Surfs Up

The McLains lead very scheduled lives. We have serious jobs, lots of commitments and appointments, and plenty of responsibilities. That is one of the reasons we take a sabbatical. To do the opposite of our normal for 75 days. No jobs, few commitments, and minimal responsibilities. Heaven! This morning however, we had an appointment. Ten o'clock surfing lessons for the kids. This was on Dagny's wish list and we were able to make it happen after placing a few phone calls. We met the kids instructors at Cowell Beach in Santa Cruz and they had their wet suits and boards waiting for them. The kids did such a good job and all got up on their boards and were all smiles and laughs the entire time. I am so glad they were able to do it. It was such a cool experience for them.

We took a walk down the Santa Cruz Municipal Warf Pier and peeked in the shops. We had packed a lunch and stopped on some benches to give the kids a chance to refuel after their surfing. What we liked most was watching the sea lions who find places to rest under the Pier on the wooden planks. We watched different groups for about an hour and really had a great time.

We were back to our RV park by 3. Dave took a nap, I read my book, and the kids took turns playing outside. We had already decided we were in for the night. Everyone was really happy playing around camp so I ordered Chinese which was delivered directly to our RV. We really liked it and the family time around our picnic table.

Dave built a big campfire tonight and we wrapped our great day with s'mores and pudgy pies. Pudgy pies are not known to all. It is a little cast iron device that has two round sides which clamp together. We typically put a little butter in each side, white bread, pie fillings, and clamp the pudgy pie maker closed. Roast over your campfire for about 3 minutes per side and you have a delicious campfire pie. We have experimented with all kinds of pudgy pies to include peach, cherry, and even chocolate. Tonight's was apple. We also make them savory like ham and cheese or pizza with sauce, mozzarella, and peperoni. I like the savory best. I might need to pick up those ingredients for our next campfire.

- Jll