Adventures In Fruity Drink Land

[hobie16]

Hobie Goes To The Mainland - Day 5

Travel day

I took the cattle car that's otherwise known as Southwest Airlines from Dayton, through Denver to LAX. The airlines that use Dayton have cut prices to the bone to attract business. Apparently they're so low that people drive two hours from Cincinnati to fly.

I haven't flown SWA for a few years. They've improved their ticketing and boarding process to the point that the passengers no longer moo during the boarding process.

I haven't been through Denver since before Stapleton closed. The new airport is gimungo. The train between terminals really cooks. It's almost as fast as the Rocket Rods were suppose to be.

LAX is LAX. I got a cab driver that worked the curb lane down PCH all the way to Hermosa Beach. I didn't think a Prius could go that fast. He got a good tip.

Hobie Goes To The Mainland - Day 6

Hang out and walk The Strand.

Hermosa Beach is a funky coastal town with a huge beach and really expensive real estate. It's a good place to walk or sit in an outdoor cafe and people watch. Kerry Walsh (olympic gold medalist women's volleyball) was out on the beach trying out a new partner. Her other one has retired.

We're off to the Catalina ferry in a few minutes. I'll get some pics and post them if I can get internet access.

[shilohmm]

Depending on level of interest, it could take a minimum of two days to really see everything they have.

Don't be saying that! We're supposed to be heading out there sometime this month or the next, and I'm already overwhelmed. The Strategic Air and Space Museum in Nebraska was about the right size for us, and, just looking at the air craft listed, Dayton must to be four times bigger or more. Hubby's going to want to see every inch of the place -- the kids and Grandma Pat, not so much. For that matter, Grandma Pat faded pretty fast on Battleship North Carolina, which is nowhere near as big.

I foresee trouble.

[hobie16]

I'd suggest picking a time period of interest to start, They range from the origions of flight to Cold War. Start there and then pick up other areas if your feet haven't exploded.

For a running start get there about 8:50 AM so you can storm the doors when they open at 9 AM.

The good news is they haven't gotten the money to build a forth hangar yet. Once that's done the place will truly be a monster.

[hobie16]

Hobie Goes To The Mainland - Day 7, 8, 9

Avalon, Catalina Island



Avalon is a funky little town on Catalina. The population varies depending on the time of year and explodes on the weekends. The ferries are jammed to the gunnels with Mainlanders looking for fun.

I'm here with two friends and staying on their boat in Avalon Harbor. It's a well run operation with water taxis to get you to shore and daily garbage pickup off the stern. No waste water dumping is allowed so a boat will come by to pump out the holding tanks.

The primary mode of transportation is gas powered golf carts. For heavier loads there's micro mini pickups. There's a good reason why all the vehicles are so small.



There is a lot to do in and around Avalon. Mountain bike, botanical garden, hiking, and lot of good places to eat.

The local yacht club had a billfish contest on Saturday. Only one was caught. At the dinner that night it fed over one hundred people.

[hobie16]

Hobie Goes To The Mainland - Day 10, 11, 11

I took the first ferry back to the Mainland and was met by Mr. and Mrs. DisneyMom. We headed to DLR and checked into the Candy Cane Inn. It's located behind the Cadillac Range in Cars Land. Nice place and relatively inexpensive.

We headed over to the park and into the original, Disneyland. We did a few rides, had lunch, did a few more rides, and headed to flag retreat.

While walking up Main Street I was able to meet Main Streeter. We had a nice talk and she said to make sure and meet Ernie.

Flag retreat is quite moving. Retired members of all branches of the armed services are asked to come forward. Ernie and his team lower the flags and perform the proper folding of them. There is no doubt that Ernie is a Marine through and through.

After the ceremony was over he came back out and we chatted. He's a great example of a motivated employee. Disney is fortunate to have him.

We got something to eat and watched Fantasmic. I had seen the old version years ago. What a difference! I was surprised they didn't use the dragon more but it was pretty impressive.

The next morning, we headed to California Adventure to ride the Racers in Cars Land. M/M DisneyMom had this all doped out. At rope drop we joined the crowd heading into Cars Land but stayed to the left and entered the Single Rider line. It took less than ten minutes to get into a car.

The Racers is a great ride. The first part is okay but the race between two cars was excellent. This is a must do.

We did some other rides and eventually met up with Main Streeter to have dinner at the Storytellers Cafe. We all did the buffet. It was very good food and lots of it.

The next day I got up at 0 Dark 30 to catch the bus to LAX. I was flying Hawaiian Air to Oahu and an Island Air puddle jumper to Maui. Hawaiian has just upgraded their fleet to Airbus planes. It was a very comfortable flight and a lot cheaper than a lot of the other airlines.

It's good to be home.

[Main Streeter]

Hobie Goes To The Mainland - Day 10, 11, 11

I was able to meet Main Streeter. We had a nice talk and she said to make sure and meet Ernie.

Poor Marine through and through, and yes he certainly is still has not really figured out how you & I met. HA! Explaining simply complicates things. Your "Ceviche" comment was priceless hobie. :D: The bulb then went on. ;) The pleasure of meeting you was such a TREAT for me. Now to bring Mrs. hobie to DL will be our next goal. You ever find a new cover for your Razr? ;)

[hobie16]

My poor RAZR looks like 40 miles of bad road. When it finally falls apart I'll have it encased in lucite for future generations to marvel at.

[200footdrop]

Speaking of meeting up, I will be at MK on Saturday with my band (playing Superman oddly enough) and was interested if anybody was willing to say hi.

[darph nader]

Note to self,,,,do 'not' move to Avalon. $7.00 for gas??
Was there about 30 years ago and just hit a small resturaunt and a little pub. The ride over was 'choppy' but the ride back was smooth as glass. My travel friend got sick on the way back,felt bad for her. :(

[Main Streeter]

My poor RAZR looks like 40 miles of bad road. When it finally falls apart I'll have it encased in lucite for future generations to marvel at.

Your RAZR could be placed in The Smithsonian. :D: But hey hobie, it still works. :)