Punkport in Cali (Pt. 2)

Kendall has come and gone, but her visit remains fresh in my mind, if only for the fact that my computer yells at me to upload pictures every time I open it.  Thus, I give you part two of what will most likely end up being a blogging trilogy.  One of my favorite things to do here in California (if you hadn't already picked up on it) is hiking.  I mean, how can one be surrounded by mountains and nature and beauty and not take full advantage of it every free chance they get?  So, Kendall and I picked one of the nicer days while she was here (there weren't that many of them, unfortunately) and explored the neighboring Santa Cruz Mountains.

 First up, my favorite hiking spot: Castle Rock State Park.  Sadly, this park is set to be shut down due to state budget cuts, but its popularity with rock climbers and hikers alike will hopefully help to maintain the trails after the park rangers leave.  Anyways, my favorite trail walks along a summit, offering fantastic views, like this one, from our lunch spot.  

 We had a little bit too much fun playing on this mossy tree.  But really, you can't walk past something like this and NOT climb it, am I right? Below is just a sample of the views we had while hiking.  If you look closely, there is a bay in the distance...possibly Half Moon Bay, but I'm not really sure on that one. (*edit: I have since been told that it is Monterey Bay!)

   Our next stop was Big Basin Redwoods State Park, which is conveniently right next door to Castle Rock.  Basically, this park is exactly what it sounds like: Redwoods, redwoods, and then some more redwoods for good measure.  Pictures can't really do the sheer magnitude of these trees justice, even when I throw Kendall in there for a scale reference.  Fun facts time: redwoods are actually taller than sequoias.  The first, second, third, and sixth tallest known trees are all redwoods that live within a mile of each other on this stretch of the California coastline.  Oh the things you learn!  Since we went on a weekday, the park was virtually deserted, making for a rather pleasant stroll through the forest.


 

Tiny Kendall, big tree.

And last but not least, a great little pull off from the winding mountain road (and a break for the exhausted driver, yours truly) with a fantastic view.