CA... if only money weren't an issue!

This was just the first of our trip, more to come on the actual purpose of the trip. Right now, it's back to reality. I'm playing nursemaid to my middle pup, Mickey. He didn't bounce back as well as the other two dogs from his vet and dental visit from Monday, so today I'm catering to his needs.