Today I rode with Susan and Robin, wanting to take full advantage of this area being Susan’s “neighborhood”.  And I was well rewarded.

We stopped first at Pescadero Beach, just to enjoy the ocean views.  Then at the Pigeon Point Light Station, now a hostel.  We skipped the bakery in Davenport, but I took a picture of these birds as an excuse to rest briefly on an uphill climb.

Next was the Swanton Berry Farm, strawberry season is ending but Susan and Robin enjoyed blackberry pie while I enjoyed strawberry lemonade (Susan’s bike club friend Skippy had joined us earlier).

Throughout the morning, we had passed fields of brussels sprouts and artichokes (we think) and many pumpkin patches – Halloween seems to be a big event in this area.

Once into Santa Cruz, Susan led us on a bike path off the Cabrillo Highway (US 1), and we decided to stop for lunch at Kelly’s French Bakery – so much better than PBJ.  Then we followed the shoreline around to the Santa Cruz Lighthouse – alas the Surf Museum was closed, but we saw numerous surfers out in the water (the waves were unusually calm).

Next we rode all along the Wharf with many seafood restaurants, and hidden in the pilings, numerous sea lions (yes there was some barking).  Beyond the Wharf was the Boardwalk, though the rides were closed today (maybe only on weekends in October?).

Finally we followed the San Lorenzo River bike path to our hotel, Hotel Paradox.  My roommate tonight is Joan, who joined the group in Crescent City.  She is Canadian from near Toronto.  Sadly, the area around our hotel seems to have many homeless youth.

We were not allowed to cook in the parking lot, so Susan had suggested a local pizza place, and we were joined by several members of the local bike club, who were most intrigued by our adventures.  Rest Day tomorrow here in Santa Cruz.

Garmin:  53.09 miles, 11.42 mph, 2614.8 ft ascent

Relive:  https://www.relive.cc/view/1228788070

Trouble again loading photos.  I’ll try in the morning.