Wrapping up our Santa Cruz Trip (Day 1, Day 2), we left the Chaminade and drove up Highway 1 North toward Half Moon Bay, and eventually the Pigeon Point Lighthouse.
I’m all about mountains and water. I’m not particularly fond of the beach and sand, but the California Coast is somewhat unlike the coast on the eastern side of the country where I’m originally from. It’s much more severe, with sharp cliffs and rocky shores where the waves come crashing in. Oh, and the sharks.
Otherwise, it’s absolutely gorgeous, and I’ve never seen anything like it.
We started up north, not wanting to immediately head back to the Sacramento area, since we were on vacation and such…Rachelle, however, has a very different concept of sight-seeing than I do. Her version entails us going between 80 and 90 mph as we fly past miniature forests, rolling green hills, scenic overlooks, and oh yeah, the entire California Coast <– more pictures.
At one point we were forced to slow down because of a man who actually was as old as a triceretops, who could not make his car go faster than 35mph. We were amazed.
Suddenly there was scenery all around us that we hadn’t noticed before because it was just whizzing by so fast. Trees, mountains, pumpkin patches, all sorts of picturesque things to take pictures of!
We found a few scenic overlooks, which were actually just dirt roads leading off toward the water, and wandered around in the strong breeze taking pictures of the crashing waves and some campers who found a nice sandy spot for an overnight stay.
We stopped at a little diner for some lunch, then continued on our journey. Next stop on the list was the Pigeon Point Lighthouse (and youth hostel).
Unfortunately, the lighthouse is closed due to damage to the structure. They are hoping to raise funds to restore it to original condition, but for now there is wire strapping holding the top together, and the lighting system has been replaced.
The view was gorgeous, and we both decided we wanted to build a house right next to the lighthouse and live there forever - assuming we won the lottery several times.
Eventually, the coast grew monotonous and we took an easterly highway back to civilization, passing through Walnut Creek, Concord, and back onto highway 80 to Sacramento.
All in all, a wonderful mini-vacation on the coast. Good times. Good times.