When work took me to the central coast of California last year, I spent almost every day after work at one of the many beaches or coves. One of the areas that I was continually drawn back to was Twin Lakes State Beach in Santa Cruz. It was only about an hour drive from my Hotel room in Morgan Hill, and to be completely honest, the drive was part of the attraction. The first half of the drive was across Hecker Pass, a steep, winding trek through a redwood forest before spending the last half on the Pacific Coast Highway.
The beach itself is not overly unique amongst all of the many others that line the coast of California. Among things that do make it attractive are the picturesque Walton Lighthouse and an amazing Hispanic restaurant with the most incredible 25$ enchilada you’ll ever eat. But what makes it really special are the people.
It’s always the people that are the most interesting thing to me about anywhere I go, and there are always amazing people to meet no matter where you are. But this beach, for whatever reason, seems to have a much higher rate of cool humans per capita.
The first time I went, within ten minutes of being on the beach I stumbled upon a man blowing on a Conch Shell.
I, of course…had to meet this guy.
I do not recall his name at present. And on that day, neither did he. He was, by every quantifiable metric, baked out of his mind. But damn could he rock a conch shell. It also just so happened that I was there during an extremely low tide that exposed several hundred more feet of beach. The sun was just right, and coupled with the contrast of the exposed ocean bed…created what I felt was a great opportunity. I asked if I could take a picture. He was agreeable. But to be completely honest, I probably could have asked him if I could staple his scalp to the pier and he would have agreed. He was pretty much cool with anything. Regardless, it’s still one of my favorite shots I’ve ever taken.
After our impromptu photo shoot, he, I and a couple of his equally stoned friends talked for a bit…who we were, where we were from and what the true meaning of the color blue meant to us all. You know, the important stuff.
On another trip, I was taking pictures of the lighthouse when a couple of women came walking up, wine glasses in hand and smiles on their faces.
“So what are you doing there, eh?”
Canadian. They were Canadian. You may have heard that Canadians are exceptionally friendly folk.
“Just trying to take some pictures.” I said.
“Well let’s have a look then!”
We spent quite some time discussing life and it’s many trappings. They were indeed the epitome of the friendly Canadian stereotype. And to think, I would have never made those new friends. You gotta get out there people. I’m just sayin’.
On another trip, I started talking to a man about fishing. I soon discovered he was there with his family. Because his daughter was a pitcher for a Division 1, top 25 softball program in town for a game. I met his family and shook his daughter’s hand. She nearly broke mine. I have so much respect for high-level athletes. That was just a really cool experience for me.
Like I said, what makes a place really special is the people. And these examples represent just a few of many awesome people I met on the beaches around Walton Lighthouse. I’ve found that only two things are required to get to know people out there in the world. A smile and a “how are you doin’ today?” I highly recommend taking the time to start a few conversations next time you’re out and about. Seems to me that the world is a better place when we’re all on speaking terms.
Sooooo annnnnnyway, it’s about time for me to wrap this post up. If you’re ever anywhere near Santa Cruz, take the opportunity to head down to Twin Lakes State Beach and watch the sunset behind Walton Lighthouse. Keep an eye out for a stoned one-man Conch band, a couple of very polite Canadian ladies and a softball pitcher who can crush coconuts with her handshake. Oh, and don’t forget to enjoy the hell out of the most amazing 25$ enchilada you’ll ever meet.