Santa Cruz to Monterey (87km)

Today was grey. The hoards of volley ball players by the Boardwalk in Santa Cruz must have been hoping for sunshine, while the surfers in the calm off the beach at Capitola were waiting for waves. For our part, the overcast skies contributed to a rather gloomy ride, despite a fairly flat terrain. Much of the route was either on or beside the noisy Hwy 1.

At Manresa State Beach, we stopped to follow Marius’ clues for treasure hunt #2. Unfortunately, another Paul and Lois must have got there before us. Despite repeated explorations, no gift was found (sorry, Marius!). It was a lovely spot, though, and someone came up to us and offered to take our picture.

We later lost the route amongst the “industrial” fields of strawberries, artichokes, broccoli and fennel, finding ourselves in downtown Watsonville.

A bright spot was climbing the dunes at Moss Landing and seeing humpback whales

We remain on the traditional territory of the Costanoan Rumsen Ohlone People.