Aptos, The People

Right near Santa Cruz is a long stretch of beach in a curved moon bay. It is practically our very own, both by tradition (Mom and Doug have rented the house many times these past few years, even leaving beach towels behind to hold our place) and by dearth of visitors. We can sit on the second story balcony with our feet up, away from sun and wind, and watch the kids roll in the sand or have nighttime dance parties in front of the surf from the comfort of a chaise lounge, with a grill and a glass of champagne at the ready.

Aptos means “the people” in the Oloni language on the first inhabitants. That’s funny, because I thought it must mean “baby shark nursery,” or “place of feasting for teenage sharks,” which also describes our stretch of shore. Anyway, here are highlights of our visit from my people.

Finn: With Uncle Hugh, throwing the ball at each other’s sand castles on the beach, going surfing, and making the horror movie. And definitely Bridget’s birthday.

Marley: Walking to get lunch with Bridget, surfing, and the whole house. Oh, and singing on the beach at night and making the movie.

Justine: Surfing, being at the house and eating food. I just liked everything equally. Seeing the Santa Cruz campus. Seeing Uncle Paul.

Hugh: Hanging out at Cowell beach, seeing Paul, showing the campus to the kids, hearing Ron play guitar. Doing the sand castles with Finn.

Mom/Joanna: Escaping from Finn burying my feet, watching Paul teach the kids to surf, Ron’s spaghetti dinner, everyone hanging around the table telling stories and jokes.

Heather: hearing Hugh tell Poland and other travel stories about Dad/Poppy, seeing the kids at dinner having so much fun together and hearing Clara laugh, talking with Bridget at sunset on the beach, hearing the kids’ excitement about making their movie, early morning coffee chat with Rob and Paul, seeing Tatum happy in our zoom session.

Rob: The fondue party for Bridget’s birthday, the surfing and beach day (while being a beached whale myself), Finn’s video trilogy, seeing my friend Ali, not the Mystery Spot, Hugh’s guided driving tour of Santa Cruz, getting burgers. Ron’s spaghetti night.