Labor Day Weekend

We had visitors!

At the park near our house, J and Steve watch little Milo investigate the contents of dad's bag:

(By the way, that's a mural behind them, we didn't actually attract an audience.)

And we went out and about!

Steve and I walked over to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk on Saturday evening and caught the train up to the mountain town of Felton as part of a dinner excursion promotion.

The train winds its way through the forest:

After arrival, I pause by the depot:

Steve and I roam the grounds:

After the Roaring Camp staff served us a lovely dinner, there was live music and dancing. Being not terribly inclined toward the latter, Steve and I allowed a friendly deer to beckon us across the tracks to the nearby Henry Cowell state park where we walked amongst the redwoods until darkness descended, the music echoing eerily through the trees.  

Ambassador deer in front of the state park sign:

 Lisa, as advertised, amongst said redwoods:

The Santa Cruz mountains are stunningly beautiful. Every time Steve and I venture up there, I remark that we really should go more often.

After our walk in the woods, we hopped back on the train, which descended from the mountains toward the sea. Spotlights mounted to the train cars highlighted the great height and layered branches of the redwoods (which I found very interesting) but were aimed well enough to still allow stargazing from the open cars. The friendly conductor (who has been working at Roaring Camp for 36 years) regaled us all with the history of the railroad. It was absolutely delightful. 

J's visit and the train excursion provided much needed breaks, as we spent the rest of our long weekend on our latest crazy (and awesome) project: a triple-level rabbit condominium structure in the back room. Pictures of the excitement to come once construction is complete.