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| Sleeping Giant! |
Hi Fund Raiser Extraordinaire and Scrooge of Single Malt Hall!
Thank you both for the updates on local news. The LA media spits on community happenings in Vancouver, preferring to focus on their own "police incidents". I haven't been for a ride yet without seeing an LA Whirlygig, (Yes, Giorgio, there are these magnificent flying machines in Tinesel Town as well!!), flying overhead, circling a neighbourhood nearbye. There was even one over the beach near Santa Monica yesterday, (For full story, see below, Dear Reader!), and I assumed it was the Lexus Polizei. Big Sister is always watching!!!
Congratulations on the cake, Raymond! Better watch out, Giorgio, or Robo Man will want the one he gave to you back to boost Christmas sales! Glad I have mine tucked away in a secret Tinsel Town closet. Ayn has some wonderful rum, Whaler's, (Captain Barnacle's "boat" grog!), and I re-hydrated the cake as soon as I arrived. Saved on gas on way down as Dusty had duct taped a dryer vent to my carburetor, from large container holding cake, (Ayn already wants the Ikea beauty when empty!), and the fumes alone saved hundreds. Don't drive a Hybrid for nothing!
Chloë arrived last night, about an hour later than expected, due to a snow delay in Kelowna. Cheap WestJet flight had stop-over there. We footed the bill and when asked if she wanted to pay extra for a direct flight she decided she could suffer! Clara had given her Michael Connelly's latest, The Black Box, as an early stocking stuffer so she was quite happy, in the end, to read it in the airport there. I was dismayed to hear about Jenny's accident on the way to Heathrow but certainly relieved to learn that both she and Sean were fine. If she is at all like Chloë I'm sure any residual aches and pains would only prevent her from doing housework. Going to the gym is considered therapy, Dad! My arm is still too sore to do dishes, change Maggie's litter or vacuum! Of course I know it's wonderful to have everyone together, particularly at this time, and we feel so fortunate to be able to have such a terrific family gathering. Clara and Dusty arrive tomorrow so we'll have four generations together over the hols.
Speaking of things which can go wrong with travel plans, one of the people going to Bora Bora, (Katherine, another Canadian, quite a successful make-up artist here, and very close friend of the family we will be house-sitting for), discovered, this past Friday, that her passport had expired! Why she didn't realize this well beforehand is anybody's guess but she ended up flying back to Vancouver yesterday in order to go to the the Passport Office on Monday and then fly back to LA afterwards to fly to Bora Bora on Christmas Day! We gather that she was allowed to travel, LA to Vancouver, with the expired passport since she had her tickets to Bora Bora. Talk about jet-setters!
My own travel experiences are far more modest, however! Had a great ride yesterday when The Sisterhood were out shopping, mainly for groceries for the next few meals before Christmas and for Christmas morn breakfast, as well as our contributions to Christmas dinner.
By the time these came into view, visible once one returns to the path which runs parallel to the beach, for most of its length, after having to go inland from Venice Beach, along Washington Boulevard, to get around the main channel of the marina at Marina del Ray, I decided to make them my goal. I knew, by rough reckoning, approximately how far I'd come. (I am most embarrassed, Dear Reader, to report that I had FORGOTTEN my trusty odometre! Couldn't believe it when I unloaded my bike at Will Rogers, [parking $9!], and couldn't find it! I had set it out on the table with my car keys, etc., and somehow didn't put it in my jacket pocket!) At any rate, the path itself is extremely well maintained tarmac and concrete and, more or less, flat, so I assumed I was making close to 20kph for most of the ride. Wind was slight so not really a factor, either coming or going. Only hazard to speak of was the sand which drifted across the path at certain points and I was concerned about skidding on it if I took some of the corners too quickly.
Quite enjoyed having wonderful vista of the Pacific on my right as I headed south, and the various, colourful communities, up against the cliffs, to my left. First is Santa Monica with its Municipal Pier housing quite an amusement park which boasts a Ferris wheel and a roller coaster. Bike path takes one under the pier itself and then Venice Beach is next. This is perhaps the busiest section of the route as the ocean front walk here is something else!
On the Westside there must be hundreds of street vendors although I didn't see many performers or musicians . On the Eastside are the store fronts of the boardwalk. Here you will find everything from t-shirts to tattoo and piercing stores, skate and surf shops and medical marijuana dispensaries! Of course there is a large selection of restaurants, juice spots and bars. Bike path here has many curves and I had to pay particular attention to the mini-sand dune covered surface as well as all the other heavy traffic along this particular section, (families with small children on bikes, roller-bladers, dog walkers and dough-headed pedestrians oblivious to BIKES ONLY signs), or risk an accident. Fortunately, only trouble I encountered was witnessing what seemed to be a rather nasty altercation between two street people, just as I was nearing the Venice Fishing Pier. Was past the two combatants before any blows were exchanged but the foul language and obvious rage of both men was upsetting enough. I noticed that a number of bikers coming the other way stopped a good distance away from the scene of the argument. For my part, I had to dodge the smaller of the two as he was standing in the middle of the path, ranting and waving his arms, when I cycled by.A few minutes later the bike path along the ocean came to an end and I was at a bit of loss as how to proceed. Figuring that this was an exploratory ride anyway, I turned right onto Pacific Avenue, the street which ran parallel to the beach and followed it until it turned into Via Marina with numerous Ways, (Bora Bora, [Chuckled to myself when I first saw this street sign, given our tangential connection.], Tahiti, Marquessas, Panay), lined with expensive looking apartment and condo complexes jutting, like spokes, from it. Via Marina turned into Admiralty Way and I followed this until it became Fiji Way which in turn feeds into the terrific path which runs along Ballona Creek channel. Over a small bridge near Del Ray Lagoon to return to the ocean front path of Playa Del Rey. Not many people by now so it was a pleasant change from the crowds of Venice Beach.
Next
was Dockweiler Beach State Park and I was plane spotting as I zipped
along for LAX is almost immediately east of here. There is also an RV
Park here but I'm not sure why people would want to stay in such a
location, at least at this time of year. Furthermore, close by is the
Hyperion Wastewater Treatment Plant, the largest wastewater
treatment facility int eh LA Metropolitan Area! Almost next door are
the earlier mentioned Scattergood Generating Station and the Chevron El
Segundo Refinery with a huge, ugly, rust coloured holding tank of some
sort, just before the parking lot at El Porto Beach. According to
Wikipedia: "El Porto is one of the most popular beaches in the South Bay area with surfers from near and far because of an underwater canyon that creates waves usually larger than those at neighboring beaches. These swells have lefts and rights that break over sandbars and are consistently big when other beaches are flat. The breaks can hold waves up to double overhead."
Interestingly enough, I passed a young surfer, after I turned around to make my way back, who was carrying his surfboard on a nifty brace that was attached to his bike! [I'm sure such a one could be adapted to carry Christmas mounds of cake and pudding to the the various Christmas Markets around town in your new venture, Ray: Robo Man's Rum Soaked Delectables!] Noticed quite a few surfers catching the waves of Santa Monica Bay and wondered how cold the water was. El Porto is part of the City of Manhattan Beach but I will have to explore this part of trail another time. Would certainly like to go all the way to the end of the trail, past Redondo Beach to Palos Verde. Was first at RB in 1983 with Chloë, (She was seven!), and Salmon George Csoti, when the three of us took a road trip to Disneyland. Dropped Chloë at the San Francisco Airport on way home. She flew to Seattle and Cora Lee picked her up there before leaving next day with Jean and John Anderson to rendezvous at The Budget Lodge Motel in Redding! George dropped me off there on his way back to Vancouver and I discovered Jack's Bar and Grill, (home of unbelievable 16oz sustainable, organically fed Wagyu Kobe Beef filet mignon), the night before they arrived. This was our second trip to California and the very beginning of our wine tasting excursions!
Once there, it was smooth sailing all the way back to Will Rogers although the wind had picked up and it required somewhat more effort to make headway. Once under the pier at Santa Monica the wind was much more Iona-ish and I must admit that I was beginning to tire somewhat by the time I was close to what I thought was Temescal Canyon. Got a bit of a fright when I reached the parking lot and my car was nowhere to be seen. When I first arrived there were very few parked vehicles so I knew exactly where my car was parked, close to the ticket booth and the washrooms. So surprised and upset, (Had my car been towed? If so, why? And what was I going to do? Cycle Topanga Canyon all the way back to Woodman?), was I that I turned around, hoping that I'd come too far and had somehow missed the Mother Ship! As it turned out, I hadn't come far enough and was overjoyed when I came to the next parking lot and my saucy Hybrid was patiently waiting for me to come and claim her! This was around 4:22pm so ride was probably about three hours.
Loaded my bike, locked it onto the rack and then took a few snaps of the beach before heading north on PCH to Topanga Canyon. Waved goodbye to WRSB just before 5:00pm and after the up and over of TCR traffic was moving well on 101 South so I was back on Woodman and home by 5:30pm. Once I'd showered and changed I did a bit of web searching and was able to estimate that I'd covered about 16 miles on each leg for a round trip total of 51.499008K, close enough to 51.3K, Dear Reader! Since I cannot enter this as an Official Ride, (not having had odometre to provide corroborating evidence), I will also admit that my feet actually touched the ground twice: Once, on the way back, between Dockweiler Beach and Vista Del mar Park, I missed a detour around a section of the trail closed for maintenance and had to turn around or face wading through the soft beach sand that would have sucked me and my Trek Madone under like ravenous quicksand. The trail was so narrow at this point that I was forced to un-cleat, much as I fought the impulse not to do so!
The second dis-mountment occurred on Washington Blvd when I was forced to wait for a damnable light change and no possibility, whatsoever, presented itself for a saving dipsy-doodle. After the excruciating burning sensation subsided to a manageable threshold I proceeded, taking some comfort in the fact that ride was not an officially sanctioned one anyway. Nevertheless, a grand outing, boldly cycling where I'd not gone before!
Well, time to have a bite to eat before setting out for Will Rogers again, this time with trusty sidekick odometre in tow! Fondestos from our family to both of yours. Happy Christmas and a Healthy New Year! Cheers, Patrizzio!
Pics: Will Rogers; Tinsel Town, Land of the Gentle Giants! Alejandro, passed out under the Christmas tree after too, too much Zin!
Hello Jane and Kjell!
First and foremost, I trust things go well for both of you, particularly you, Jane, in the aftermath of the deaths of your Father and Aunt. I hope you are settled back into life "regulare" in Stockholm/Gavle, Kjell. The Assembled Sisterhood have just left for a power walk and it is time to have a bite to eat before setting out for Will Rogers again, this time with trusty sidekick odometre in tow! Fondestos from our family to both of yours, Jane and Kjell. Happy Christmas and a Healthy New Year! Cheers, Patrizzio!
David KesslerSwimming
in the rain, a timeless Berkeley treat,just rain rain and MORE
rain...and now, warm in the kitchen, with some wine and working merrily
away on lasagna while Nancy takes care of present wrapping...
Patrick James Dunn Only a few sun showers here in Tinsel Town! Managed my longest ride of The California Experience today. Took the Orange Busway/Brown's Creek paths all the way to Sierra Canyon, just under the Ronald Regan Freeway, into the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Some of the boulders, both size and colour, were simply stunning, reminding me of some of the remarkable landscapes in foothills outside of Phoenix. Back home with 103.3K on my trusty odometre over 4:56:33, AVG 20.9KPH, MAX 47.8KPH so I'm pleased as punch and may well have to celebrate with a cask strength single malt! On another matter, I thought you were to be in Los Osos by now. Travel safely. Fondestos and Cheers for a Happy Christmas and a Healthy New Year!
David Kessler
Ms. Donna Florida. suggests "most tasteful present-giver ever" as tag for Mme. Coriandre. That has a fine Northwest ring to it no? Could be "Mme. Potlatch?" no?Patrick James Dunn
Mme. Potlach, "pi savoureuse prezan-donateur janm", (Creole Haitian, since we will be in New Orleans in January), is delighted that the kimono scarf was so well received. Funnily enough, just back from Kabuki, extremely fresh, popular, affordable, wonderful, wonderful sushi, in Woodland Hills. Drove home on Ventura Blvd past Ayn's office building, in Studio City, formerly Mary Tyler Moore's production offices! Now, making lists for tomorrow's errand runners! Fondestos, Rizzzzzzzzzzzzzzo! PS: Chloë had two pieces of toast with our rapidly shrinking Vinne Loaf and asked, "Where are the rest?"
Thanks for the pics, Pat .... oh wait ... I mean thank you for the pictures (photographs), Patrizzio! :o) Have a wonderful holiday! Pat Maughan
Hi Patrizzia!
You do not know how delighted I am to be addressed as "Patrizzio"! Thanks for holiday wishes. Am certainly doing my best to enjoy them as I managed my longest ride of The California Experience today while The Sisterhood pedicured and shopped.
All the best to you and Amos. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!
The Henke Family wishes You and your Family a Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year,
All the Very Best and Good Health. Marge, Adrian and Andy
Hello Famiglia Henke!
Trust life goes well. All the best from Cora Lee, Chloë, Ayn and Los Horridos/The Lost Buritos, Pierre and Alex. Cheers, Patrizzio!
Hi Pat,Hope the mammary nightmares are over – chuckle, chuckle!Wedding anniversary surprise was a relaxing weekend in Port Lincoln; we chilled out in a fabulous hotel right on the beach front – probably ate and drank too much but it was good fun!Weather was just about perfect ( unlike Adelaide which reached 42C yesterday!) – mid 20’s and sunny.Just getting ready for our regular Christmas Eve visit to very good friends who live close to the city – no drinks for me as the ‘booze busses’ will be out in force trying to keep drunks off the roads.Tina and I wish you and Corinne and the LA gang ( Ayn, Chloe and Los Horridos) a very merry and safe Christmas.I’m assuming that Corinne’s mum and dad aren’t with you yet? If they are – our best wishes to them as well! Love to all Tina and TrevorHi TNT!
Pleased your anniversary went so well! Congratulations indeed!!! Unfortunately, for me, my mammary dreams are a recurring nightmare so I plan to seek psychiatric help in 2013. I plan to give my psyche a fighting chance to cure itself! All the best to you both from Cora Lee, Chloë, Ayn and Los Horridos/The Lost Buritos, Pierre and Alex. Cheers, Patrizzio!
Automatic reply: Season's Greetings
I am currently out of the office until Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013 with limited access to email. Thank you and Happy Holidays.
Hi, Patrick, Corinne,
If I'm not imagining things, you have arrived at Ayn's. Right? I have just mailed off the keys and instructions yesterday, after realizing that you are leaving LA area not long after Christmas. My envelop should arrive in time. Please email us to let us know of your receipt.Also, if you have a local (US) cell number we can use, it would be great. I'm listing below our numbers, good for calls or texts. Safe journey!
Hi Ruth, we are in LA area until Jan. 10th house sitting at Ayn's cousins. I don't have a cell number to use in US only in case of emergency. I might get a cheap phone, will let you know if we get a number.
Have a wonderful Christmas. Will you all be in Dallas? Hugs Corinne
Great to hear from you Corinne! Miranda got in today while Adrian came home Thurs nights. Miranda's boyfriend Eduardo came with her to visits a couple of days, then goes home to Houston to spend Christmas with his family. We all had cocktails and late lunch. Now just waking up from naps. Will have dinner at home then head out bar hopping in search of good band in the neighborhood.
Email works as we will check frequently. Have a great time in LA!
Hi Dallas Cowboys and Cowgirls!
I had wanted to send greetings earlier, (A little light reading after a heavy dinner!), so I must apologize for not writing sooner but it has been a hectic, yet wonderful time ever since leaving the confines of Villa Vicente, in Berkeley, and the northern environs of Healdsburg, Sonoma. We arrived here last Tuesday, in such good time that Ayn had to leave work and drive home to let us in! Thanks, as well, for sending along your keys. Will let you know when they arrive, of course.
All the best to Miranda, Adrian and you two from Cora Lee, Chloë, Ayn and Los Horridos/The Lost Buritos, Pierre and Alex. Cheers, Patrizzio!
Ayn P shared Rae Tanner's photo.
Does anyone know anyone in Southern California (senior, couple or small family) who doesn't have any pets but would like a sweet, beautiful all-expense paid kitty? Our Waffle is very loving to people but violently jealous of our new little cat. Happy to deliver her as a Christmas gift, with food, cat carrier, cat box and check for rest-of-life room and board. She has all her shots, just had her teeth cleaned and is sporting a purple manicure (plastic claw covers so she doesn't claw furniture. If you know of a good match, please private message me ASAP.
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