Gary and I visited Lisa and Barry in the early '80's, and one of the places we went was the Boardwalk at Santa Cruz. I remember the Carousel, but not much else. We went to Monterey, Santa Cruz, and Carmel-by-the-Sea. It was very cool, and I wanted to see these places again. Somewhere, photos exist of us walking on the beach with pants rolled up. I remember getting my pants so wet that we stopped someplace and I bought a pair of shorts. It was my first exposure to Ocean Pacific clothing. Vague recollections.

We hit the Boardwalk, and much as in Adventuredome, bumpercars were a warmup attraction.

From the bumper cars, we went straight to the roller coaster. I had to ride it with Brittany to check it out so that she could tell Sarah that it wasn't scary, thus enticing Sarah to ride.

The coaster heads up the hill.

And after a satisfying trip, the riders get back in line to ride again.

While I was waiting for the fourth or seventh rollercoaster ride, I shot a photo of a ride the girls wouldn't go on.

Within a few moments of taking this shot, I observed something fly from the ride. At first, I thought someone had dropped something, but as it fell nearer and nearer, I saw that it was a full bottle of Corona beer. How in the hell does somebody take a full bottle of Corona on a ride like this !? [ed. note. I can't seem to insert the interrobang symbol, which is what belongs there in place of an exclamation point and question mark. An interrobang asks a question with emphasis.]

After nearly getting beaned by Mexican beer, we got on the Gondola and headed back down the boardwalk.

There was a concert on the beach that night: Greg Kihn Band. As we first came onto the Boardwalk, the ladies exclaimed "a band," only to quickly pronounce them "old." I was extremely aggrieved, as the band was playing "What's So Funny 'Bout Peace, Love and Understanding" when Brittany dismissed them. The Vote For Change concerts closed the evenings with this song.

From the gondola.

The coaster from the gondola.

We got off the gondola right next to another pirate boat, just like Vegas.

I couldn't get anybody to go on this with me.

Rides ridden, we took a spin through the souvenir shops, then headed back down the coast to Lisa's house. We had some wine and some cheese with Lisa and her significant other, Mark, stayed up way too late talking, (although I can remember staying up way late when we were teenagers, just talking, so nothing really has changed), then headed back to the crapshack where thoughts of the Hearst Castle filled our heads.

And major league shout-outs to Lisa, for puppy sitting Mr. Man while we were in Santa Cruz. Any time you want us to sit for Lacey, just name it!