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I managed to sleep until before 6, and after we spent some time together, we got focused on travel. LA traffic was a time-killer on today’s trip, eating up over an hour in the morning and two hours back. As my friend Scott W reminded me, traffic is a thing in LA. Today is the pre-match traffic as the World Cup starts with the opening game in Mexico. Everywhere there are warnings not to use the roads tomorrow, as the USA is playing here on Friday. We have whale watching and a short trip to the Queen Mary for Jazz and drinks on Friday Night instead of traveling. Breakfast will be out at Creme De La Crepe, about a 15-minute walk away.

Jeanne, Deborah, and I boarded Air VW the Gray, aka Evie, and soon I was driving messy, traffic-filled roads. Nav was out of its mind and had to get off and back on the same highway, somehow calculating this was a good idea. I remember seeing a similar problem for Zeriada in Texas a few years ago. When the roads are close together, the Mav cannot determine your location or the road’s position. Hmmm. I switched to Apple Maps, and the issue was gone.

Now that the driving was stable, we spent about thirty minutes in slow-moving traffic. We were suddenly on the Pacific Highway (Route 1) as the traffic broke up, and we hit roads with traffic lights. The route had the beaches on one side and a park with high bluffs (palisades) on the other. We were in Palisades, California!

We turned into the Getty Villa and were on concrete laid in large cobblestone patterns, then parked the EV in a modern parking garage. and found our way through security and up and down elevators to reach the cafe, where Deborah and I got some coffee. The view was astonishingly beautiful, with modern and Roman Villa-style Pompeii home architecture intermixed. All pointed at the sea filled with trees that withstand the summer’s heat in Southern California and various, mostly sustainable, plantings.

We spent the cool left in the morning in the gardens and marveling over the recreation of a Roman Villa populated with copies of Roman bronzes and marbles (with a note that since the orginal roman ones were copies of Greek originals, that having modern copies was not really a change — they were and are all copies). I hopped back to the car, got Deborah a protein bar and water (it was getting hot), and joined a tour group for the ongoing Book of the Dead show. Our docent explained that some of the collection was borrowed from the British Museum, and then walked us in to see some of the loaned items. They are, he explained, from the 26th dynasty (the last of native control) and pointed out the various gods and the cultural framework of honesty and order. You did what the Pharaoh said.

The docent took the group upstairs, and I was surprised to find another whole museum of sculpture up there (the good stuff was on the first floor) and a section on the Book of the Dead, which is part, he shared, of the Getty collection. Here were parts of the book from the times of Ramses and King Tut, the two kingdoms of Israel, and the Ptolemaic Egypt. There was also the wrapping of a mummy in Ptolemaic Egypt, with spells and drawings illustrating its religious significance. Fascinating; I had read about it, but had not seen it before.

Next, he moved us to another part of the Gerry collection, a Roman-style mummy. The docent took off his hat, as did we, as he pointed out that these were human remains and should be treated with respect. These burial items included a lifelike painting of the embalmed person’s head as they were in life.

We returned upstairs and went to the cafe for lunch. It was not cheap, but the food was good. It was heating up. We visited many rooms with pottery, fresco remains, and floors. Sculpture was everywhere. It was relaxing in the pleasant environment. Lastly, we went to the bookstore, where I got some trinkets and a book with an image of another version of the Book of the Dead, with word-for-word translation.
We then left and stopped at a beach just a moment away. There was a sign that warned about bacteria in the water, so we just looked. I thought I spotted a whale or maybe a seal out in the sea. I also saw a large dark figure in the water that did not look like a whale. No reason to swim too deeply here!

After that, I took Evie in heavy traffic for a long ride. We finally arrived in Long Beach.

We decided on the Mexican place across the street, as Beborah has a 15% discount there. We enjoyed some drinks and food, and soon headed back. We had planned to watch a movie together, but the hotel’s Internet is out.

There is a planned power outage while they test the hotel’s safety systems. I selected to write the blog tonight.

Thanks for reading!

 

We woke early, spent some time together, and then rallied around 7 for our 8:30 pick-up for a tour of LA. Breakfast was cereal wtih some fruit added. Deborah and Jeanne get $10 to spend at the hotel for each room. That supplied the fruit. Dressed and all of that, we headed down early to meet our guide for the day, Gabriel, and we got the three forward seats. We picked up another couple, and we were off.

Our guide was a bit loose with facts and his understanding of many things. He was friendly and seemed to know the area. It was sort of like your uncle, who might have done too many drugs, is clean now, and is now giving you a tour while you are in the area. The driver from the cold TV show Taxi, Jim, played by Christopher Lloyd, comes to mind, kind of mixed with Keanu Reeves as Ted.

We first stopped at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and took pictures. He reminded us that we have two years to save up for the next Olympics in LA. Part of the World Cup will be played next door in the newer BMO Stadium.

Next, Gab had a plan and took us to the observatory, which, sadly, was closed, but it was still on the list of things to see on this trip (“check”). It was a lovely view–the grounds were open, and I was thinking of La La Land (here). You can see the Hollywood sign from the Griffith Observatory, and we took all the required shots.

I have some money for some books from the Hari Krishnas, a gentleman dressed in robes and shaven hair and other women with a slight accent in a bucket hat, and a comfortable shirt and dress, and they were thrilled to get a customer. We exchanged cards, and they invited me to see them at their restaurant in Culvert. Gab and Deboriah made fun of me, and I suggested reading the chants. I did get a book on chanting, a book of food recipes, and more chants and other philosophies. Cab would point out all the strange churches to me for the rest of the trip. Deborah, somewhere, could not roll her eyes anymore.

Hollywood was next, and Gab’s unique take on what we need to know, including hot dog location and fast food. He did point out where various movies were filmed and the ramp where La La Land starts. It seems that the local area has appeared in many movies, redressed as needed.

We found a few stars and then enjoyed the Chinese Theater footprints. It was getting hot, and the cement was radiating heat. We started overheating ourselves. We rushed to the Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop and cooled down with a mini-sundie for Jeanne and me; Deborah got iced coffee (and had some of my ice cream). We used this place last time we were here. We rushed them and even walked and ate as we got to the bus a few minutes early.

With more interesting dialogue (and disorganized) from Gab and him, pointing out some places without providing any time to photograph them from the bus, we reached Mel’s Drive-in, which was used in the movie American Graffiti. Pictures from the movie’s filming and of other famous actors (the Kardashians’ shop is next door) now cover the walls in places. I had a wonderful meatloaf sandwich. I ate it open-faced as it was too huge to bite. Jeanne had the grilled cheese and short rib sandwich. Deborah, finding it on a special menu, had the protein breakfast, and 10% of its price was given to charity. It was on the special Arnold Schnitzer menu (the former governor). Deborah said it was fresh tasting and the best food on the trip so far. Might have to come back to Mel’s Dine-in.

We drove through Beverly Hills with its insane homes and platnum colored fore plugs, really. We saw all the stores for the rich and famous. We did not stop, and that was fine with us. Gab joked that we would have to extend our credit limits to stop. Nobody was insulted.

The beaches were our finish. Gab drove us through the nice area of Santa Monica State Beach and then explained that Venice has always been run-down, and that it was cheap for artists to live and be inspired by the beach or the folks there. Bars on windows, smell of pot, and a ‘last of the hippy places’ vibe. I liked it. We walked to the water over lots of hot sand. Jeanne enjoyed the water while I just got some on my shoes, and Deborah got a bit more.  Not drenched. We then found the Small Bookshop, and there I found some postcards, cards, and a book.

We did stop at a marina and saw a seal. But after that, Gab took on traffic and got us back intact. We gave him a reasonable tip; he needs it, we think (to get more cheap hot dogs), as he rambles a lot. Still, it was a pleasant day.

At the hotel, we take a short break, and then head across the street to the Irish Pub (at LA prices) and have drinks and too much food (we learned that the fridges have been replaced and food stays cold in them now. We can bring back food!

Deborah and Jeanne hit the beds as the tour, food, and drinks were enough. I wrote this blog while they sleep.

Thanks for reading.

 

 

We rose early to be ready for Universal, as we had a 9:15 tour, and I had to drive across LA to get there. Apple Maps estimated an hour and 15 minutes, which was about our actual travel time. We had cereal with milk and Deborah, and I had coffee. We boarded Air VW the Gray and then crawled across most of LA to near Hollywood for Universal Studios and Park. I had decided our best plan was a VIP tour as it covered everything we wanted to do, plus a nice lunch, and valet parking for Evie.

We arrived, walked for quite some time, missed the VIP sign at first, found it with help, and then signed in. We met our fabulous tour guide, Laura, who would be with us until almost 4. While they waited for the other guest to arrive, a lovely breakfast was served, our second one, and it was wonderful. Filled with baked goods, yogurt, and even shopped salmon, we were ready to start. Laura introduced herself, and we headed across the park to the backlot tour.

The tour had us visit a sound stage, walk the backlot with Laura explaining things (with here collegue Sara; Laura had another group and us, while Sara had a larger group). Laura, who had been a tour guide for ten years, answered our questions and added even more to them. She was friendly and enthusiastic. We cannot imagine a better guide.

We walked through the prop warehouse on the first floor; it was amazing (items are rented for 15% of the value a month, Laura shared). We saw items from various movies, some of which have since been repainted or revised for other shots and usage. Laura explained and pointed out these items as we walked (look but no touch).

This tour was great and the best thing we did. Laura then walked us to the Harry Potter section, and we rode two rides, Jeanne passing on them, but Deborah and I were both happy to do the Hogwarts Castle and Hippogriff rides.

We went to Muilon Rouge for the VIP buffet. The food was wonderful and fresh. We spent an hour there. We met Dracula on the way in, who suggested we were going there to die, but Laura rather playfully corrected the vampire’s usage to dine. He asked us to eat well, as we would meet again!

We would meet Dracula again, and I later realized he was in a reproduction of Bela Lugosi’s costume with matching makeup, a white vest, a white shirt, and a white bowtie. He asked me, as I was wearing a St Louis Arc T-shirt, what I thought of the experience of the small containers used to lift people. I told him how small they were and that the trip might be too short for him to finish his work. He assured me it would be enough time for that,  but he usually flies up to the top in bat form. He showed a lot of fang while we chatted, and his tough crossed his teeth when we discussed his work in the lifts in St Louis.

Laura appeared, and we were soon back on track to see the rides, but the other folks had other plans, and soon it was just Laura, the three of us. Laura took us to the base of the park via a set of escalators.  Laurea walked us through the rides and explained their themes. No spoilers. It was great! Mario Land was excellent. All recommended (though some rides are short, one only 27 seconds).

Laura walked us to the Hogwarts part of the park, and after that, we said goodbye. A most excellent guide. We got Butterbeers and the 10th-anniversary glasses. I had mine poured into the new glass. I remember it being way too sweet for me, but today it was refreshing.

Shopping followed (I resisted anything more), and then at 5, we headed out (the park closed at 6). Traffic would not be good at 5, and we decided that dinner now was better than hours later (and it would not likely be cheaper in Long Beach). The Vivo Italian Kitchen fit the bill (the chairs looked more comfortable than at another place), and the manager checked in with Deborah to ensure her dinner was prepared within her parameters. I had a steak, Deborah had salmon, and Jeanne had pasta. No booze for me as I had lots of driving to enjoy (iced tea).

We thought Universal had excellent service, and while we were VIPs, it seemed that everyone was looking out for us and wanted our visit to be special, VIP or not. Laura walked us through everything and the park, explaining as we went what she liked about this show, this ride, or that cafe. She was greeted by the other staff, and we were greeted as VIPs. While expensive (don’t ask, hundreds, here), the VIP includes valet parking, breakfast, lunch, a fast pass, and being escorted onto every ride by your guide (Laura for us). It was just wonderful.

Aside: I checked, and it is too expensive (thousands of dollars) to do this for Disneyland.

We got the car back from the valet, which was included in the cost, and then took 90 minutes to get back to Long Beach, with Nav taking us through parts of LA on the local streets to avoid some highway traffic. It was fun to see more of LA.

We reached the hotel, and soon folks from the East Coast were resting (Deborah and Jeanne). A favorite board game, Concordia, is coming out in a second edition, and I pledge to it. I then wrote this blog.

Thanks for reading. Tomorrow is a bus tour of LA and Hollywood.

I am at the hotel, and the folks from the Eastern Time Zone are already sleeping, Deborah and Jeanne. I have just returned from a short visit to The Cove Hotel in Long Beach (not near any water) to use their excellent charging stations. I learned that while in a sketchy part of town, it is inexpensive and very secure, with an excellent pool. Often a stopover hotel for cruising folks. I felt very safe in their modern-looking parking lot using new 350kW charging machines to charge Evie to 100%. I then returned, burnign 3% (!) and a most convoluted way back to the Hilton. Still, we are now ready to use the Air VW the Gray for some local trips.

Before this, Jeanne, Deborah, and I headed to California Pizza for Happy Hour appetizers and drinks. Our lunch at Chili’s was late and heavy, so nobody was ready for dinner. We chatted and talked about our plans and just enjoyed each other’s company (having known each other since elementary school). We had worked out that we needed to allow 1:15 travel time to Universal during rush hour. We also need to be thirty minutes early as stated on the tickets. We would need to leave at 7! Another early morning for me.

Before this, I was waiting at the cell phone lot at John Wayne Airport while they collected their luggage (Deborah and Jeanne). Their plane from Detroit was on time, and I arrived just as they did. I had reached the airport after traveling for more than four hours. The last restroom was across the mountains in the San Joaquin Valley, as all the others were closed. The parking lot was across from Grueggers Bagel’s, and I got a cup of coffee there and used their restroom, yay!

(Don’t slow down, even in construction, I learned, or you will become a hazard.)

I had started in Fresno at another IHG hotel and rose at 5:30, dressed and all that, and grabbed some complimentary breakfast, and was on the road by 6:15. It is nearly a straight shot out of the valley, and I drove 75 mph (120 kmh) for most of the trip with cruise control on. Only slowing for the Sheriff and construction. It was hard-charging driving with the traffic and often aggressive drivers.  It required extreme attention for most of the time. I did call some folks at quieter times and put on the local radio stations to cover the road noise.

It is already a blur, but I did enjoy it and never felt scared. There were some rock hits, but none cracked the windshield (so far none have starred). I did argue with Nav about when to charge the car, and finally we both agreed on Walmart on the other side of the mountains.

I climbed the mountains on Highway 5 and soon burned through 20% of my charge (glad I had plenty) to reach 4144 feet at Tejon Pass. I stopped after the pass at a familiar Walmart (having used it on my last trip), charged to 100%, and used their restroom (as, again, nothing was available in the mountains, as they were closed). I watched some Battleship New Jersey videos on WW2 paperwork that was recently rediscovered in the National Archives. I then had Nav suggest an alternative route through Pasadena, since Highway 5 was experiencing issues, and I agreed. We then spun around the LA area in the hills. Finally reaching the airport rather unexpectedly, there were only a few signs before I hit “Welcome to John Wayne Airport.”

I made two laps until they had all their bags, and then I was happy to see them, and we loaded up the car. Deborah found the Nav voice annoying (I was used to it after days of travel), and I was ordered to a toll road, which I would have rather ignored, but we thought it was another traffic issue; we made good time, as did the other lanes, some going faster than the toll or HOV-3. We arrived without issue about thirty minutes later. The valet held the car while we checked in. Deborah could get the rooms early, and I had the bags delivered (for a large tip), including the bags of food and cases of shelf-stable milk. The rooms are suites and great.

And I think that covers everything. I wish I could make a story out of the road trip. It is now just a bunch of flashes and the farms in the valley. The pass is a hard drive with a warning about overheating your car’s engine. But it was lovely up there. Again, just flashes of memory and experience. Towns flashing buy.

Thanks for reading! Off to Universal tomorrow!

I rose early, at 5:30. Having showered and swum the night before, I just wet my hair, packed up, and dressed. I was headed out after rushing my breakfast at the hotel, the usual IHG industrial breakfast, and getting coffee to-go. Evie was fully charged, and we took on the mountains again at 6:15.

BTW: Californian Highway Patrol (CH(i)P).

The power was going fast, and the Nav voice that comes with the VW complained that its plan was not working, so it changed its charging plan. This happened before, and I thought it was caused by the 40°F (4°C) temperatures, but it was the climb to over 3,000 feet again. This is a Google Maps application integrated with the EV’s information to create a live-updated plan. It even checks if the chargers are in use before recommending them.

The mountains were breathtaking; the Shasta area is one postcard moment after another. I passed Lassan Volcanic Monument signs as I traveled south on Highway 5 in Air VW the Gray. I will be staying in Chester in a B&B on the way back to spend a day at Lassan.

Traffic was heavy all day, and driving was tough. I put on Eco mode and the cruise control, usually set at 75 mph (120kmh) except when the CH(i)Ps were concentrated. I did see a Volo Stationwagon pass me with some enthusiasm, only to be reminded later of the cost of speeding by California’s Finest. The fishing for speeders was easy after all the fast downhill driving.

The land became a plain and farmland. Olive fields announced Corning, California, was approaching, the home of The Olive Pit. I did not stop for product, though I plan to on the way back, but tried to get an early charge at 400kW in Corning. Despite being on my list, it was only Tesla-style charging. I avoided 400kW after that.

I found a 350kW that worked for me, added it to my trip on Nav, and for $32, was back to a full charge. I planned on three chargings today. I switched from the recommended chargers to more expensive but faster 350kW stations on the Nav (it plans the trip and charging to minimize cost while keeping to a fast schedule). I also always booked a 100% charge to have spare instead of taking the EV to 10%. I do not want to be stranded or stressed about having to find a charger now. I can afford the time and money for an easy trip.

I texted (forgetting Joan S, today, sorry) my city-by-city progress to Dondrea, Z, and Deborah. I stopped at various rest stops as needed and ignored the Caltrans chargers, since they appear as red lights on my app. No longer working or very low-rated speeds. Circle J brand truck stops also provide 350kW charging and, while more expensive, at least have food, coffee, and a nice restroom. They also feel very safe. Some of the chargers are in urban areas and come with all that means. Tomorrow I will need a charge on the way to pick up Deborah and Jeanne at John Wayne Airport, and I hope to hit a Circle J.

Lunch was some pretzel sticks (a guilty pleasure) while driving, and then a salad with a hard-boiled egg at Circle J while I charged and used the facility. Good, except I should have checked for egg peel (adding a small extra crunch to my lunch).

Before, I had flagged it, the CircleJ, as a replacement for the location suggested by my Nav, a 150kW place, and found myself spending 2% traveling back roads for four miles (about 2-3 miles to a percent), then taking Highway 5 again to another highway, and finally reaching 99S to Fresno through the valley. With close attention to speed limits, as CH(i)Ps were everywhere. Still, it seemed like a better plan.

It was sunny, and I went for 40s to 80s with no humidity. The wind is icy cold from the ocean.

And while it seemed forever, I finally arrived in Fresno, early (!), and was happy they had a room ready at the next IHG (they were understaffed, I was told). I got my bags out of the car (to make Evie less of a target), and found room 202, the usual comfortable IHG single with a large bed. The AC was maxed, and the room was dark. I turned on the lights and discovered there were no complimentary water bottles or even a coffee maker to prevent waste. Well, I agree to the idea, I miss coffee in the morning when I wake (I will have to get a cup and my instant from the car).

Next, taking the car back on the highways, I drive four miles to a 350kW and max out the charge for tomorrow. I look at food ideas, but I would use 5% or more, and that defeats the purpose (though the steakhouse looked good). I have never tried an In-N-Out Burger, and there is one next door to the hotel. I return to the hotel and take a nap. I dream strange dreams and wake after an hour.

I walk to the burger joint and have the regular with fries and a diet drink. I read more about the American Civil War. The burger is OK, and the veggies are crisp and fresh (American cheese is not a fav), but the fries are undercooked. Later, after telling Dondrea I thought it was not equal to our Burgerville, she points out the $10 charge (in California!), and that I should have ordered (what I learned is off-menu and a shared secret) “double animal-style” to get grilled onions and secret sauce on a double cheeseburger and skip the fries. Secret burger incantations, who would have guessed?

I returned to the hotel and read for a while; my book is ending with the crushing of the last fighting army of the Confederacy at Nashville. I return to my room, having enjoyed a coffee with my book, and start to wind up my day. I write this blog.

And that takes me to the end of today’s travel day. Thanks for following long with Evie and me, enjoying mountains, plains, and urban areas all in one day. I am also anxious today after some nightmares last night, and that is finally fading.

I have put the locations in Nav, including a 350kW charging station on the way. I learned how to create a multi-stop plan to pick up my fellow travelers tomorrow by practicing with Nav. Five hours, with a charge, to John Wayne. I will head out just after six. I should arrive at the airport as they deplane, if all the plans work. Wish us luck!

Thanks for reading!

PS:

I forgot to say that I am traveling for two days instead of flying or doing the 20-hour drive in the EV. Beaverton-Shasta area to Fresno to LA.

While I was waiting for the first charge, I got out my laptop, watched YouTube videos, and called folks. I don’t like to sit in the car when it charges as it is very boring.