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Xperience the ocean on dry land at Natural Bridges State Beach

Munch-Kin Feet

Jun 20, 20243 min read

Tidepools open up miniature windows to new worlds for the curious and adventurous

For those who love seeing marine life up close, aquariums are always a good option. However, what if you could see those same animals and plants living freely in their natural environment, going about their daily oceanic lives right before your very eyes? (Reminds me of a certain cartoon about someone who lives in a pineapple under the sea!)

Natural Bridges State Beach in Santa Cruz offers beautiful vistas and stunning natural displays whichever way you look. Those wishing for a very special Xperience just need to time their visit carefully for low tide and hike up a rocky path to where the ocean's wonders are on display!

The visitor's center provides a helpful map to the tidepool location, which is about a 20 minute walk/hike. You first travel down to the beach, past a picnic area with a huge eucalyptus tree, to view the gorgeous natural rock bridge for which the park is named. It is a breathtaking location, but even in June the water was very cold! Definitely a wading beach, not a swimming beach. The waves also seemed very powerful in this location.

After you have finished enjoying the natural bridge, head up the path on the rocky hill to your right. Good walking shoes and even a walking stick is highly recommended! Once you have conquered the hill, enter a gate and go through a few residential streets. Don't worry, there is good signage to guide you! You will reach a walking bridge; instead of going over it, go down the path to the left towards the beach. Climb up the rocks to your right, and you will encounter the tidepools!

The hike may not be long, but it can be slippery and difficult. I would recommend going slowly and carefully, taking your time, and being very sure of your footing before you step, climb, or leap. I was very glad that I had brought my walking stick! It's also a good idea to bring friends or family so you can help each other.

We were delighted to find a park volunteer stationed at the tidepools to help us find and identify wildlife, and also to provide helpful reminders and safety information. As this is a marine protected area, you cannot touch, move, or remove anything! In the countless rocky pools we saw several huge ochre sea stars, giant green sea anemones, many different crabs, beautiful purple sea urchins, and even a chiton, which vaguely resembles a zipper; and much more! Walking here can be treacherous because of the numerous wet rocky holes, so proceed very slowly and with caution.

It was truly awesome to see so many unique marine creatures in the wild. What a unique privilege to see them living in freedom, and not inside glass tanks. A very special Xperience, indeed!

Natural Bridges State Beach is a great value at only $10 per car entry fee! Depending on when you visit, you may also see the park's famous monarch butterflies (mid-October to mid-February)

So, what do you think? Would you like to Xperience life under the sea, while standing on dry ground?

Move Your Feet Travel Blog is where you become an active part of your Xperience and create lasting memories of a life time for your family and friends. Please visit MoveYourFeetTravel.com and use the website to explore and create your own customized personal Xperience by using the Xperience Lookup System. We are also happy to create a personal Travel Xperience for you!

Which animal would you like to see most at Natural Bridges?

Ochre sea star
Lined shore crab
Purple sea urchin
Giant green sea anemone

Xperience History in Motion at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Munch-Kin Feet

Jun 17, 20244 min read

Updated: Jun 19, 2024

For over 100 years, the Looff Carousel has been delighting children of all ages - with a bonus game as you ride

By Munch-Kin Feet

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a haven of joy and fun for all who enter. Steeped in history, there is something for everyone, from unique fair food (giant corndog, anyone?) to arcades, midway games, lovely beach views, and of course, classic fair rides. Amidst all this diversion, the thing that entranced me the most was the Boardwalk's oldest ride: the historic Looff Carousel.

Built in 1911 and verified as a National Historic Landmark, the carousel is huge, solidly constructed, and gorgeous. From the moment you enter the circular structure housing it, you realize that this is no ordinary merry-go-round. They simply "don't make 'em like they used to." The horses are truly works of art all by themselves with a variety of expressions and styles, and have been painstakingly cared for and restored over the carousel's long history. When individual horses simply had to be replaced, the owners went out of their way to use high-quality vintage horses from other historic Looff carousels.

At first, you are drawn in by the magical carnival atmosphere created by the vintage and unique organs. The carousel's original Ruth & Sohn organ is still pumping out tuneful dreams, supplemented by a rare vintage Wurlitzer 165 organ. To say that the sound is immense and intoxicating does not do it justice! Nothing like the piped-in, taped music you might hear at a regular carousel; this "live" music has depth, perfect clarity and "oompf". Not to mention that the vintage organs are gorgeously crafted works of art all by themselves, and worthy of closer inspection.

I was glad that the carousel was solidly crafted as I climbed astride an outside facing horse-more on that later-because I am no longer a child, in fact, a somewhat large adult. Despite my size I was comfortable on the solid horse and was confident that the carousel could support me and still go up and down! My husband chose to ride on the horse directly beside mine, in the 2nd row. I was surprised and please to see that we were far from the only "grown-ups" on the ride; along with many parents accompanying children were a happy group of teenagers and older adults. No one is too old for a carousel!

The moment I got on the horse I was transported back to childhood; swinging my legs, laughing, thrilled for the ride to start. It was an instant time machine. I was absolutely filled with childlike wonder and joy!

I chose an outside horse because I was particularly excited about a very special feature of this historic carousel - catching a ring! Only a few carousels in the world still offer this feature - as you stretch your arm out on the outside ring of horses, you can catch a metal ring from a special dispenser. I wasn't sure how difficult it would be to catch a ring without losing a finger! I was also wondering if I would get motion sickness from the ride. I needn't have been concerned. The carousel goes just fast enough to bring smiles without spinning you fast enough to make you dizzy or ill.

On our first rotation, I stretched my right arm out and -caught my first ring! I was ecstatic! I hadn't thought farther than that however; as we circled around, I started stacking rings on my left hand like I was J-Lo! After 5 rings, I still hadn't made the connection as to what I was supposed to do with them. I had heard that in the olden days of amusement parks catching a ring got you a free ride; however with all the eager hands outstretched, I knew that wasn't an option. At that point, my dear husband leaned over and shouted over the music, "I think you are supposed to throw them at the clown's mouth." I had wondered about the terrifying clown face on one wall of the carousel structure- now I realized its purpose. My husband had seen people flinging their rings at the clown, aiming for its mouth. Those who aim correctly are rewarded by flashing lights and bells. At this point, the ring dispenser was empty from so many greedy hands, so a new game emerged - chucking rings at the clown's open maw! I admit that I was a terrible shot, but I had a blast nonetheless. Throwing things is always fun! I enjoyed demonstrating my anti-clown sentiments by tossing rings directly at its painted face. Of course I could have waited till after the ride concluded to try to have a more accurate throw, but what fun is that?

Eventually, as with all good things, the ride came to an end. However, the smile stayed on my face for the rest of that day; and the smile returns to me now as I recall that treasured Xperience. The ride cost $6 (or 6 points on a wristband), but my memories are truly priceless.

Make your own treasured Xperiences at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk! There is so much to do and explore.

Which would you try first at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk?

The Looff Carousel
The Giant Dipper rollercoaster
Tasty Garlic fries
Cave Train dark ride

Xperience True Serenity in Yosemite- Don't Overlook this Serene Overlook!

Munch-Kin Feet

Jun 14, 20243 min read

Updated: Jun 19, 2024

Hetch Hetchy, once controversial, is a spot of rare beauty

By Munch-Kin Feet

Hetch Hetchy Valley is hidden in the slightly lesser known northwest corner of Yosemite National Park. It's a great place to go if you want to reflect on natural wonders with smaller crowds than you find in the valley. Be aware that its more secluded location means that it is roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes drive (38 miles) from the Yosemite Valley Visitor center, so plan accordingly.

The day we went hiking (unseasonably warm for early June) it was 95 degrees, so our visit was somewhat affected by the heat. Nevertheless, there was much we were able to see and enjoy, including a hike across the historic dam, through the mountain tunnel, and up the rocky path along the shoreline until we reached a small stream of water that trickled down the side of a cliff. We chose to explore the moderate Wapama Falls trail, which is 5 miles roundtrip with an elevation change of around 500 feet. The hike to the two large waterfalls, Tueeulala and Wapama, seen above, would be challenging on even a cooler day; so we contented ourselves with going as far as we felt comfortable. Fortunately there are a few areas of shade on the path. I would advise summer visitors to bring good shoes, walking sticks, water, and a hat!

It is surprising to think that the beautiful reservoir supplies the water needs of the Bay Area, including San Francisco, a 3 hour drive away! The O'Shaughnessy Dam itself is impressive, rising to a height of 430 feet, the final phase of which was completed in 1938. Development of the area was controversial and protested against by many preservationists (such as John Muir). What swayed public opinion at last? The 1906 earthquake and fire of San Francisco, which highlighted the real need for a reliable water supply. It remains for each visitor to mull over the environmental and economic pros and cons of the dam and reservoir. However, what can be agreed upon is that the area is still beautiful despite development.

Even the drive up to Hetch Hetchy was beautiful, with many wildflowers in bloom, including gorgeous lupines. We encountered a small herd of alpine cows leisurely strolling down the dirt road, small bells tinkling, gazing nonchalantly at our approaching car as they grazed. You can't be in a hurry driving through the mountains! Not just for safety; but also because everywhere there is something new to see and encounter.

As far as flora and fauna, there is much to discover. The charming California ground squirrel, the scrub jay, and sweet little butterflies, to name just a few. I even encountered a good-sized lizard, which I believe to have been a western fence lizard, sunning himself on the hot afternoon amidst the manzanita bushes.

Fortunately, we did not catch a glimpse of another Hetch Hetchy resident, the rattlesnake! Black bears are also in the area (like all of Yosemite and much of the state) so beware of bears. Be very wary and bear-aware!

Just like when visiting any part of Yosemite, it's good to plan ahead. It's always a good idea to pack lunch for later; there are a few picnic tables by the parking area for your convenience. Be aware of the weather and the season; always bring water and a hiking buddy, if possible. Don't take risks or get too close to edges of paths or waterfalls; that selfie isn't worth your life! And always leave no trace - pick up after yourself but don't remove anything from the natural environment.

In summary, Hetch Hetchy was breathtaking and, although we passed a few intrepid hikers on the trail, it was nowhere near as crowded as the valley locations. I would love to return someday, hopefully when the weather is cooler and I am in better physical shape!

Be sure to plan a visit the next time you are in Yosemite for a little something different - a spot that is unique but no less beautiful than the rest of this amazing park!

Would you like to visit Hetch Hetchy?

Yes, it looks beautiful
No, not my thing
Maybe, if I was in the area