Esalen in the Moonlight

Ever on the lookout for romance on the cheap, we may try the recently refurbished hot springs at Esalen, now featuring bathrooms and changing rooms. With an awe-inspiring view 50 feet above the Pacific from the remote Big Sur coast, the tubs are available to the general public by reservaton only from 1 am to 3 am at a cost of $20, payable by credit card. So we need to check the weather to find a cloudless night and get some extra sleep the day before. To make reservations, call 831-667-3047

Santa Cruz City Guide

While looking for thrift stores in the area, I came across an attractive and easy to use online city guide for Santa Cruz. It lists thrift stores, yoga studios, farmer's markets, movie times, hiking trails and lots more. Unfortunately, no festivals are listed during the time we're here. Next time, we're have to schedule our stay to take in the Fungus Festival in January.

We're been Spotted

I'm so happy and proud to that we have a follower! Erik's Delicafe, offering fresh sandwiches and other goodies throughout the Bay Area, has spotted us and we will definitely return the favor. There are shops in Aptos and Santa Cruz and prices run between $5.99 and $6.49 and they offer half-sandwiches two. A good sandwich shop can be a day-tripper's spare time, supplying an easily transportable lunch or a quick dinner while you're on the road. The website claims you get a free sandwich for signing up to their e-mail promotions. We'll see how that turns out.

Hit the Beach Running

My husband and I are planning to get to know the area better by checking out free or inexpensive leisure activities in the area. Right now, he's out for a round of golf at Seascape Golf Club, only a few minutes away from the house. The twilight rates run about $30. He's also going to check to see if his sports center pass will be honored by any of the local gyms. I'm on the lookout for a free yoga class, but may have to settle of a 4 class for $40 series at Yoga Within in Aptos Village. A great way to keep healthy and meet people as well as get some perspective on the area by comparing it to something you're familiar with in your own hometown.

More Larks in Parks

I found another handy website with good information about the state parks in Santa Cruz County--14 of them in all. Helpful information like recreational opportunities, natural resources, historical significance and volunteer events(great way to meet people) with maps, prices and at least one telephone number

Save time and money

One quick way to get a sense of what kind of sports, music and other entertainment events are on tap in an area you're staying in is to check an online ticket agent. Some, like Goldstar, not only offer discount prices to lots of amusements including walking tours. It quickly presents the events happening during a certain time period and the addresses and websites of popular local venues based on zip code or city name.

Have you photographed your drawers lately?

One way to lighten the financial load of an extended stay is to housesit. In our cases, we're getting the mail and walking the dog for a cousin who has a long business trip, and in exchange, we have the run of a lovely three bedroom in a quiet neighborhood graced with towering eucalyptus and the occasional redwood and just a few minutes walk from the beach. One of the first things I did was photograph the kitchen cabinets to get a good visual of what was inside and to document how they were placed on the shelves so I can leave them in a close resemblance to the way they were when we arrived.