Santa Monica Pier and Lunch Out

(May 29, 2009) We took some time today to take a drive out to the Santa Monica Pier.  We both love to go there if the weather is nice. 

Sadly it seems like every time we go out there we see more and more people that seem to be homeless.

The guy below had a large wire bird cage hooked to the back of his bike.  What was in it?  A large plastic alligator !?!

There’s a small amusement park towards the end of the pier. 

The Ferris wheel had a role in the crazy movie “1941.”

You might even catch a fish at the end of the pier.

At the beginning of the Pier is the Carousel Building.  It is so unique and beautiful and houses a beautiful Merry Go Round.  I loved the windows in this building.

There’s a Bubba Gump Shrimp Company located at the street end of the pier.  We don’t have any of these close to home so decided to take advantage of the opportunity to have lunch here. 

I recommend the coconut shrimp~Yummy!

We were seated at beach level and as I looked out the window I couldn’t figure out what that big roller was.  Finally we asked our waiter and he explained that they roll the beach with it.

I believe it’s made of concrete and has raised buildings & landmarks of the Los Angeles area which when rolled across the compact sand leave impressions behind~until the public starts walking on it of course.

After lunch, we gazed out at the beautiful Pacific Ocean and the folks on the beach…….

And head back to the car ~ a rather long uphill walk but totally worth the trouble.

Looking back at the Pier, we hope to visit again next time we’re in the area.

I can’t remember the exact day but I know it was pretty close to when we were getting ready to head home, our dear Blogger friend Joann came and picked me up and we went to ‘Islands’  for lunch.  If you live in southern California or anywhere there is an ‘Islands’  restaurant~you have to try their tortilla soup. Ahhhhhhh it is so good.   We had a wonderful time of visiting and eating….when we got back to Bob’s daughter’s house Bob took some pictures of the two of us.  She posted her pictures back in June but I’m a little slower, since I’m doing the commentary.  Anyway, the sun was bright which really bothers my blue eyes….so pardon the squint.

Joann tells me she likes to drive, so I’m waiting for the day she gets in her little red car, heads for I-5 and then heads north.  I told her I’m just a few blocks from I-5  (about 1,200 miles north of her.) 

I hope you’ll join me for the next episode….I hope to wrap this trip up in the next week and a half.