The Beach and the Boardwalk, Our Last Day in Santa Cruz

This morning we woke up and went to check if the surf was alright for us to learn how to surf. Unfortunately, the ocean was as calm as a glass lake and no waves were to be seen. We decided instead to come back and relax with Gracie. We took her to the beach and she played around in the sand and ocean. (Jacqueline had been waiting to take Gracie to the beach to play with here the entire trip!) Grace was so happy to be outside and ran back and forth into the ocean to fetch the ball. She took only a small break to dig a few holes and chew on a stick before she was back in the water. It was really relaxing watching her have so much fun.

After taking Gracie back home and washing her off, we headed to Watsonsville for lunch. We went to this small "hole in the wall" place and had the best BLT we EVER tasted. The bacon was home-cured and the bread homemade. The lettuce and tomato were organic and locally grown. The pepper mayo was the topper. The incredible taste is just impossible to describe. After the delicious lunch, we rode around Watsonville with our tour guide Uncle Eddy and headed back to Santa Cruz. We stopped at a local ice cream parlor on the way home. They had so many flavors! We then ate fantastic ice cream and had a great discussion with Uncle Eddy.

Once we got back to the house we walked down to the boardwalk to find a Santa Cruz sweatshirt. We walked all over the boardwalk and the pier to find one. We finally found the only shop in Santa Cruz that carried the one Jacqueline wanted. After the sweatshirt hunt was over, we went to see the seals that live under the pier. They were adorable and there was even a little baby.

We then walked back to a great dinner of leftovers that Aunt Trish put together. After dinner, we relaxed and enjoyed our last night of each others company. We had such an amazing time with Uncle Eddy, Aunt Trish and Gracie. We are going to miss their company so much. All of them were so hospitable and we are so lucky to be a part of such a loving family.

Tomorrow we are off driving again. Good night and talk to you tomorrow from LA.