Day 59-60 Santa Cruz Hikes - Saratoga

Day 59
Hiking in the temperatures less than 5-10 degrees celsius for any one in Dubai would sound a bit adventurous. But I was so surprised with so many people/ families/ young children out in December hiking and climbing. We even met a mother who was carrying a six month infant hiking up. This sure pushed me to take the hike.
All suited and booted with extra layer of jacket we decided to take the shortest trail in the woods near Santa Cruz. It had stopped raining but I was still not getting used to the cold weather (can't blame a Dubai girl!). The hike itself out in the cold weather with narrow trails, whispering winds and swaying trees was such a California thing to do.

On our way back we stopped to see the sun set. I was standing alone at a vantage point to take this picture when a cop came up and enquired why I was alone and if there was any issue. I looked blank and said just taking a picture and pointed towards the waiting car where my family was. He then stopped, looked out in the horizon and pulled out his phone camera. I was amused, sometimes we take things/ surrounding for granted. We need curious tourist feeling in us to awe our surroundings. The green turning into blue against the backdrop of orange, sigh!

On the way back we stopped at Saratoga. It is a small town west of San Jose, the main street is lined up with boutique stores and beautiful restaurants. I went into some stores to see custom made gifts (as Thanksgiving and Christmas was around) which you will not find in huge-mass-selling supermarkets, at the same time it was expensive. As the evening set the lights lit up making the street a pretty little place. If we had more time I would definitely visit this place again.

Day 60
Inspired by previous day we ventured out again towards Santa Cruz Bay on some walking trails. It was sunny enough to spend a day out. As walked around the coastline we saw some birds and sea lions. The views around made it absolutely worthwhile!