Palo Alto in pieces
Handfulls of fog were available for the taking this morning. Slow rolling my way up to Aptos CA and then on to Seacliff State Beach, felt much like my own personal Odyssey. Nearing the pier, I listened for the songs of the Sirens and heard none, but through the fog a Cyclops-like mass loomed.
The SS Palo Alto lays in pieces, now playing the role of a reef, near the end of the pier. One of three concrete boats built for World War One, it was not completed until after the armistice. Purchased, flooded and run aground in place, it was to serve a commercial amusement function and a pier was built to access it. Dance floor, swimming pool, arcade and restaurants served as its tenants. The Great Depression bankrupted the endeavor within 2 years and then nature took over, delivering a bisecting storm.
As a ward of the State of CA, the pier remains partially open for fishing to this day. In 1 more day I hope to use it, accordingly.
More on the ship here: SS Palo Alto on Wiki
Categories
Rich on Two Wheels 
Yeah! Another road trip. I’ll be right with you. Love to read about all your adventures.
LikeLike
Very interesting article Rich. I never remember learning about this ship.
LikeLike
Blame it on Mrs. Dooley.
LikeLike
Nice history story Rich. I believe there’s one of those concrete ships on east Atlantic coast in sunset beach at cape May. You will just have to ride on over to our side of the nation.
LikeLike