Santa Cruz

If the thought of gridlock getting to the Sierras this summer triggers instant stress may we offer a local alternative, the Loch Lomond Recreation Area, hidden in the mountains above Santa Cruz. In the midst of a cool, shady forest (redwood, pine, oak) take the fairly flat 4.9 mile Loch Trail which skirts a 175 […]

Did you realize people have been surfing off Santa Cruz for 100 years? Curious to know more? I recommend to you take in the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum on West Cliff Drive. Exhibits of long boards, heavy redwood plank boards, photos and videos start with the three Hawaii princes who introduced the sport here. Closed […]

If there’s a more refreshing way to cool off this summer than jumping into a mountain swimming hole, please let me know. Meanwhile I suggest a jaunt to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park in the Santa Cruz Mountains where there are two swimming holes, Garden of Eden and Big Rock Hole, in the San Lorenzo […]

For a rich dose of patriotic nostalgia this holiday check out Wilder Ranch on the Santa Cruz Coast. This fully restored late 19th century dairy ranch(with its own water powered machine shop) and now, State Park, will be hosting a family parade, games, historic speeches, flag-raising, living history demonstrations, big band music and refreshments. The […]

If you’re old enough to remember hearing “Surfin’” the Beachboys first hit, you know about longboards, the heavy, heavy, long (8-12 foot) surboards that started everything. These days they seem to be replaced by short boards and paddle and kite surfing. Truth is, they never went way. Proof is this Saturday and Sunday in Santa Cruz […]

Bay seniors itchy for summer to kick in are invited down to Santa Cruz this Sunday where historic Wharf 21 is hosting a Jazz Concert from 11 to 5. It begins with the best players from local high schools who form the Kuumbwa Jazz Honor Band then more ensembles come and go through the day. […]

Bay seniors who relish the sensation of being legally, giddily disoriented should organize a visit to the Mystery Spot in Santa Cruz which you probably have not seen in half a century. It’s a little house tilted 20 degrees from the ground on a redwood covered hill. Scientists call in a “gravitational anomaly” where water […]