Through all of its ups and downs we have been married 27 years. Not all of it completely blissful, but all in all a perfect match that we continually work on, listen, and adjust. Saying things like that over and over till we believe it! Truthfully it does go a lot like that. In the bad times, we understand bumps happen and patiently work our way through. Each, actually appreciating each other more than we did 27 years ago. Last year was the only time we have been apart for our Anniversary while I was working in Alaska. Now having turned 50, and knowing there is lots yet to see and do before we can’t, we decided for our Anniversary to head to California for eight days and rent a Motorcycle to travel up and down the Pacific Coast Highway “1”. Upon arrival though we ran into an old friend.
Goofy
He naturally invited us to his place to visit with some of his friends
Vicki, Mickey, Walt and I
Well as you have probably guessed, we also visited Disneyland and recently added California Adventure Park. Back around the turn of the century (yeah you’re old), Disneyland had expanded and added California Adventure Park to make it more of a destination for families like Disneyworld is. California Adventure Park is themed around the state of California and features more current Disney projects like Cars, A Bugs Life, The Little Mermaid and Toy Story.
Entrance to Radiator Springs in California Adventure Park
“Cars” zipping through Radiator Springs.
The “Cars” ride is actually quite exhilarating. You get in a “Cars” car that seat six. You then cruise around the desert before entering Radiator Springs at night. Here you get chased by a thrasher and as you eventually leave town your car either gets a Tire Change or as we got a Car Wash Detailing.
After getting detailed you pull up along another car and……..three-two-one – gooooooo!!!!! The Cars take off quickly as you race around the track through banked curves and whop-de-doos to the finish line. Quite fun and by far the best ride we rode.
We arrived in LA on a Saturday afternoon and stayed three nights at a Disney Hotel located adjacent to the Parks. So we got to spend two full days immersed in Disney and crowds, plus the evening on our arrival and the morning before departing to get Motorcycle. We were not expecting massive crowds, and unfortunately had them due to the Columbus Day holiday. Apparently Utah kids get the day off and the whole state leaves for Disneyland to take advantage of the lower off season rates. Which we did also, but anticipating smaller crowds. They had record crowds for the days we were there that the Park usually sees during peak times. After the first day and a half we had had enough and were ready to go!! Disneyed out is what Vicki said. The crowds and lines, along with dodging families and their strollers, took there toll on our nerves. Non the less it was already paid for and we endured another day and a half.
We did all of the Disneyland staples Its a Small World, Matterhorn, Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted House and Monorail. Also did the newer rides Indiana Jones Adventure and Star Wars 3-D Simulator experience. Star Wars by far being the best ride at Disneyland itself. On Sunday evening we got to experience “Remember… Dreams Come True” Fireworks Spectacular over Snow Whites Castle. They are spectacular!!
At California Adventure Park we did the Cars, Hollywood Tower of Terror, Soarin over California, Paradise Pier Roller Coaster and Mickey’s Silly Symphony Swings. Took in the Alladin Show and “World of Color” evening water show.
Disney at times with the crowds and lines, felt like torture, but an an experience we were glad we did. Heres a mosaic of some more Disney Pics
Vicki on the Symphony Swings
Radiator Springs
Snow Whites Castle
Radiator Springs At Night
Finish Line
Downtown Radiator Springs
California Adventure Park
Cars
Studio Sign
Monster University Homework – “Beers”
Matterhorn
Radiator Springs
Now onto the main purpose of our trip – “Ride The Pacific Highway On A Motorcycle” and leave Disney behind us. Take a Taxi from Disney to Rental Dealer. Repack our luggage we will use for next four days and store the rest at the dealer. Have some hiccups with Audio that required us buying an adaptor to listen to music as the Bluetooth was not working. Packed and ready we jump onto the 405 which will take us through LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills and into Burbank. In Burbank we catch the 101 which turns into the Pacific Coast Highway 1 (PCH) in Ventura. This required driving on 5 lane freeway for 84 miles. From there I had planned to go another 150 miles. But after that white knuckle ride through LA we only made it another 50 miles where I had to quit do to 5 lanes of traffic having taken its toll on me. Also getting dark quick.
Next morning up and locate this sign
About 30 miles later finally get to where the road actually begins to hug the coast
PCH
From here we travelled North up to Big Sur
Big Sur Coastline
Then circle back South and check in at the Ragged Point Inn 50 miles South of Big Sur for the next two nights. Spend three days travelling up and down on the PCH making frequent pit-stops for the vistas.
BMW GTL 1600
Big Sur Coastline
Big Sur Coastline
Coastal Highway
Bixby Bridge
Big Sur Coastline
Big Sur Coastline
Big Sur Coastline
Big Sur Coastline
Big Sur Coastline
Big Sur Coastline
Big Sur Coastline
Vicki with the BMW
Big Sur Coastline
Also take time to venture down to the waterand remote beaches at various spots to take in the waves pounding on the shore while watching the surfers chase “tubes”. Sit back and Chill enjoying a cold beer and munchies. Picnic at the Beach.
Big Sur Coastline
Riding the Wave
Soothing Waves Crashing Onto Shore
Soothing Waves Crashing Onto Shore
Soothing Waves Crashing Onto Shore
Coastal Beaches
Scouting Out Entry Point
Soothing Waves Crashing Onto Shore
Soothing Waves Crashing Onto Shore
Soothing Waves Crashing Onto Shore
Riding The Waves
Taking A Breather
Soothing Waves Crashing Onto Shore
We also had the opportunity to visit a coastal grove of Redwoods.
Trail Sign
Canyon Entrance That Leads To A Small Meandering Waterfall
Meandering Waterfall
These trees need to experienced in person to know how magnificent they are. We were up early and arrived before all other people and had the forest to ourselves. Spent most of the morning here and backpacked in with a couple of cold beers and Deli Sandwiches we purchased just for the occasion.
Enjoying A Bite To Eat
Stopped at the Big Sur River Inn and enjoyed a cold beverage lounging in the Big Sur River amongst the Redwoods.
Lounging In The Big Sur River
After two and a half days of riding the PCH we, we make our way back to Ragged Point late in the afternoon
Sunset on the PCH
Our Shadow Leading The Way
Late Afternoon Shadow
Get up the morning of our Anniversary, pack and head South through the small California beach towns of Cambria, Cayucos, Morro Bay, Pismo Beach, Santa Barbara and finally stop in Ventura to spend the night. For our Anniversary we get a room at the Crown Plaza on the beach. Ventura has a boardwalk, Pier, and restored downtown district from the late 1800’s. We get cleaned up and head into old Ventura for dinner at a delicious Barbeque joint. After dinner we head across the street and settle into The Star Lounge to celebrate and enjoy some live music.
The Star Lounge
We enjoy our evening meeting and conversing with several of the locals. Another wonderful Anniversary!!
Our 27th Anniversary Celebration.
Next morning get up for the remaining 85 miles. Its Saturday, but traffic non the less is Bumper to Bumper and not moving. I have seen Lane Splitting done before and always thought that looks dangerous. For those of you who don’t know, Lane Splitting is when motorcycles basically maneuver their way through traffic with main advantage riding down the line. This is legal in California, and keeps motorcycles from overheating. Well now we are stuck in traffic, bike getting hot, wanting to get bike returned so we can enjoy Venice Beach where we are staying for our last night. Vicki against this idea, but also looking to getting to the beach. So after observing other Bikers zoom by us I go for it and jump in. Vicki closes her eyes and puts her head down. Away we go. Once going I feel comfortable and pick up the hang of it. Did this in heavier traffic spots on and off for remainder of our trip. Probably saved us easily an hour. Here’s a link to a youtube video of what Lane Splitting looks like
http://youtu.be/UcLghntCG9E?t=46s
I found this to be funner than any Disney ride and kind of felt like the old frogger game. Hoping not to get splattered.
Finally get to dealer and return Bike. Catch a cab to Venice where we have room on the beach. Got there about 3pm check in and head out into the freaks at Venice Beach. An Utopia for some who live there in squalor like conditions. Very content and enjoying an existence with non of the normal stresses the rest of civilization battles daily. One lady pointing towards the setting sun who lives there said “Whats not to enjoy? Every day I wake up here and enjoy the beach, weather and people”. She sets up shop daily at various spots up and down the boardwalk reading palms. Her and many more vagrant peddlers everywhere. None of them though ever hassled us. Quite unique and extremely laid back. Most however looking like they could use a shower. Eat dinner on the Boardwalk and then take in the evening spirit of Venice. All I could think was where’s Jim Morrison?
Venice Beach
Our last Sunset in Venice. Catch a flight the next morning and looking forward to another year together.
Venice Beach Sunset
Adventures with Vicki and Dale 
California Trippin’
Through all of its ups and downs we have been married 27 years. Not all of it completely blissful, but all in all a perfect match that we continually work on, listen, and adjust. Saying things like that over and over till we believe it! Truthfully it does go a lot like that. In the bad times, we understand bumps happen and patiently work our way through. Each, actually appreciating each other more than we did 27 years ago. Last year was the only time we have been apart for our Anniversary while I was working in Alaska. Now having turned 50, and knowing there is lots yet to see and do before we can’t, we decided for our Anniversary to head to California for eight days and rent a Motorcycle to travel up and down the Pacific Coast Highway “1”. Upon arrival though we ran into an old friend.
Goofy
He naturally invited us to his place to visit with some of his friends
Vicki, Mickey, Walt and I
Well as you have probably guessed, we also visited Disneyland and recently added California Adventure Park. Back around the turn of the century (yeah you’re old), Disneyland had expanded and added California Adventure Park to make it more of a destination for families like Disneyworld is. California Adventure Park is themed around the state of California and features more current Disney projects like Cars, A Bugs Life, The Little Mermaid and Toy Story.
Entrance to Radiator Springs in California Adventure Park
“Cars” zipping through Radiator Springs.
The “Cars” ride is actually quite exhilarating. You get in a “Cars” car that seat six. You then cruise around the desert before entering Radiator Springs at night. Here you get chased by a thrasher and as you eventually leave town your car either gets a Tire Change or as we got a Car Wash Detailing.
After getting detailed you pull up along another car and……..three-two-one – gooooooo!!!!! The Cars take off quickly as you race around the track through banked curves and whop-de-doos to the finish line. Quite fun and by far the best ride we rode.
We arrived in LA on a Saturday afternoon and stayed three nights at a Disney Hotel located adjacent to the Parks. So we got to spend two full days immersed in Disney and crowds, plus the evening on our arrival and the morning before departing to get Motorcycle. We were not expecting massive crowds, and unfortunately had them due to the Columbus Day holiday. Apparently Utah kids get the day off and the whole state leaves for Disneyland to take advantage of the lower off season rates. Which we did also, but anticipating smaller crowds. They had record crowds for the days we were there that the Park usually sees during peak times. After the first day and a half we had had enough and were ready to go!! Disneyed out is what Vicki said. The crowds and lines, along with dodging families and their strollers, took there toll on our nerves. Non the less it was already paid for and we endured another day and a half.
We did all of the Disneyland staples Its a Small World, Matterhorn, Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted House and Monorail. Also did the newer rides Indiana Jones Adventure and Star Wars 3-D Simulator experience. Star Wars by far being the best ride at Disneyland itself. On Sunday evening we got to experience “Remember… Dreams Come True” Fireworks Spectacular over Snow Whites Castle. They are spectacular!!
At California Adventure Park we did the Cars, Hollywood Tower of Terror, Soarin over California, Paradise Pier Roller Coaster and Mickey’s Silly Symphony Swings. Took in the Alladin Show and “World of Color” evening water show.
Disney at times with the crowds and lines, felt like torture, but an an experience we were glad we did. Heres a mosaic of some more Disney Pics
Now onto the main purpose of our trip – “Ride The Pacific Highway On A Motorcycle” and leave Disney behind us. Take a Taxi from Disney to Rental Dealer. Repack our luggage we will use for next four days and store the rest at the dealer. Have some hiccups with Audio that required us buying an adaptor to listen to music as the Bluetooth was not working. Packed and ready we jump onto the 405 which will take us through LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills and into Burbank. In Burbank we catch the 101 which turns into the Pacific Coast Highway 1 (PCH) in Ventura. This required driving on 5 lane freeway for 84 miles. From there I had planned to go another 150 miles. But after that white knuckle ride through LA we only made it another 50 miles where I had to quit do to 5 lanes of traffic having taken its toll on me. Also getting dark quick.
Next morning up and locate this sign
About 30 miles later finally get to where the road actually begins to hug the coast
PCH
From here we travelled North up to Big Sur
Big Sur Coastline
Then circle back South and check in at the Ragged Point Inn 50 miles South of Big Sur for the next two nights. Spend three days travelling up and down on the PCH making frequent pit-stops for the vistas.
Also take time to venture down to the waterand remote beaches at various spots to take in the waves pounding on the shore while watching the surfers chase “tubes”. Sit back and Chill enjoying a cold beer and munchies. Picnic at the Beach.
Big Sur Coastline
Riding the Wave
We also had the opportunity to visit a coastal grove of Redwoods.
Trail Sign
Canyon Entrance That Leads To A Small Meandering Waterfall
Meandering Waterfall
These trees need to experienced in person to know how magnificent they are. We were up early and arrived before all other people and had the forest to ourselves. Spent most of the morning here and backpacked in with a couple of cold beers and Deli Sandwiches we purchased just for the occasion.
Stopped at the Big Sur River Inn and enjoyed a cold beverage lounging in the Big Sur River amongst the Redwoods.
Lounging In The Big Sur River
After two and a half days of riding the PCH we, we make our way back to Ragged Point late in the afternoon
Sunset on the PCH
Our Shadow Leading The Way
Late Afternoon Shadow
Get up the morning of our Anniversary, pack and head South through the small California beach towns of Cambria, Cayucos, Morro Bay, Pismo Beach, Santa Barbara and finally stop in Ventura to spend the night. For our Anniversary we get a room at the Crown Plaza on the beach. Ventura has a boardwalk, Pier, and restored downtown district from the late 1800’s. We get cleaned up and head into old Ventura for dinner at a delicious Barbeque joint. After dinner we head across the street and settle into The Star Lounge to celebrate and enjoy some live music.
The Star Lounge
We enjoy our evening meeting and conversing with several of the locals. Another wonderful Anniversary!!
Our 27th Anniversary Celebration.
Next morning get up for the remaining 85 miles. Its Saturday, but traffic non the less is Bumper to Bumper and not moving. I have seen Lane Splitting done before and always thought that looks dangerous. For those of you who don’t know, Lane Splitting is when motorcycles basically maneuver their way through traffic with main advantage riding down the line. This is legal in California, and keeps motorcycles from overheating. Well now we are stuck in traffic, bike getting hot, wanting to get bike returned so we can enjoy Venice Beach where we are staying for our last night. Vicki against this idea, but also looking to getting to the beach. So after observing other Bikers zoom by us I go for it and jump in. Vicki closes her eyes and puts her head down. Away we go. Once going I feel comfortable and pick up the hang of it. Did this in heavier traffic spots on and off for remainder of our trip. Probably saved us easily an hour. Here’s a link to a youtube video of what Lane Splitting looks like
http://youtu.be/UcLghntCG9E?t=46s
I found this to be funner than any Disney ride and kind of felt like the old frogger game. Hoping not to get splattered.
Finally get to dealer and return Bike. Catch a cab to Venice where we have room on the beach. Got there about 3pm check in and head out into the freaks at Venice Beach. An Utopia for some who live there in squalor like conditions. Very content and enjoying an existence with non of the normal stresses the rest of civilization battles daily. One lady pointing towards the setting sun who lives there said “Whats not to enjoy? Every day I wake up here and enjoy the beach, weather and people”. She sets up shop daily at various spots up and down the boardwalk reading palms. Her and many more vagrant peddlers everywhere. None of them though ever hassled us. Quite unique and extremely laid back. Most however looking like they could use a shower. Eat dinner on the Boardwalk and then take in the evening spirit of Venice. All I could think was where’s Jim Morrison?
Venice Beach
Our last Sunset in Venice. Catch a flight the next morning and looking forward to another year together.
Venice Beach Sunset