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Find Romance in the Redwoods.
Love is in the air at Big Basin Redwoods State Park. Celebrate Valentine's weekend under the trees. There are numerous free, drop-in activities during Romance in the Redwoods, Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 13 and 14.
Start the day with complimentary morning coffee and cocoa around the stone fireplace in the park's historic Visitor Center. Choose a peaceful walk among the majestic giants; a fun walk to see how birds, beasts and plants of Big Basin reproduce; a hike to see one of the most beautiful waterfalls in California; a romantic hike to a stunning vista; or to volunteer with the park's trail crew to share your love of trails. All walks are led by park naturalists. See the schedule online.
Extend the enjoyment by bringing a picnic to share with your sweetheart, or maybe even spend an evening in one of the park's comfy tent cabins.
Big Basin Redwoods State Park is at 21600 Big Basin Way, about 10 miles up Highway 236 from Boulder Creek. Events are free. Parking is $10 and supports the park.
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Remember to join us for the Migration Festival!
Come learn about the amazing lives of migrating animals — including monarchs, whales and birds — during the annual Migration Festival at Natural Bridges State Beach, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 13.
Enjoy hands-on activities, crafts, speakers, music and food as we celebrate migratory animals that pass through the Santa Cruz area. The event is free; parking is $10 and supports the park. Learn more on our website.
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Experience Romance on the Rancho.
Castro Adobe State Historic Park will be hold a holiday-themed open house 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 20. "Romance on the Rancho" will explore romance during the Rancho period in California. Learn about courting and marriage during that era, as well as concepts of race and intermarriage in Alta California, the perception of the Rancho Period as a "golden era" compared to what historical and archeological records show, and the loving relationship between a vaquero and his horse.
Enjoy traditional hot chocolate, make tortillas and stroll through the historic garden during the open house event. This is the first of six open houses to be held at the Castro Adobe in 2016. Learn more on the Castro blog on our website.
Castro Adobe State Historic Park is at 184 Old Adobe Road, Watsonville. Parking is limited; please carpool. The open house events are free; donations are gratefully accepted.
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Cement Ship shifts.
El Niño storm action coupled with seasonal King Tides have impacted Seacliff State Beach's iconic Cement Ship this winter.
The USS Palo Alto is one of only three cement ships built during World War I. It has been a popular attraction at Seacliff since it was put in place in 1929 to create an amusement pier. When the business failed, the ship remained. It has been used for fishing and sightseeing for generations.
Although the storms have changed the look of the Cement Ship a bit — titling the front end toward Rio Del Mar — the vessel is staying at the end of the pier. This KSBW news report shares more about the history of the ship as well as predictions for its future, including a comment from State Parks.
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