Weekend in "Paradise"

Well I was away for a couple of days and have just gotten back. I took a quick trip down to Southern California to see some old hang-outs and enjoy some warm weather.

As it is in many places, the weather has changed and even in the greater Los Angles area, the temps are definitely going up. It is a bit unseasonable to have 100+ temps in early May, this would be more like July or August, but it is happening early like most places. But I decided to play tourist and I ended up staying on the old ocean liner, that is now a hotel, the Queen Mary. It is a little different than most hotels, but it is a fun place and it is reasonably priced, plus you are on the water and have nice views.

The old ship is interesting to walk around on and see all the old photos and read the history. Walking up to the bridge and through the halls, down to the engine room, have a late drink in the old-school bars, it is a real throw back to the older days and very interesting.

 

The second place I had to go was the small beach town of Laguna Beach, which is south of the massive LA center. Laguna is in a secluded part of the coast and you don't see all the smog and concrete mess that is LA. Though it is close to freeways and the mass sprawl, it is a great little escape from the intense LA.

Laguna has had several fires and large mud slides over the last 10 years but the town is a wonderful place to see and since it is along the cost with hills behind it, you feel like you are some place completely different. It is actually very close to Irvine and Anaheim so if you want some LA feel it is a short drive away, but once you get to Laguna, you will not want to leave....

Main beach in Laguna

The coast line is very nice and the beaches are some of the best around, the town is nice with a lot to offer and easy to walk in. A long winding walk-way along the coast is great and there are several museums with local art. This was an impressionist dream back in the 20's and 30's, it still attracts a lot of artist and you can see them painting along the cliffs. Though it was 100 degrees, the water was a standard 65 for this time of year, a little cool but OK. Also there were a number of dolphin and Leopard sharks swimming by. Leopard sharks are harmless and will swim away if you move towards them, but they are small and fun to see.

The one thing I had to do, which I don't do much at all, is go to a bugger place. In California and mostly in SoCal, there is In and Out Burger. This is an old local chain that is one of the best for this kind of food. I only eat at one of these places when I am there because it isn't the most healthy food, but if you are in LA you have to eat there once for a classic cheese burger. They only sell burgers and fries and drinks, but it is good quality and fresh.