Southern California

This year has been filled with lots of travel, adventures and visits to family and friends. We took a road trip south in April, spent six weeks in Connecticut over the summer, and cruised over 500 miles up the Atlantic with sailing friends before returning to Minnesota in September. October brought us to Los Angeles for the West Edge Trade Show.

Inn at Playa del Rey View over the Ballona Wetlands

We stay by the beach when we are in LA. The Inn at Playa del Rey is our favorite spot. It sits along the Ballona Wetlands. Marina del Rey is visible from the back deck. The staff is friendly, the rooms bright and comfortable. The food is marvelous, especially the baked goods. Each day, wine and cheese is offered in the great room from 5:00 - 6:00. We always meet interesting people there.

Welcome back to the Inn

Nautical motif at the Inn

Sunset off back deck at the Inn

This year we arrived in LA to Santa Ana winds caused by hot dry air flowing off of land towards the cool ocean waters. The winds can be over 70 miles per hour and create sand blasting conditions. The winds we experienced were the strongest LA has seen in 30 years. It didn't really bother us although it resulted in us choosing different activities. 

Dave is working at the Santa Monica Airport across the street from The Flying Museum. We stopped by to see the airplanes on display.

Fed Ex Delivery?

I spend my days outside in the gorgeous Pacific Coast weather while Dave is at work. My favorite activities are long walks and long bike rides along the beach. I've ridden the Inn's free beach cruisers nearly every day. They go a slogging five miles an hour tops, and I've ridden as far North as Santa Monica Beach and as far south as Manhattan Beach, each a good 12 miles round trip.

Santa Monica Pier

Manhattan Beach Pier

We've been to Playa del Rey several times now. Each time we visit I look for new places to explore. This year I discovered the Burton Chace Park. It's a couple miles from Playa del Rey but hidden between the canals and marinas of Marina del Rey. The park is a quiet spot to rest and reflect; take photos, watch boats, and get away from the bustle in this busy area. It is a hidden gem in the midst of a chaotic city.

Picnic Pavilion

Fish Mural

The Helmsman

Keeping watch over Marina del Rey

Bird of Paradise in bloom

One of my favorite walks is to Fisherman's Village in Marina del Rey. It's a tourist destination with cute stores and lovely restaurants. I visit the sea lions that prosper along the docks where I am rewarded by their antics. This year I stumbled across a baby, alone and dancing through the shallow waters near shore. It spotted me and began to put on a show; seeming to work at getting my attention. I got some great photos of this little pup. It was a highlight of the visit.

Fisherman's Village view from Playa del Rey levy

Fisherman's Village Light

Marina del Rey pelican

Blue Heron soaring over Marina del Rey harbor

We took a long walk from Playa del Rey to the Venice Canals. They are located just off of the Venice Beach boardwalk but are easy to miss if you don't know they are there. The neighborhood is filled with interesting architecture and is lined with five canals connected by wooden bridges. The canals were built in 1905 by tobacco millionaire Abbott Kinney in his goal to bring a taste of Venice, Italy to America. We meandered through the walkways and over the bridges, enjoying the beauty and unending photo opportunities. Now that we've found this fascinating place, I'm sure we will return.

Bridges over Venice Canal

Reflections everywhere

Water Element along canal

We stopped in Venice at Cabo Cantina for lunch. It was all-you-can-eat Taco Tuesday; your choice of chicken, pork or beef. We opted for Fish Tacos off the regular menu. The food was really good.

Cabo Cantina

Cabo Cantina

The Point Vincente Lighthouse was nearby. We drove south to view this gorgeous landmark located in the Palos Verdes mountains. It was only about 20 miles south of us but the trip through the beach communities was slow with splendid views. As we began to climb the mountains we left the congestion behind. Palos Verdes is gorgeous! We were disappointed that the lighthouse is only open one weekend a month. Unfortunately, it was closed the weekend we visited. We were able to hike around the grounds so it was worth the trip.

View of the Pacific from Point Vincente Lighthouse

Santa Monica Brew Works is one of our favorite microbreweries. This visit we enjoyed an Oktoberfest and a Blond Porter. We looked for our friend Dominic Larubina, but he was not working. I was disappointed! I had a hug from his mom Bobbette Clapsaddle to deliver. I'd been carrying it since summer. We'll try again next time! Hugs never expire.

Oktoberfest and Blonde Porter

We're back home in Minnesota and find the weather is getting cooler. The leaves are falling. We won't be here long. Our next adventure is only days away. We are going back to our Alberg 35, S/V Mystic in St. Augustine, Florida. We have a list of boat projects to knock off over the next few weeks. Then we'll spend Thanksgiving in Minnesota with our kids. Winter will fly by with the holidays and Dave's work schedule. THEN...We'll return to cruising and our Great Loop Adventure!