Tuesday 31 March 2015

Travel Log: A Long Engagement (Day 12)

Previous Days (Boring Working Week in San Jose)

Destination: United States of America
Duration: 16 Days 15 Nights (Feb 24~Mar 11, 2015)

Day 12: A Scorching Day in Santa Cruz

Boss was in the mood for some sightseeing today and Santa Cruz was the destination. It was around an hour ride from San Jose and our GPS led us into the mountain again. *facepalm* We drove past some small town and lots of forest area before reaching the scorching hot Santa Cruz.
No English Muffin today - Such travesty!!!
Sammy is ready for Sightseeing!
Endless Trees along the Way
We parked at a random parking area at some shop and they charged us USD20. Don’t bother to park at these places – there were actually some cheaper parking (USD12-15) or free parking further away. The lot we parked was right opposite Monterrey Bay Exploration Center. It was free admission but we didn’t really go explore and continued on to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
Free Admission!
The Monterrey Bay Exploration Center
Our Parking Area
The road to Boardwalk was the typical Californian Beach side with palm tree, bikini girls, muscle men and all *Cue Katy Perry’s California Gurls*. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk was basically an Admission-Free amusement park right on the Beach. The best thing was you could walk around the park without any admission ticket and snap all the pictures you wanted. You only pay when you want to get on a ride.
It's a HOT HOT Day!
Should've left the jacket in the car!
Lots of Palm Trees
and Flowers!
Some Cute Building
Thus all of us became snap-happy even though the sun was basically roasting us alive! The weather here did seem to be complete opposite of San Jose. We did not go on any ride since we were too ‘old’ for that but one thing that attracted me was the colorful ‘Sky Glider’. Wish I had the chance to go on that one.  
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Map
Let's go!
Hmm.. this is too Scary!
The Wharf at the back
What is that Colorful Thingies on top?
Fright Walk? Too Frightening!
So Cute!!! It's the Sky Glider!
Flintstone?
Castle?
More to go!
Oh Dear!
Sammy wanna take a pic!
Old Style Bridge at the end...
The Walk to the Sea...
More Flowers, anyone?
Roller Coaster!
Or just take a Selfie!
A View from the Beach
Another View from the Beach - Love the colorful Sky Gliders!
We then proceeded to leave the Boardwalk to continue on to the Santa Cruz Wharf. There were lots of muscle men & bikini girls playing beach volleyball along the way. *whistle* The Wharf was out at the sea and there were lots of sea lions sunbathing near the area. The Boardwalk also looked spectacular from here.
Walking from Boardwalk to the Wharf
Hot Guys alert!
Sammy at Santa Cruz Beach!
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk from the Wharf! Amazing huh? 
Mine! Mine! Mine!
Sea Lions!
Hiding in the Shade...
Playing together?
Looking out to the Sea
Yachts & Surfers!
We were quite hungry by then thus we stopped to grab the seafood fritters from a takeout counter. The fish & calamari were just edible but nothing to shout about. After that we proceeded to walk around the area and left Santa Cruz. In case you have the chance to visit Santa Cruz, don’t leave so soon! There are still many spots to visit such as Mystery Spot & the Lighthouse. We did not visit those places this time though.
We need some FOODsss!!!
Deep Fried Calamari & Fish with Fries!
Wow!!!
Some landmark at the Wharf
Walking away from the Beach
Nice Houses!
Love the Views with Palm Trees, Clear Sky & Sea!
Let's take a Picture!
Here is another end of the Old Bridge again 
Apparently it has a history!
On the way back to San Jose, we stopped at an unnamed lookout area which also happened to be a trekking spot. The scenery was indeed beautiful with all the greenery and clear sky.
The Trail to nowhere?
Breathtaking huh?
Perhaps we should have a picnic here?
Or not?
We made another impromptu stop at Saratoga town which happened to be on the way. We simply walked around the village square and area surrounding it and marveled at the quaint atmosphere of the small town.
The Saratoga Village!
Walking Along...
The Square Village
All the Old style Building
It's a Quaint little Village
Inside San Jose!
A bit European Style?
This looks like a Building from 20s movie..
What else? Flowers!
Signs on Historical Houses
This is one of them..
A Memorial as well...
We took a short break after reaching Fairfield Inn and took off to Westfield Valley Fair again for dinner. This time I ordered the Super Duper Burger again but with a fried egg on top as recommended by internet. The verdict? I still prefer the plain old cheese burger as the fried egg actually made eating the burger difficult due to the thickness. =P
Snack during the break!
Dinner!
We all went crazy for Tsum Tsum at the Disney Store before calling it a night. 
All the Tsum Tsum we bought!
These are MINE!!! =P
Next Day (Day Trip to Monterey & Carmel by the Sea)

No comments:

Post a Comment

LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...