We reserved a tandem bike from our hotel room. By the time we got to the beach, it was raining and only 54º F. Determined to try riding a bike built for two, we decided to try if for at least one hour. As we peddled, the rain stopped and we had an enjoyable ride. As Dennis said, “We didn’t end up in divorce court.”
Along the coast, there is a concrete bike path known as “The Strand” that runs from Santa Monica to Redondo Beach–about 17 miles. It is supposed to be for bicyclists but we had to contend with pedestrians and joggers who were apparently misinformed as to the purpose of the path. We rode from Venice to the historic Port Los Angeles or the Mile Long Pier. Today nothing remains of the wharf except the historical marker. With the wind at our backs, we made go time on the return trip, finishing in a little over two hours.
After dropping off the bikes, we strolled along Venice Beach. Since the wind was cool, we decided to return to the hotel. Once there, we walked to the Guatemaltiera Bakery and Restaurant for a snack. It was difficult choosing what to eat. I had a cookie that was delicious with the Guatemalan coffee. Dennis had strawberry shortcake and tea.
We drove through Hollywood on our way to the Santa Monica Mountains. We passed the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Hollywood Wax Museum, Ripley’s Believe it or Not Odditorium, and lots more On one corner a street band was attracting a large crowd and impeding the traffic
At sunset, we drove Mulholland Drive to see LA from above. We got to the Hollywood Bowl Overlook just as the sun was setting and the vistas were magnificent.
Hollywood is split by the mountains. On the other side is The Valley. Unfortunately, it was too dark to get good photos.
