Escape to Walton Lighthouse

When I woke at 4:30 a.m. a few Saturday mornings ago, and could not get back to sleep ... grrr, I never imagined that in less than two hours I would hear the waves crashing against the rocks as I walked under the light of the moon to a lighthouse.

I knew it was a bit crazy, but once I was on the road my car just guided me down Highway 17 toward Santa Cruz.

At that early hour, I was surprised at how many people were actually out. Heading to the gym? Taking the “drive of shame”? Either way, I was on an adventure. I wanted that sweet smell of the ocean and lolling sound of the waves.

So before I tell you about this adventure I will preface it by saying that this is an especially perfect trip if you are wanting to try a trip alone. You don’t need to hit the road that early, even if you sleep in will be just as remarkable. Take notes because this could be your next trip.

It's a beautiful drive to Santa Cruz. The darkened roads carve into the Santa Cruz Mountains and you sway back and forth as you take each corner.

A Starbucks grande-in-avante was cradled in my cup holder and with each sip I knew this was going to be a fun morning. I had the GPS location dialed in, so my car led the way.

I was getting closer to the water’s edge when I took a corner and saw the Boardwalk with its tangled roller coaster lit up. It was quite breathtaking. I pulled over and snapped a pic.

About 10 minutes later, I turned down a narrow road where I could hear the clanging of the sailboats as they bobbed in the water. Another sound chimed and it was the one I was listening for. The sound of a fog horn, off in the distance. A harbor light calling out to sea captains. “Beware, beware!” I had arrived.

I was looking for Walton Lighthouse. It's been lighting the way for more than 40 years. I have always loved lighthouses. I’m not sure why, but I’m certain some psychologist would have a theory. For now, let’s say it’s associated with my addiction to the ocean. Anyway, it's an elegant, classic structure that can withstand a quarter million pounds of wave energy.

I parked by a quaint restaurant called Aldo's, where I would later have breakfast.

At Aldo’s, there is a path off to the right that leads to the lighthouse. The sun was just barely lighting the sky. That mere light mixed with the glow of the moon created magical hues of purple, orange and blues.

I followed the path along the jetty where I could see Seabright Beach to my right. There, I saw a man, jogging, a silhouette on the sand, moving rhythmically, his stride matching the movement of the waves ...

The jetty is fairly long. At first it's just large rocks that line the path. And then the rocks disappear and there are huge concrete structures, carefully laid to protect the path from the crashing waves.

The ocean was fairly calm but every once in a while a wave would crash against those huge cement structures making me catch my breath. During my time on the jetty a few boats left the harbor. Their wakes cut into the smooth glossy water creating elegant slices.

I spent quite a bit of time out there. I snapped pics, took a number of deep, relaxing breaths and watched the sun crest the horizon and creep up into the sky. I also froze! It was beautiful, but very cold.

By 6:50 a.m. I was starving and returned to Aldo's for breakfast. 

The weekend is here. If you're wondering what to do, take the hike out to this beautiful lighthouse. Bring a picnic or stop at Aldo's.

Cheers and have a fabulous weekend.

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