Monday, March 18th 2013
Huntington Beach – Los Angeles
More less the same morning, again
unfortunately gray and cloudy. We had some breakfast and left the
motel around 8.40. For a few miles we drove south to Huntington Beach
(town). By the way, we had to use most of our coin collection for the
parking (most of the places had parking meters). Early morning,
cloudy, and Monday. Still, there were some people (surfing, playing
volleyball, laying on the beach). We walked on the pier,
unfortunately the views were not too pretty (gray, so gray). It was
huge beach with the city behind it, so it was not that “wow”
picture, more like the place to lie down and enjoy the ocean (when
there is sunny day). Still, compare to Michigan (and winter), this
was such a nice place. We saw couple of city's blocks (shops and
restaurants) and left. We drove more less along the shore. There was
a huge naval base (taking a lot of land). The towns along our drive
were kind of boring. We stopped few times, walked along the shore or
looked around. We were getting closer to Long Beach / Los Angeles
port and with that we were getting closer to its industrial look. The
traffic (so far) was fine, we did not really get lost either. We were
not impressed, so far.
More of the same. We got more traffic
(getting closer to the port). We somehow took a bit different turn
and ended up in some amusement park or aquarium area. It was strange
to drive through, seating benches, many fences, race tracks and so
on. Really strange. We got to the port entrance (I wanted to see
Queen Mary boat). It just continued to be strange, huge parking lots,
not so many cars. There was Princess Diana exhibition on the boat. We
did not have so much time, desire or will to spend 30 dollars to tour
the boat. It looked really big. Oh well, it was interesting
industrial site. And … we left. Some what confusing roadways, but
we made it out and were crossing the port area. Traffic congestion
just ahead of the bridge (the chance to overlook the port a bit). It
was huge, probably ten of thousand of containers and other stuff. It
was pretty incredible, in a way ugly of course and in a way
fascinating to see all that. LA port is apparently 5th
largest in the world. Well, it took a while to cross the bridge (on
both sides was the port's property. Definitely something.
We were in San Pedro area. There were
places with houses along the shoreline. The beaches were still large
and sandy, to enjoy sun (which we were still missing). Again, another
port, some ships to visit (which we did not do). A lot of empty
space, surprising for LA area. On our right side, there were hills
raising and standing. Time to time, there were some houses, but
mostly it was empty. We stopped at Point Fermin (I think), it was
nice park with the light house. Really nice one, well kept house,
beautiful garde and white fence. Unfortunately, it was not open on
Monday. It was still really nice place. We eat a sandwiches there.
And we continued along the shore. It was different and strange
landscape. Houses, a lot of empty fields, ocean … strange mix. We
stopped at another light house, but it was fenced off and very
likely used. Next to it was nice park with small museum. We walked
around, many people watching for whales. There was a museum, we went
in and got “caught” by some older lady that gave us a tour. It
was about whales and the industry, Marine life park that used to be
in San Pedro, they had some stuff from the park (apparently Disney
bought it for animals). Nice stop.
We were planning to stay in the airport
area for the night (LAX), but we as well wanted to see some life at
Venice beach (crazy californian beach life). We stopped at Manhattan
Beach. We parked in the town and walked down to the beach. There was
some article describing the most beautiful beaches (or interesting)
in the area. Manhattan beach was on the list. When we were down, I
did not know why it was really listed, it was very similar to other
beaches in LA area, big sandy area with many volleyballs courts. For
most people probably great place to relax and just enjoy the sun, but
not really our cup of coffee. Still, interesting. We drove along the
airport (on the shoreline side), enjoyed some heavier traffic and
parked in Venice beach. We found a pier, but there was not “movies”
quirky beach. We tried to figure that out and ended up driving couple
more miles, parking almost next to the promenade (otherwise “public
parking” was eight dollars) and walking along for a moment. There
was a dog in cheerleader dress, many homeless people, small park and
beach. And promenade with many “weird” shops. On the corner,
there was a guy who was doing a “show” and at the end jumping
over five people. It was something, it is just hard to describe what.
It was getting late and we did not have a motel reserved (we were not
quite sure where we will end up). It was some what difficult to find
a cheap motel in the area. On our way was Santa Monica (too pricey).
We had to get motel next to the airport (drive back). The motel
looked from the outside like a prison. The room was fine.
