04.08.11
Santa Cruise-n
Today was a travel day for me, and after all these nights of editing photos and trying to figure out how to fit them all on my space deficient laptop i was tempted to sleep in yet again. I enjoyed a leisurely breakfast before packing up, taking a last walk around the lodge and taking in its beauty, then getting on my way.
One thing that was ideal during my stay was that all the road work (due to mudslides) was south of where I was staying in Lucia (and it closed off the area after 7pm). In addition the road was also closed semi-permanently to the north of Bixby Bridge due to the slip out (aka the road fell into the ocean), which meant absolutely no traffic from 7pm to 7am. We were kind of trapped, which was actually pretty cool. On my drive out I had to document all the construction… (1 stoplight, and 2 stop signs)
I learned that the road i’d taken in Nacimiento-Ferguson had a nickname.. the Nasty-Ferg or something like that which i found kind of funny but also indicates some not so nice accidents had happened on that road. I was reminded of that even more as i was enjoying the crazy roads when i happened upon 2 fedex trucks and the big UPS Van in the middle of a tight curve each time. Note to Heidi, don’t be a moron and drive safely. With fewer stops on my way back i made fairly good time back to King City.
I had to make 1 pitstop in King City… this is where Bela and our friend Geoff lived for a while over 10+ years ago. Bela had worked at the Denny’s right off the highway and I felt it was only fitting to make an obligatory driveby, which worked out well as i got gas literally right next door. I was meeting Geoff and Mariana in a few short hours so i didn’t stay to explore their old town.
After returning my rental in San Jose, i found Geoff and Mariana and we headed back out to the coast, only this time to the north a bit into Santa Cruz, another fun coastal city known for its surfing. I was amazed at how many surfers would be out at one time fighting for the waves. At one spot i swear i saw possibly 100 surfers. It was a bit chilly so we didn’t stay to watch them long.
After a quick stop at Bridges SP we decided it was time for some food and to retire for the night. A friend of theirs has a house nearby that we were very lucky to be able to use. We had a great home cooked meal and i cuddled up in a down comforter on the couch to veggie and turn in early for the night. After all these long crazy days I think I’m almost ready to head home… well almost 
1 more full day to go!
