July 20th - Santa Cruz wasn't actually that far

Yes! We have made it out of San Francisco! Loved the place but 8 days felt like we were trapped there. Still would definitely go back, such a beautiful place. Even the hills are fun.

The driver's licences arrived Wednesday morning. Thank you to all involved, both sets of parents and the random guy living in our old flat who was also very helpful. I have finally got some wheels!

Top tip for all of today: Don't hire a car from the shop, go online and not to their site either. Some evil cow quoted us 616 dollars with not many insurance packages and we found it for 350 with everything included. So we booked ourselves an economy 2 door small car and came away with a Chrysler Town and Country minivan.

It's huge. Sarah says she could run around in the back of it if we put the seats down. But it is weird to drive on the wrong side of the road with an automatic. Still they get out the way of mini vans. I suggested we call it Mini-van-illy after the not so famous pop artists. Sarah suggested Fuzzy... (after the licence plate 5UZZA).

Santa Cruz was our first stop. Quite a good place but not as good as I heard. Too touristy and for kids, and the surf was rubbish. Still we spent a few days on the beach and had a room to ourselves which was great. Went bowling one night and I got whooped. Madame hit 142, her personal best.

Whilst we were there we saw this huge fat guy on the Dance Dance Revolution machine. We took one look and then smirked as he was about 18 stone, then we had to eat our mockingness as he was awesome. He was playing for 2 people, so both dance things, and hit a massive 55 combo. We clapped when he stopped.

Also forgot to tell you about the calamity incident in Foot locker. Picked up a shoe from the middle of a wall of shoes, put it back not realising that there was no wall behind the rack, shoe then went down the back knocking over a good dozen or so others on the way. Much apologizing I was told not to worry and to walk away. Then went to see Sarah, turned and knocked a load of boxes off some other shelves... I was asked to leave.

Tomorrow we are to head off to Monterey. That will be good.

Laters

Pricey.