Down By the Sea Part 3: The Beach Boardwalk

After our quick trip to the mission, Meghan, The Roz and I parked in the downtown area again and walked a little ways to the ocean. Santa Cruz is known for it's Beach Boardwalk, so we had a few hours of fun and sun there, and wrapped up that adventure by dipping our toes in the Pacific.
The Boardwalk is gaudy and colorful and I had a blast photographing it. It makes for some fun pictures, and I'm quite pleased with how some turned out.

We started off by getting tokens. I cannot resist Skee-Ball.

Meghan was in the Army and knows her guns.

Skee-Ball!!

One thing we were all looking forward to was a ride on the 100-year-old carousel. I love carousels and I don't care how old I get, I will always be happy to ride them.

The Roz

Meghan

Yours Truly

Mr. Swimmy had a ball.

This story must be told. Roz heard me mention Mr. Swimmy to Meghan during the drive to Santa Cruz, and asked, predictably, what I was talking about.

"Well, Roz, I have a lucky rubber ducky named Cali Swimmy. He has four other duck friends who live in Detroit, New York City, England and Holland. Our ducks go on adventures with us and we share the pictures with each other."

Of course Roz loved this.

Anyway, as we we rode the carousel, I noticed a game outside--the Lucky Duck game. I had to get a closer look. The game is for small children, but of course, I had to take pictures of it for my duckie friends.

Meghan gave Roz the money to play, just for grins, and Roz picked a duck that earned her the medium-sized prize--a plush duck.

"He can be an honorary Swimmy!" I told a delighted Roz. "But he'll need a first name."

She settled on Chuck the Duck, and Chuck happily accompanied us for the rest of the day.

One thing I'm proud of--I didn't buy ANY Boardwalk food.

The Giant Dipper--an old wooden roller coaster.

Advertising for some kind of sohw they'd be putting on later.

We were wondering where she got her lovely
mesh body sock.

I am, at 62", just tall enough to ride all of the rides.

We went on the swings and it was exhilarating to fly out
over the beach.

Chuck the Duck safe in Meghan's purse for the swing ride.

We rode the Skyglider--lovely views.

Roz insisted on keeping me company, so Meghan had to
ride alone.

Looking out towards the pier.

The Giant Dipper

I love the close-up feature on my camera.
This sign was several blocks away.

 Finally we reached the really glorious part of the day--walking barefoot across hot sand to dip our toes in the Pacific.

Getting attacked by seaweed.

The obligatory Meg-with-duck-on-head-and-ocean-in-back
shot for the day.

These are ashtrays!

Redwood logs

A small duck pondering the big world and how much he'd
love to see his duck friends (though very happy to have met
The Roz and Chuck).

After the beach, we walked back to the car to head over to the Mystery Spot...which I leave for another post.