I grew up in Laguna Beach in the 50’s and 60’s. My father was a teacher at San Juan Capistrano High School (back when they had a high school), when the population was 720 residents in SJC.
I used to keep my horse a couple of blocks from where our condo now sits. As children, we would ride our horses down to Salt Creek Beach and body surf the waves from the bare backs of our noble steeds. To save my leather bridle, I rode my horse in a rope halter and lead-rope in the salt water. I could not afford a saddle of my own so I rode bare back everywhere! There were no homes or even roads in this area. We rode over the hills to San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, Aliso Creek, and even Laguna Canyon Rd, and on to the Main Beach in Laguna. I feel so lucky to have had these experiences in my early life. It is rare to have places anymore where children have the freedom I was blessed with. As a horse lover since early childhood, my horse was my partner and best friend. My friends and I would take the small, red, town bus (for 5 cents), from our homes in the Woods Cove area of Laguna to Three Arch Bay, and walk the rest of the way to the barn. I babysat almost every night to pay for my horse’s board from the time I was 12. I have fond memories of this area. There is now a walking path to the beach that goes by where our barn was located and follows the path I used to ride to Salt Creek. As you enjoy your time in our home, perhaps you can imagine what it was like way back when. Enjoy!
