Let's Go On A Roadtrip California's Pacific Coast Highway 1

Let's take a trip back in time to Mother's Day weekend. The family took me to my favorite little beach town Santa Cruz California. Saturday's weather was perfect Cali sunshine to go on rides, stroll the beach, and indulge in treats for our sweet tooth. The next day I woke up with the wild idea to do something I've been wanting to do as a teen...... cruise Pacific Coast Highway 1.  Turns out the tribe agreed this would be a fine way to spend a Sunday and off we drove. Come along on this journey and enjoy some of California's Gold down Coastal Highway 1. I was channeling my inner Huell Howser right there, now ain't that amazing!

The start off point of this trip is from West Cliff  Drive Santa Cruz, California. I was thrilled to finally snap a photo of the famous "To Honor Surfers Monument", which brings in mind to honor Jack O'Niell the pioneer of the wetsuit and the O'Niell surf brand who recently passed away on Friday.  West Cliff drive loops around with scenic coast line to the  left and majestic coastal homes to the right. 

 How is that for some ocean front homes! I love the diversity in the structures of these homes and the natural materials used.

So where does this road lead to? You will have to wait and see in my next installment of the roadtrip. Here's a hint it involves fruit.

Gypsy By The Sea

Here in Northern California it has been non stop rain for over a week. As I sit curled up in a warm cozy blanket with an era transcending book, sipping on aromatic tea, my mind wanders to sun kissed days filled with salty sea air. For now I must wait for the seasons to change and travel opportunities to arise.

 Recently I was asked to share a vision of my dream living room. The above collection  reflects the textures, tones and elements that are natures beauty of the coast. Hathi gold beaded pillows are the perfect bohemi element to add to any sofa or to make a cushy back to the antique cream iron chair. Imagine the sun glistening off the Taza hanging pendant during the day and at night a warm glow illuminates the wall. A river stone bowl is perfect for holding your treasures, coins, or perhaps for burning cone incense. What a swirl of sand and water this Zara Tibetan rug brings to mind. The bleached root coffee table brings the outdoor zen inside, a perfect way to stay rooted and connected to the world outside your home. This living room vision speaks to me as being a

Gypsy By The Sea

 All these furnishings and more can be found  at ARHAUS.

Ocean Photo Credit: Natural Bridges State Beach, Santa Cruz California. Taken last summer on one of my seascape escapes,

Natural Bridges State Beach

Natural Bridges State Beach in Santa Cruz California is one of my favorite new beaches I discovered this summer. The drive down West Cliff  from the Boardwalk is full of majestic landscapes and an array of luxury homes. Once you get to the beach there are tide pools to explore to the right of the main beach. Another sight to behold is the Monarchs over-wintering habitat in the nearby Eucalyptus grove. The butterflies start their return in October and so do we. Turns out we are still going to the 150th Boardwalk birthday celebration after all, and I'll have my camera ready to capture the beauty of the Mariposas.

Surfs Up

Summer is sure flying by, and we are living it up. The beginning of this week I took the kids back to Santa Cruz. I realized I haven't even posted all the photos from the last trip we took out there. All the appreciation goes to my husband for understanding the wanderlust of this gypsy, and he works very hard to provide for our tribe. As much as the summers seem to slide by year after year and the kids are growing up quick, it is nice that they are the age to just hop in the truck at any moment to go on an adventure. Three more weeks and the oldest kids go back to school and then the week after that the other two go......sigh. Okay as I recall I promised surfing.

I'm pretty new to shooting videos with my camera so I apologize in advance for shaky panning footage. I plan on throwing in Santa Cruz 2016 Summer Edition here and there in my post's. I hope everyone is enjoying all the blissful moments summer has to offer.

Voted best Boardwalk in the USA

That's right it's official the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk was recently voted the best boardwalk in America. Lucky for us a 2 hr plus road trip plops us into the land of surf, sand, and sun filled fun. On our most recent trip to Santa Cruz we explored quite a few different sceneries but today I will share the boardwalk.

View from the Wharf

                           

SKY GLIDER     

 JACK SPARERIBS

 SEA SWINGS

 THE GIANT DIPPER 

 ROCK O PLANE & SWEET SPOT

 FACE PAINTING - TREATS- GAME PRIZES

 LOGGERS REVENGE

VIEW FROM THE FERRIS WHEEL

 LOWER DECK RIDES

 CYCLONE

 CAVE TRAIN

                       

Hiatus Status

Hello everyone, I apologize in advance for not visiting blogs and responding to comments, I'm in a swirling vortex of post vacation hiatus. Santa Cruz was AWESOME and I have plenty of photo's to share once I get my house and other life stuff back in order. I hope everyone is having a peaceful summer.

Hello Summer

SUMMER IS OFFICIALLY HERE !

 Time to find ways to stay cool in the sizzling sun.

Time to play and have adventures.

Time to enjoy nights outdoors.

Time to look up in amazement and be thankful that we are thriving and surviving.

Summer had officially started at Casa Sol y Luna when all four children were finally on Summer break from school last week. There is no consistent routine yet just go with the flow, and maybe it will stay that way this Summer, even though I'm a scheduled O.C.D. type of Mom. Summer Solstice was spent cleaning, swimming, and  first bee sting for {M}. Instead of having a celebratory  fire we ended the day with a trip to urgent care for {S}. Of all the dangerous stunts he does on his skateboard a simple miss landing ended  with a sprain and crutches. This could not have come at a worse time because tomorrow the kids and I are headed on a road trip to Santa Cruz for a 3 day vacation. We are still going because Mama needs a vacation. You can join our adventure by following my Instagram. I'm super excited because we will be experiencing two Summer Bucket List events The Lost Boys Movie on the beach & Blue Oyster Cult Concert at the Boardwalk.  I hope your summer holds some adventures!

Downtown Santa Cruz & Farmers Market

Wednesday are usually reserved for corner view post but is on hiatus till September. Wednesday is also Downtown Santa Cruz's Farmers Market.

We took a short 2 minute walk from our hotel to the shuttle stop in front of the Marine Sanctuary. The shuttle runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

 25 cents to ride one way not bad. Of course if you don't get off you can ride back to your original pick up if you want a ride  through downtown and back.

 He we go on an adventure, ready to see more of the city.

 We hopped off and strolled into World Market Bazaar. Hazel ( a very loving american bulldog ) immediately greeted us as we entered. I purchased my prayer flags here.

These dogs really rock!

 The entrance to the Om Gallery

 Around the corner of Cedar & Lincoln we found the farmers market. First order of business a healthy snack. We purchased peaches that lasted all of five minutes, so soft, sweet, and juicy they were.

 I love that you could sample at your hearts content, plenty of varieties .

I had promised the kids that we would get all organic ice cream from The Penny Ice Creamery and we were in luck they had a booth. Mint Chip, Tahitian Vanilla Bean, and Peanut Butter Chocolate were thoroughly enjoyed as we strolled around and checked out all the vendors.

Handmade goods a plenty. I don't remember their name but I'm inspired to try my hand at soap making once again. I hope you enjoyed a little view of our trip to downtown. There truly is plenty to see and do.... until we meet again S.C.

 On a heart felt note thoughts and prayers of healing go out to the family of Madyson Middleton who ascended to heaven to be one with the  angels the day before we arrived.