Thursday, August 27, 2009

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. 

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

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

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

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

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

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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.

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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.  May June 2009 vacation374

I recommend the coconut shrimp~Yummy!

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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.

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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.

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

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

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

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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. May June 2009 vacation361

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.

19 comments:

  1. Lovely entry and I so enjoyed the pictures, it was just like having a private tour. My favourite was the carousel.

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  2. Santa Monica Pier is the official end of Route 66. There's a plaque there honoring Will Rogers. Great that you got to meet up with Joann!

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  3. Enjoyed the pictures, Linda. I have been to California several times, but have never seen Santa Monica Pier. Thanks for sharing your trip with us.

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  4. Great pics! Oh how I love Bubba Gumps! I go for the mahi mahi with fries. Hmmmm....I think I will need to go get some when Michael gets home!

    Robin

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  5. Loved this entry! It's so good to see my own area from another's point of view.
    Enjoyed your pictures. Looks like it was a beautiful day!

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  6. (((((((((((((((((HUGSTOYOU)))))))))))))))))Feels as thoe I was there.Very prey pictures.

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  7. What a fun treat getting to see the pier. There are so many places I would love to visit. Thanks for the photo's

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  8. I have not really explored the Santa Monica Pier area just the Long Beach one which I found fascinating, also the Imperial Beach one in Santa Monica. I think you covered this visit very well in photos and descriptions. I enjoyed it.

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  9. great pictures, Linda! that restaurant sounds interesting; I think you gave us a great idea of where to spend Labor Day, thanks!

    Islands is delicious too! just went there the other day with some friends; I will have to try the tortilla soup the next time we go

    always great travel stories you have

    betty

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  10. Coconut shrimp, tortilla soup.
    You Califirnians are a strange group.

    DB

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  11. Hi Linda, It looks great in Santa Monica, it seems to have everything you need and more for a visit to the ocean. Hmmm...that shrimp sounds delicious! :o)

    Love and Hugs

    Sandra xxxx

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  12. Pics are beautiful. I love the ferris wheel pics, the carrousel, the food, the beach, just everything! I have to disagree with with DB. He must have never tasted coconut shrimp before. It's to die for. I want some of that right now!

    krissy knox :)
    my twitter:
    http://twitter.com/iamkrissy
    my main blog:
    Sometimes I Think
    Hey, former AOL bloggers, please list your blog in our directory of blogs:
    From Jland To Blogger

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  13. What fun! Thanks for sharing it with us :-)

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  14. How great you gals hooked up. Sorry I missed that one!

    Jimmy

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  15. Looks like a great place to visit, loved your pictures and I too like the windows in the carousel building. How great you could meet up with Joann - she seems like soooo much fun!!!!

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  16. Linda, I have really enjoyed all your photos!! What a lovely place. I feel like I have been there with you. I especialy loved seeing the photo of you and Joanne. How lovely you both look! I have not been really good lately at commenting on the blogs. I've not been feeling really well for some reason. I hope you will forgive me!

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  17. What another great entry. Love the photos. Look like you had a good time. Bubba Gump Shrimp from Forrst Gump. Funny that you found a place named after that or else. Have a good week. Nancy

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  18. I'm catching up, I've been away so long that I missed ALOT of this journal. What GREAT PICS!! You got some really good pics of everything... (well, except ME, but I'm just NOT very photogenic, I know that!) Will continue getting caught up very soon.

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