adventures from week #2

madeline's second week in california brought even more adventures! maddy got to participate in the week-long young women in science camp at the monterey bay aquarium. i have been volunteering for the program for six or seven summers so it was really special for me to see maddy in the camp this year. the highlights of camp included sea otter tracking from cannery row, sea kayaking in the elkhorn slough, scuba diving in the great tide pool, and boogie boarding. she also made some new friends and got to enjoy the aquarium for five days! 

 boogie boarding with new friends

 the excitement of catching a wave

scuba diving in the great tide pool at the aquarium

we celebrated my dad's birthday on the 28th with ice cream and sorbet from a local ice creamery in santa cruz. it was nice to be able to celebrate with family and to share our memories. 

after science camp ended, we headed straight to the mountains for some time on the stanislaus river where pete's family has a spot on leased forest service lands. other than the mosquitoes, we had a great time. maddy even learned how to split wood. uncle pete is a good teacher! when at the river swimming is a must, even if the water isn't much warmer than the ocean. we also had time for lots and lots of card games.

 mosquito protection

 learning how to split wood

 pete's new ax was advertised as "shaving sharp" - so of course he had to try!

wading into the chilly stanislaus and trying to determine
if getting to the other side is really worth it

maddy's favorite day came late in the trip, but i think it was worth waiting for. she got to visit with the dolphins at long marine lab and play dolphin trainer for a bit. she was in love!

 pete, maddy, and i with primo

 maddy asking puka to "talk"

puka showing off his stuff

our last big santa cruz adventure was none other than the infamous mystery spot. this is a spot in the santa cruz mountains where balls role uphill, people list with an extra 17 degree tilt, and the eye trickery is enough to make you dizzy for hours. 

sarah, i swear we gave her no alcohol! :)

i took madeline to the airport this morning and put her on a plane bound for minnesota. her mom met her at the airport and took her to a swimming beach...ironically, it was hotter than any beach she visited in california. 

thanks for the adventures, munchkin!