Phase 2 ends and Phase 3 Begins

So for Lynda and me Phase 1 was OUR start of the USA trip when we went to the ranch and all met up for the week there.

Phase 2 was the second week of Palm Springs and of meeting Terry and Charlotte in LA and doing stuff.

Phase 3 starts today for Lynda and me when the last of the children go home and we start our next 3 weeks of being on the road , touring around new places ( and some old), on our own.

Yes it has been fun and yes it was all we could expect when you think about and plan out the logistics , making sure that it meets everyone's needs and expectations, but as of today that's done and it is just us.

So for a last day, we thought it would be good that we took Terry and Charlotte to a couple of places that we like and which they can now say that they have done.

So the first was a drive after breakfast to Redondo Pier at Redondo Beach, which was for us about the 5th visit now -- and always strange without Rod & Ann--especially going for the best  Clam Chowder in LA at the "TONY'S" restaurant, so here are a few snaps around the place------------------

So there are some shots that are a prerequisite to be taken like the ones on the little platform as you come out of the car park-- with Tony's in the background.

 And you always have to get a picture of one of these above -- there are always plenty

As there are of the many fishermen and women on the pier itself and most are always willing to explain what fishing on there is all about and why it is important-- that's if they can speak English, which gets a little difficult with a multitude of nationalities taking up the sport , or catching dinner---who knows--------------------------------------

These guys are always around waiting for the cast offs  that no-one wants or would throw back normally---

 

 

 

 

 

 and these may look like a painting or poster but we watched the guys filling these tanks up with live Crab ready for the Friday afternoon and evening onslaught -- the Americans do like to eat out--- But then so do we so as I said , the Clam Chowder had to be done for lunch, as did the cocktail on the last day.

 

 

So full and feted, we took the car and drove all the way north to the fabulously wealthy area of Malibu , for a swim in the Pacific and a general lounge on the Beach. Fair play to Terry for wearing the new Chelsea away strip-- he does suit Pink-- ok , so it's an IN joke and you gotta be there to be getting it-- if you know what I mean.

Now Lynda and I did have a ---debate--- about whether we were on the same bit of beach that our Juliet was on 2 weeks before hand , and I have to admit that the likelihood is that she was right and it was probably the same stretch of beach --- and yes I did admit that I was probably wrong--- well you have to don't you, for a bit of peace and quiet---- :-)

Anyway , we even managed to see a POD of DOLPHINS -- yep that's what they are called and in one of the following pictures it is just possible to see a dorsal fin. well we watched this group  for quite a while but without the right camera types they are difficult to capture , but it was a magical experience as it always is with these creatures

AS for going into the sea and actually swimming -- well, that is a bit of a different story and there was only one mad English MAN to do it and it wasn't Terry--- it was sharp initially but ok after a bit and the relentless pounding of the waves is what really gets you -- powerful stuff , especially for an old fella like me.

 

Around 6pm we decided time was right for food and what better place to so eat than the Malibu Seafood and Café--- it sells the most amazing cuts of fish and also grills --- in my opinion anyway- the best fish & chips that I have ever had in America-- Oh, and it was just across the road from where we swam----

 

 

 

Trust me -- this place is so good that in the time we were around there the queue of around 20 people did not stop for at least 2 hours-- incredible business. Oh and don't forget to take your own wine.

 

So that's it then -- these two will be on their way from the hotel around 11am here-- in about an hour and a quarter----

 

 

"Yes Charlotte -- Japan is over that way"

 

Don't ask me why but I saw this and thought of "Strangers on the Shore " by Acker Bilk -- ok so maybe 99.9 % of the population of the world may not of heard of him but his clarinet on that track was a very earie/ soothing piece of music-- clearly showing my age -- think I heard it on the Sunday morning BBC Family Forces Network show.

 

It has been great having you with us Terry, it has been good for all of us to get to know each other better and we are glad to have you as part of it's future.

 

So bye bye & Kalotoxithi Terry & Charlotte, and her is to you both for a manic next twelve months of your lives, it will, among other things , be fun--well sometimes anyway--this next picture is for you both--

 

 

The sun sets on one adventure but the next one for you two  will be awesome.

 

For Lynda and me, is Napa Valley via a brief stop to our friend Elaine  in Oxnard, just past Malibu--cant wait to see her.

 

And after that, we just have ourselves to think about-- I didn't say worry about , that we save for the children and grandchildren -- but just to think about Lynda and me for the next 3 weeks ---heaven.

 

Hi Ho Silver Away!