The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has been operating since 1907 and two of the rides are National Historic Landmarks, the 1924 Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster and the 1911 Looff Carousel with its unique ring toss that provides a surprising challenge. There’s a mixture of nostalgia with penny arcade games, the smell of sunscreen lotion in the air, retro rides (like the sky glider, pictured with Mr. Caveman) and classic greasy, sugary carnival food. It’s probably the only amusement park where you can get deep fried artichokes I bet!
The Boardwalk spans a wide sandy beach along Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and often times you’ll spot amazing sand art. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been throughout the years; I even had my high school prom there! As one of the last classic seaside amusement parks in the United States, I hope many more visitors get to experience the nostalgia while it lasts.
Even though summer doesn’t officially start until a few weeks, Memorial Day weekend seems to always kick off the summertime fun. Watermelon, BBQ’s, flip flops, long days at the beach and when it comes to backyard games, horseshoes are a true classic.
The game of horseshoes is American as apple pie. We’ve been playing the game since the American Civil War. Our great-great-grandparents played the game and probably our great-great grandkids will too. It’s simple to learn yet challenging enough. It can be played solo or with others, can be played almost anywhere, and by almost anyone, young or more mature.
A little history
Game of quoits. Image: Wikipedia
Sports historians figured out that the game of horseshoes was invented some 2,000 years ago from the ancient Greek sport of the discus throw. Many of the poorer people could not afford the discus so they used cast-off horseshoes instead. At the time, horseshoes were actually round, with a hole in the middle. This then evolved into the game of quoits (which uses a 4-pound iron ring in a manner similar to horseshoes) which was being played in England by the 14th Century. This brought embarrassment to the English rulers who felt the game distracted men from military training, particularly archery. The game was outlawed in 1388. By the 16th century, English peasants were playing both horseshoes (now, in a more “U” shape) and quoits with horseshoes generally viewed by the rich and noble as a vulgar, a poor man’s version of the proper game of quoits.
Ever eager to thumb their noses (and fingers!) at aristocrats, the American colonists exported both games to North America and the colonists played horseshoes almost exclusively, making the game somewhat of a symbol for the common citizen.
(Sept. 1926 issue) Frank Jackson winner of 11 world championships and 5 state championships
Around the turn of the twentieth century is when horseshoe tournaments, leagues, and associations were starting to form. In the roaring twenties, horseshoe pitching was a popular spectator sport regularly covered on the sports pages.
Today some 30 million Americans enjoy the game. There are “official rules” set by National Horseshoe Pitchers Association (NHPA) with stake height, shoe weight, distance from each stake and a whole lot more. But, you don’t need to worry about any of that or be as good as Frank Jackson to get a game going.
A little skill
First, determine what the winning score will be – you can pick any number. Then a good old-fashioned coin toss will determine who pitches first. One player throws 2 shoes at the stake at the opposite end. Then the next player throws 2 shoes. When all four shoes have been tossed, you walk over to the stake, figure out the score, then pick up your shoes and throw them again. You keep doing this until someone has reached the winning score.
The object is to get the horseshoe as close as possible to the stake, or ideally, to wrap the shoe around the stake (a ringer).
You get:
Three points for a ringer (must be able to draw a straight line between the open ends of the horseshoe and not have that line touch the stake)
One point for close (six inches or less from the stake)
Zero for anything else
Horseshoe pit at Where Water Falls
But there is a twist…
As with many games, there’s a twist called cancellations. Anytime both opponents land horseshoes that are equally close to the stake they cancel each other out – no score is given. The same holds true for ringers; if both score a ringer then no points are awarded for that particular ringer. This scoring system gave rise to the popular expression, “Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.”
The official NHPA game consists of 40 points which can be a real test of endurance, especially when players are evenly matched (and if you have a cocktail in your other hand while playing, not that I know of course). The game could go on for many hours and your arm will be a little sore the next day.
A little luck too
Horseshoe above door at Where Water Falls
Horseshoes are not only used in a game but also have long been thought to be lucky. Many believed (and some still do) that a horseshoe in the upward (“U”) position holds in all the luck. When the opening turns down, the luck spills out. A horseshoe hanging above a door is said to gather great luck for the home and it’s not a home without one. So, this summer, pitch some all-American shoes. Whether you’re at the beach, a park or your own backyard, pound a couple pieces of pipe into the ground and get a game going. All you need is a little skill, a little luck and it will surely bring you a whole lot of fun!
Nothing can be more of a bummer than when you have your day planned for outside fun in the sun and then it pours. I mean it really pours and you don’t want to dare get into the car and drive somewhere like we did in part 1. Click Here if you missed the day trip from Pescadero to Davenport.
While it is true that nothing beats the feeling of warmth brought about by the sunshine, it doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun being indoors too. Rainy days tend to dull the fire of anxiety in the soul. So in this part, let’s stay in and take care of that soul of yours – you’re on vacation after all!
Rekindle that child within
When was the last time you played a board game or put together a puzzle? Board games have been played in most cultures and societies throughout history. They nurture that child within and they help build new brain cells. Yes, you can grow new ones at any age.
For example:
Scrabble & Bogglehelps with word skills. This brain workout encourages you to recognize letter patterns, create new combinations and boost vocabulary. Word skills are essential for people of all ages who what to be effective communicators (or at least with the opposite sex, right!).
Ping-Pong & Foosball improve coordination. You use it for everyday tasks like walking while using your handheld device (maybe that’s a bad example), driving your car or putting your shoes on. Active play increases blood-flow to the brain and improves overall brain health, making you ready to face any challenge your day may hold; like when it rains on your vacation!
Monopoly & Settlers of Catanare great for the frontal lobe. This area of the brain is responsible for critical thinking and decision making. It’s also the center of judgement, impulse control and social behavior. These games require complex levels of thinking, planning, sequencing and reasoning. Play nice though.
Simon & Uno for memory. By engaging in brain-stimulating activities, you can help clear the dust bunnies and re-establish old connections between brain cells. Short term memory skills come in handy for work and finding those car keys you misplace all too often.
Katamino & Marusenko Sphere (like a Rubrics Cube) boost your visual perception skills. These activities require you to shift the orientation of objects in your mind and quickly recognize shapes and colors. Soon enough you’ll be able to spot a polar bear in a blizzard on your next vacation in the arctic.
*The Cottage has the listed games above as well as many classic and current board games, cards, puzzles, mazes, and trivia for groups and the solo player.
Veg Out Sometimes bad weather makes you want to just curl up in front of the tube with a big bowl of popcorn or other treats and just veg out. Some of the most loved Hollywood films of all time are perfect for rainy days because gloomy weather can cause a bad mood and watching a movie or a marathon of them will lift the spirit. It’s easy to transport yourself to futuristic places, magical lands or back in time with a good story.
*The Cottage has: Comedies, Romance, Action, Sci-Fi, Nature, Thriller, Drama, Adventure, Documentary…. you take your pick. Snuggle By The Fire
Rainy days are the perfect excuse to stay in your jammies all day. Build a fire, snuggle up with a warm blanket, catch up on some zzz’s and get to that book that’s been on your list. Hey, you were going to read it from that lounge chair in the sun, remember? (See Part 1)
But wait a minute? Building a fire is one of those things that you might sort of know how to do, but don’t really have to do it that often kind of thing. Don’t worry, it’s actually quite simple, whether it’s a campfire to roast s’mores or a cozy one at a vacation rental.
You’ll need:
Fire Starter – the spark
Tinder – newspaper works just fine
Kindling – wood less than an inch in diameter (this will get your fire going)
Logs – you know what these look like
Before you do anything, open the flue. You’ll usually be able to feel the cold air coming from outside if it’s open. Grab your newspaper and crumble a few pieces up, throwing them into the back of the fireplace. These are going to act as the tinder, starting the fire with an easy to light surface.
Stack some of your kindling on top of the newspaper. Make sure you leave enough room in there for oxygen to circulate, as your fire will need it to burn. I like to build a tepee with the kindling.
Light your fire. Again, you’ll want to light the tinder (newspaper) in a few different spots to get it burning quickly. Your kindling should catch fire pretty easily. You can add a bit more kindling once it starts to create a nice bed going.
Once you’ve got a small fire going, you can start adding your bigger logs. You can usually just lay these across lengthwise, then stack one or two on top diagonally. Remember: you want to leave enough room for oxygen to flow so everything catches fire easily.
That’s it! You should have a warm, crackling fire going in no time. You can always add more logs if you want to keep it going longer, too.
*The Cottage has the fire prepared ahead of time. All you need to do is light it!
Play In The Kitchen
Turn on the music, open a bottle of wine and play in the kitchen. Your creative cooking skills are bound to improve considerably as you learn enjoyable ways to cook with local, flavorful and healthy ingredients. And, maybe with something you’ve never tried before!
Get the rest of the gang to join in with you for some team effort. Meals prepared and eaten at home (or a vacation rental) are usually more nutritious, healthy and made with love. So many of us eat on the go or alone and we miss out on meaningful times with those that matter most. This is why you wanted to come on vacation, right? Instead of eating out, eat in. Preparing and sharing a meal together is an easy excuse to catch up, laugh and eat the rainy afternoon away.
*The Cottage is fully loaded for all your cooking and baking needs.
Listen.
Make a warm mug of tea or hot chocolate – something you don’t normally make for yourself. Turn off the TV, computer or music you have on and open the doors. Just listen to the sound of the raindrops hitting the leaves on the trees, the roof, the ground and all the surroundings. If there is a covered spot outside to sit, go out with your mug and feel the warmth of it in your hand. Take a smell of the aroma from your beverage. Breathe in fresh dewy air. Observe the power of Mother Nature and allow her to nurture you. Maybe a rainy day turned out to be exactly what you needed after all…
You dream, you search, you plan, and you narrow down the dates for that long awaited vacation you so desperately needed (like 6 months ago!). The day finally arrives with anticipation as you jump out of bed. All you can think about is that photo of the lounge chair facing that gorgeous view you saw on the vacation rental website. In fact, you booked the property because of that photo.
You. That chair. A good book. And some sun.
As you drive to your destination you can’t help but notice grey looming clouds. Oh no! Rain, you think. It’s going to rain and my vacation is going to be ruined! No lounging in the sun with my book. Typical.
Don’t fret!
Just because rain is in the forecast doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy your visit to The Coastside. There’s plenty to do even when Mother Nature has her way. Maybe its nature’s way of saying: slow down, let’s shake things up a bit and be a little creative. So grab an umbrella and let’s go on a day trip.
Coffee And Rain Go Together
Americano with some chocolateSweet nostalgia
Downtown Local in Pescadero offers top-quality Sightglass coffee (a San Francisco artisan roaster) AND Kombucha that’s expertly crafted in an ambient, warm, cozy atmosphere that’s perfect for rainy days. Sit for a bit in the theater they have tucked in the corner while munching on a scone and watch silent films. Soak up some cool, retro, nostalgia with: old school toys, trinkets, vintage magazines, one of a kind clothing, vinyl albums, Royal typewriter and the “dual disk” Apple computer to name a few.
213 Stage Road, Pescadero Open daily from 9-5 pm
Head To The Lighthouse For A Little Drama
Photo: Billy Gast, FlickrPhoto: Oceanic Society
Pigeon Point is about a 12 minute drive from downtown Pescadero. It’s a great spot to walk around and view the 115 foot lighthouse (one of the tallest in America), whale watch and take in the power of the Pacific. The ocean is much more dramatic and romantic (at least I think so) during a storm.
Every winter and spring (rainy season), approximately 18,000 Pacific gray whales embark on an annual migration from their summer feeding grounds in the Arctic Bering and Chukchi Seas to warm birthing lagoons off the coast of Baja California. During the epic 10,000+ mile round-trip journey – one of the longest in the animal kingdom – gray whales hug the coastline, offering a rare opportunity for land-dwellers to catch a glimpse of these enigmatic creatures.
The oceanside observation deck at Pigeon Point allows whale watchers a 300 degree view as they scan the horizon for whale blows. Docent volunteers are “on-deck” to help interpret these magnificent marine mammals and their behavior for visitors. Be sure to stop in the Visitor Center to learn some interesting California history.
210 Pigeon Point Road, Highway 1, Pescadero
Take A Scenic Drive Down The Coast To Davenport
Town of Davenport, CA
Davenport’s (about 22 minutes from the lighthouse) roots go as far back as 1867, when whaling captain John Davenport built a 450 foot shipping wharf in the area. The town experienced a surge in development after the turn of the century, when the Santa Cruz Portland Cement Company opened its factory and drew workers to the region. The cement from the plant was used to rebuild San Francisco after the 1906 quake, build one of the Panama Canal locks, and even construct the dry docks in Pearl Harbor.
Stop In For A Leisurely Meal
Photo: Whale City BakeryThe classic BLT
Whale City Bakery (which use to be a dive bar, then a card room, then a gas station, now the bakery) they offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily along with an in-house boutique bakery, full espresso bar, patio seating with ocean views, and live music several nights a week. Run by three generations of family, they pride themselves on fast and friendly service, home cooked meals featuring locally sourced ingredients, and the art of traditional, no frills baking.
Whale City Bakery – 490 Highway One, Davenport Open daily
Or, Fuel Up At The Roadhouse
Roadhouse menuMargherita pizza
Delicious and affordable California coastal cuisine featuring fresh ingredients from neighboring organic farms is the hallmark of their kitchen. The restaurant’s dining options are diverse, with fresh seafood and California style cuisine like artichoke lasagna. They also have a bar with many outstanding wines from the area, and locally brewed beer to get you settled into the country pace of a rainy day.
Davenport Roadhouse – 1 Davenport Avenue, Davenport Open daily
Admire Some Art
A creation in the worksPhoto: Lundberg Studios
Lundberg Studios is a premier art glass manufacturing company for over 40 years. They have produced some of the finest art glass of our times. The design styles range from antique to contemporary, from Tiffany to Art Deco. The glass is made entirely at the studios in Davenport on a limited production basis. Melting all its own exotic colors, Lundberg Studios has refined the art of making quality glass by using a blend of techniques both traditional and innovative.
Lundberg Studios- 131 Old Coast Road, Davenport Open M-Sat from 11-4 pm
Sip Some Local Grapes
Wine tasting room in Davenport, CAPhoto: Wine Fashionista
Bonny Doon Vineyard Tasting Room. Here you can enjoy authentic South Bay wines in a playfully quirky setting. Sip on some of the area’s best vintages, and pick up a few bottles to take home. Bonny Doon Vineyard has enjoyed a long history of innovation – the first to truly popularize Rhône grapes in California, to successfully work with cryo-extraction for sundry “Vins de Glacière, the first to utilize microbullage in California, the first to popularize screwcaps for premium wines, and, quite significantly, the first to embrace true transparency in labeling with its ingredient labeling initiative. Bonny Doon Vineyard grew and grew with some incredibly popular brands (Big House, Cardinal Zin and Pacific Rim) and it became the 28th largest winery in the United States.
Boony Doon Winery- 50 CA-1, Davenport Open Wed-Mon from 11-5 pm (closed Tuesdays)
Speaking Of Unusual Suspects…
Photo: LocalWiki
Davenport Jail is a small reminder of rowdier times in small towns. Built in 1914, it was used twice as a jail (two teen horse thieves apparently) and has only two cells. The jail is currently a small museum with information on the area of Davenport. The construction was used with cement provided by the cement company in the area. It is open the first Sunday of every month.
Davenport Jail- between Ocean Street and Davenport Avenue
Pick Up Some Sweetness
Boysenberry pie, strawberry truffle & blackberry cheese cakeOrganic is the way to go
Okay. So, you’ve explored the town of Davenport and have full tummies. Now, pick up a treat at Swanton Berry Farm to take home with you. Enjoy it later by the fire along with that bottle of Bonny Doon wine you picked up. The farm stand has: homemade jams, famous fruit cake (the real deal), blackberry cobbler, strawberry shortcake, amazing truffles and pies, hot strawberry-apple cider, hot farm made soup as well as Swanton T-Shirts and more goodies. They have a collection of vintage table games, wonderful history and nature displays and of course good tunes playing. Cash and check only.
Farm Stand- 25 Swanton Road, Davenport Open daily from 8-5 pm (in winter) and a little later the rest of the year
