SANTA CRUZ & REDWOODS (Day 8 - part 1)

Morning traffic .... The Moss Landing Power Plant

Workers in the fields

Capitola Village

Our first stop was Walton Lighthouse. Unfortunately we parked on the wrong side of the harbor so could only view it from afar. We walked briefly along Twin Lakes State Beach, Harbor Beach and the entrance to the marina.

They were actively drudging the area.

Did someone say 'fish'?!

A dredging boat

Built in 2001, the Santa Cruz Breakwater Lighthouse is also known as the Walton Lighthouse because much of the construction costs were paid for by a donation from local businessman Charles Walton. He did this in memory of his late brother, Derek, who was a merchant seaman.

A decorative bench .... The harbormaster

We headed out to West Cliff Drive for some scenic views.

We stopped at a view point at the beginning of the drive

Looking out towards the wharf and the boardwalk

A closer view

Stunning cliffs!

Kelp beds

A seagull sits on a rock, unconcerned about the waves that repeatedly washed over everything.

Surfers littered the waters.

Steps along the road led down to the beach, providing access for the surfers.

This spot is known for its great surfing... but also for numerous deaths.

"To Honor Surfing" is a monument dedicated to all surfers... past, present and future. Erected in 1992, the 18-foot surfer is the creation of sculptor Thomas Marsh.

"In memory of all surfers who have caught their last wave... Santa Cruz Surfing Club"

Unfortunately the surfing museum, located in the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse, was closed. ... A plaque tells a brief history of surfing.

Surfing was first observed by Europeans visiting Tahiti back in 1767, but it clearly existed long before then. For the Polynesians, it was more than just a hobby, it was a way of life. It was brought to the US by three Hawaiian princes in 1885.

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