by Dennis Augustine
Bill and I set off on a two-wheeled escape, pedaling 25 miles from Santa Cruz to Capitola, chasing the morning clouds, sunshine, wind gusts and sea spray along the way.
West Cliff Drive rolled out like a ribbon along the coast—waves crashing like applause on the rocks, colorful ice plants blooming like they knew it was their moment. We passed the surfer statue, the lighthouse, and Pleasant Point where wet-suited daredevils danced with the waves like they were born in saltwater.
Somewhere along the Boardwalk, a chorus of sea lions held court beneath the pier—loud, proud, and packed tighter than a summer parking lot, proving once again that sunbathing and yelling are compatible. We nodded in respect and rolled on passed the Boardwalk amusement area, voted the "World’s Best Seaside Park.” This time the raucous was from a chorus of kids and adults alike, screaming with joy on the rollercoaster.
Took a peaceful detour around the Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor. Boats bobbed like they had nowhere better to be. Eventually, Capitola called us in with its candy-colored cottages and ocean breeze. Lunch at Zelda’s on the beach—Bill went bold with seared blackened Ahi salad, I stayed classic with a Cobb. Both excellent choices, even the seagulls and pigeons were anxious for a bite. We marveled at the rebuilt bridge in the bay glad to see it standing proud again after the catastrophic storm took out the midsection of it a few years ago.
Postscript: See short Video clips of Cluster of barking sea lions and surfers at the end of the photo gallery.
