We left San Fran on Thursday, June 7th, midday. Our destination: Big Sur. Big Sur is absolutely incredible. I (Lisa) wish we had spent more time here but this trip is a 'sampler' of sorts; we venture back to the places we most enjoyed.
The plant life in California is wacky, beautiful and abundant.
Tide Pools
Lisa (in my habitat)
That is Zach-man all the way up there.
Big Sur is a region in MidCal.
Not to be confused with SoCal (which in my opinion has a reputation built on hype).
Several hours of beautiful coast-line views.
These are Seal Lions; they are not dead. Promise.
See.
Strange and bizarre flora everywhere you turn.
Finally, some sun after several days in the foggy/cloudy/misty coast (little did we know this was one of the only blue skies we were going to see it SoCal - don't underestimate "June GLOOOOM"). This is a beach just north of Malibu.
The Mexican Border right where I-5 becomes El Cinco (I just made that up).
The most southwest corner of the United States. Some Mexicans dare to swim out and around this fence. When caught by the Border Patrol, they ask how the Border Patrol knew. "The dolphins told us," says the Border Patrol.
True story told to us by a very chill (only because we were Americans) Border Patrolman on a 4-wheeler.
Zach and I with the Border Patrol who told us to step away from the fence. We apparently weren't allowed to get that close. Note: Jarrett and Melissa are not pictured here. They did not walk down to the fence because they were too chicken.
Again, those plants. Incredible.
The San Diego Zoo
Dr. Seuss would come to the San Diego Zoo and draw the plants and trees here for his books. His inspiration is quite apparent. Also, all the plants in the San Diego Zoo are worth more than the animals. Source: "Zooman", our tour-bus guide.
Zach's burnt foot. Ouch. Our 40th parallel skin is no match for 33rd parallel sun.
A tease of sun. Time of day most likely 4 pm. Most days were overcast in the morning and we were lucky if it burned off my 1pm.
Again, we are leaving the beach at around 5pm after many a hula hoop dances, sun-lotion slatherings and pale (almost nekked) skin offerings to the sun god but to no unveil.
On our way to meet up with Gillian, Zach's gal whom he will spend his last few days in SoCal with. They go to Santa Monica.
We go to Hollywood. Classy.
Our tour vehicle is a van whose roof has been cut out and a PVC-pipe supported awning put on. Better visibility but no sun in the eyes. Clever.
"AHollywOOD??"
(Couldn't resist Johnny Aaaaron)
Capital Records - designed to look like a stack of records.
Pretty Woman anyone? Richard Gear climbs the fire escape at the end... remember?
No name clubs. Chic.
A dirty, ugly, old motel. It's used as a movie set.
House in Beverly Hills. No two are to look the same - Beverly Hills Housing Association rules.
According to our driver, Mila Kunis's mom still works here at the Rite Aid. We didn't verify this.
The Beverly Hills Hilton - where Whitney Houston was found in the bathtub. We were also shown Michael Jackson's last residence where he was found dead. There is a small picture of his face on the sidewalk out front.
Reflection of our crazy tour van.
Grease... the movie... Look familiar? No? It's the high school they attended, c'mon.
Huntington Beach - our last attempt at a sun-filled beach day. Boooo, Booo, I say, Southern California - Land of Eternal WHITE SKIES!!
I flew home on Saturday, June 16th. The adventure vanderstink is dropping me off at the John Wayne Airport. Till next time fellow stinkers, next time.
I love you guys!
This, I must say, was my favorite!!! The beach, flowers, animals, and Hollywood!! Melissa, you might have to take me out there sometime!! ♥
ReplyDelete