Finally! We made it- TTDad and Auntie A were done working, and it was time to squeeze in a day of fun before heading home.
We had stumbled upon an idea that sounded perfect for our littles. Roaring Camp Railroad We could hop on a train, and enjoy a scenic open air ride to the Santa Cruz boardwalk. What we failed to do, once again, was to put together an actual plan. We had become pretty confident in our twin outing planning, and it showed.
By the time we got on the road, we realized that we had missed the most convenient boarding, and the next one would have us waiting around the station for a while, but would also mean that our time in Santa Cruz would be cut short, as we’d have to rush to catch the next (and final) train back to the station at Roaring Camp.
This, added to the fact that the kids were actually sleeping in the car, meant that we just drove all the way to Santa Cruz. Oh well. We followed our GPS to the wharf and found a parking spot close to the very end. We all hopped out of the car, and started walking- quickly realizing we should probably decide on a place for lunch. After walking by numerous places, we saw the error of our ways and returned to the car. We loaded the kids into the stroller, and re-started our walk back down the wharf, toward the boardwalk. After a quick detour to check out the sea lions hanging out by the wharf. It wasn’t long before we passed Olitas (for the third time). You know what they say- Third time’s the charm.
Sold.
Best decision of the day.
First off all, they welcomed these straggly looking family of four, along with our ginormous stroller, without batting an eye. They even placed us in an out of the way section, allowing us to stash the stroller near our table, without it being in anyone’s way. They also fulfilled every one of our borderline Hangry demands. With a SMILE. The kids were provided with crayons and coloring sheets, while TT Dad and I devoured some delicious guac. Yes, everything we tasted was delicious. Guac, burrito, tacos… even the kids’ nachos!
Auntie A and her family had planned to spend their final night at a hotel in Santa Cruz, so we loosely discussed the possibility of spending the day together. No actual plans were made, but if we happened to be doing the same thing at the same time, we’d do it together, sort of thing.
We send them a text as we left the restaurant, and they had just checked into their hotel. They were headed to check out the boardwalk, and so were we, so we joined forces.
Most of the day was spent wandering up and down the wharf, checking out all the attractions, rides, and stores. We took some silly pictures, played some games (and won!), and even got the kiddos- the older ones, anyway- on some rides. The kids enjoyed some coconut water, too. It was an absolutely lovely way to spend our last full California day, and we were thrilled to run into Auntie A, Uncle N, and Cousin I.
To top off this wonderful day, we enjoyed a delightful treat at the coffee shop attached to the Ideal Bar & Grill. While we were enjoying the ice cream, the train rolled by. What a sight. The kids loved waving to all the passengers, and for a moment, we wondered if we had made the wrong choice- but our time with Auntie A, Uncle N, and Cousin I was just so special.
After saying goodbye to them, we walked back to the car, picking up some souvenirs on the way. The trip back to San Jose was just as uneventful as the trek to Santa Cruz had been that morning.
Our evening was equally as uneventful.. we finished off all the leftovers that remain
ed in our mini fridge, and started packing up all of our belongings in preparation of our departure in the morning. Our flight wasn’t until late, however, so we had one last chance to be tourists! Where did we end up? Did we actually make a plan?? Find out soon!