Chasing Mavericks, Santa Cruz CA - 5 Stars

Santa Cruz, CA:  I give Chasing Mavericks the movie - 5 stars.

I went to see the movie, Chasing Mavericks, that was released on Friday, Oct. 26.  It is the story of a local surfer legend in Santa Cruz, Jay Moriaty. I really enjoyed it and would like to see it again on the big screen! And, I talked with people as I was walking out after the movie who shared the same enthusiasm as I.  This is rare for me to stop and talk to strangers about a movie as I leave. There is something about the movie which pulls at you.

Surfing in Santa Cruz - by DW

I was a concerned after I watched this movie review by Don Sanchez (local ABC news - San Francisco) who gave it a "half a bucket of pop corn."  Sanchez mentioned the waves were the stars and said the remaining movie didn't have much dialogue and slow moving.

I disagree.

I do agree about pictures of the huge waves were stars - the plus is that you get acquainted with a sample of people from this town which is so different from Silicon Valley, San Francisco, and Sacramento. You know I share many discoveries of this small beach town every chance I get. I escape the city-life and find places to relax and talk with the locals in Santa Cruz to learn about this "other life" that surrounds the world of surfing.  Everyone goes to work - there is always time to catch a few waves before going home.  And, the movie is recent - many people remember this.

This movie gives an in depth look at this simple, local community life in this favorite beach town which I am spellbound everytime I visit.   It is fresh look showcasing the genuine life of people in Santa Cruz.  The story- telling of surfing life is one that has not been shown. 

Chasing Mavericks - Santa Cruz CA by DW

There is a second message in the movie also provides a lesson of how to stay focused and be patient and resilient when your are enroute to accomplishing what you want to achieve.  Achievements are different for everyone.  Moriaty had many chances to drop his goal to ride the big one (wave) - he stayed on his path and achieved what he wanted to do in a short amount of time without a huge expense.  He found people who helped in their own ways along the path.

Santa Cruz is well known globally - as the town grows during the summer months with visitors - yet I find an unusual ambience with each visit. 

If you want to visit the same sights as you see in the movie - you may find information from Santa Cruz website.

Live Like Jay!

Be sure to go see this movie - and share your thoughts here! The Fun Tour Guru

My Day as a Park Champion at San Juan Bautista State Historical Park CA

Today's travel tip:  A working vacation?  It is fun, and everyone is able to do something. Keep it simple, like volunteering a half day somewhere - example is in state parks.

My radio alarm turned on at 6 a.m. My sleepy body is saying, "On no, this is Sunday, should I really get up and drive 60 miles so I may transition into a gardener and painter or roll over and fall back to sleep?"

I staggered out of bed and found my way through the early morning autumn darkness into the kitchen to make a pot of coffee. I knew if I found some way to overcome this initial lazy thought – today would produce:

Adventure. Exercise. Learning. New friends. Fun.

Park Champions - Gardeners - Working Together - by DW

I have been reading newsletters from California State Parks Foundation for a long time about activities and things to do.  I follow the list of state parks in need of Park Champions and signed up to help with San Juan Bautista State Historical Park – I knew this would be an unusual, fun way to give back to the community.  I admit when the day arrived, it was very difficult to climb out of my warm blankets on my bed and get ready.

We worked together painting this fence!

Even though I have spent time on my Grandfather's farm, I have never had a garden of my own and I have limited painting experience. I know there are people eager to show you – I found all you have to do is bring a hat, wear close toe shoes, take a re-usable water bottle, and anymore favorite sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) – work gloves if you have them, and a smile.  

Park Champions at San Juan Bautista Historical Park - CA by DW

Our Park Officials provide tools, training, more water, lots of energy and their own wonderful smiles. Plus, they are so appreciative to have people to join them in care-taking of resources.

I found my way into this small group of strangers of all ages coming together in the early morning with one common pledge – to help clean up this fabulous State Historical Park I have shared with you in other stories. Yes, we had our smart phones to post pictures and share – we escaped sitting behind the computer finding so many surprises during the day - which I will gradually share.

I don’t want to turn this into a political blog or debate today – I remembered two things as I worked.  One is the the movie, Karate Kid, learning about building patience and strength through everyday work. And, as the history enthusiast, I remembered all of the different Work Progress Administration projects completed during President Roosevelt’s New Deal programs.  Why not hire people to work on projects like these?  True, the wages were low - this begins rebuilding our country's infrastructure while providing paid jobs to people - the same people who buy things.  (Ideas flowing... )

Working behind the scenes as State Park Champions - by DW

I am grateful I got out of bed yesterday and volunteered as a Park Champion and helped take care of one of my favorite places I go to – San Juan Bautista State Historical Park. I have gained new skills of gardening, white-washing a fence, and met a fabulous group of people at the same time. Fun! Of course, I slept well through the night afterwards! 

I will share more pictures and stories of my day as a Park Champion ~ working at San Juan Bautista Historical Park. ~ The Fun Tour Guru

Questions? Do you want to join? Leave your comments and I will be glad to share how you may help us.

At the Top: Santa Cruz CA Beach Boardwalk Roller Coaster

Today's travel tip:  Don't delay your plans. You never know what may happen in the future.  If you want to go somewhere special - make your plans and go. 

I have not been writing too much this month as life's events get in the way.  It is interesting how readers want us to share consistently - without knowing what bloggers may be doing when not online.  Sometimes we have to re-group and take time away.  I am still here.

Today, I am returning back to Santa Cruz, CA with some fun pictures of the Beach Boardwalk.  

What happens in the split second you reach the top of Roller Coaster?  Please share your story today - I enjoy reading what other people write too.


Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - Giant Dipper 2012 by DW





Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - DW



 

Giant Dipper Roller Coaster Santa Cruz CA - DW

Unusual roller coaster pictures from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk ~ The Fun Tour Guru