Halley Chen (HC)

A fine place to spend an afternoon on the island, and it is a good place to go for a swim or a hike in the summer. I was very unhappy about the experience because I witnessed a very disturbing scene on the way to the island. There was an Asian family on the boat and from the very beginning, it was very clear to me that one of the children has some kind of developmental disorder with repeated words and uncontrollable speech and behaviors. The family had done everything to calm the kid and regulate the behaviors but it is not something you can control fully. The captain, who works for the Canada National Parks, showed no mercy to the kid though. He constantly stared at the kid when his words were interjected. When the boat parked at the harbor and the kid involuntarily stood up before the captain told us to do so, the captain snapped suddenly. He scorned and shouted to the kid and the family. It was terrible and ugly, and I felt so uncomfortable. When I got off the boat, I told the captain that the kid clearly had some disorders, the captain shrugged and commented lightheadedly, “now, I realized”. REALLY? It should be so obvious to any person with a basic sense. Even if the kid is completely typical, I still found it terribly wrong to lose a temper like that. The captain did not apologize to the family as far as I saw. The Asian family was quiet and easygoing, so they did not make a scene for this. I felt it so wrong, but I also didn’t want to start a scene and embarrass the family. This should not happen in a national park that is supposed to welcome everyone, especially for the individuals and families with disabilities!

Went there at a non peak time so there was no line at all. We ordered the oxtail and curry goat meals (large). You can see that they have really good portion and flavorful food nailed. Love this place in town. The server was not very enthusiastic at 4 pm but I understand.

This is one of favorite places in Santa Cruz! The rigged cliffs are so pictorial! Love to come here in all seasons. Please remember to get in through the wilder ranch state park.