Weekend: Work, Walk, Water

Last weekend I had to work a lot because I had not finished the results for my talk on Tuesday (today) yet. (However, I was lucky that my talk had been postponed to this date instead of my second week.) But I also went running to the beach and along West Cliff and I was invited to a nice house-warming party of friends of TJ and Carena. The night was so warm that we could stay outside on the balcony all the time in summer cloths!! Usually it gets rather chilly at night, maybe 15°C. Despite all the work, I definitely also want to enjoy some freetime here.
On Sunday, we went on a fantastic day trip with all our flatmates while it was 26°C and even much warmer in the sun. First, we went hiking (or let's say, we did a little walk because you can hardly call it a proper hike) in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park in the Santa Cruz Mountains, to a place called "Garden of Eden".

 On the path, we had the pleasure to make the acquaintance with friendly banana slugs. They are even the official mascots of UCSC! :-) Howie had told me the story how this happened: While the former rector wanted to have a mascot representing strength, speed or wisdom as other universities have, UCSC students, in their alternative spirit, demonstrated for a more individual choice: the local banana slugs. The rector, however, kept refusing. But ultimately, as his last action before resigning from office, he officially accepted the banana slugs which have thereby become famous.

After the little hike, we drove along highway one, saw the beautiful coast and arrived at Swanton berry farm where I had already gone by bike with the trip organized by the recreation center. For me it is still amazing that agriculture is possible throughout the year so that we were able to pick fresh and delicious strawberries from the fields.

At the end, we spent some nice time at one of the many gorgeous beaches. However, I was the only one who went swimming. I figured it would be my last opportunity this year...
After this fantastic flatmate-trip, we all had to work in the evening.