The Coastal Highway

The California Coastal Highway between Los Angeles and San Francisco is spectacular. I don't think I have driven a more beautiful or challenging stretch of road as between Cambria and Monterey.

Soaring mountains on one side and plunging cliffs to the sea on the other. Rockslides are not uncommon and twice I was delayed by crews clearing boulders. This route is not for the weak of heart! You need to be alert and steady on this narrow road that often twists and turns thousands of feet above the ocean with no guardrails.

Some folks like to take 17 mile drive near Carmel in addition to the coastal highway but realize that they charge $8 to enter. (The 45 minute route is organized into about 20 stops and provides a more manicured version of the coastal highway.)

I was surprised at how many hiking trails are available on this stretch and many scenic pull-overs. This is not the fastest route since speeds can slow to 15 miles per hour in some places and rarely top 40. The rewards are worth it if you’re not in a hurry and can explore the coast and all it has to offer. Make sure to gas up since towns are few and far between here. This is a great driving experience.

Rockin' at Morro Bay

The City of Morro Bay, California is mostly known for the huge Morro Rock rising up from the ocean. It's a working fishing village and I had a great fish sandwich there on the way to Hearst Castle. I also visited their funky little Aquarium.

This family owned attraction is dedicated to rehabilitating sea creatures since 1984 and the sea lions greet you right at the entrance. Boy, are they loud. The inside room is dark and small with murky tanks filled with a variety of animals. A huge octopus was very popular along with a good local shark exhibit. The rest of the waterfront is filled with fun shops and restaurants. It's a great place to hang out and at the end of the road you can see the fishing fleet come in with their daily catches. A nice slice of local California north of Los Angeles. Totally.

Somewhere in Beullton

North of Los Angeles in the self-proclaimed, "Home of pea soup", known as Buellton, California is Ostrichland. When you see the small black and white sign, pull over. Not only can you buy some fresh produce but for just $4 you can hang out with Ostriches and Emus. These curious animals pose for photos and you can feed them. Inside you can buy bird related products. Enormous eggs, purses, hats and yes...even meat. Give Ostrich a try. Tastes like lean beef if you don't over cook it. This is a classic roadside attraction that harkens back to another time. If you're on the road to Solvang or the Santa Ynez Valley wine country do yourself a favor and feed the birds. You'll be glad you did.

Aaaah Avalon!

When you need to escape the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, California then hop on board the Catalina Island Express shuttle and head for Avalon. In less than an hour on this high speed boat, you will be a world away on Catalina Island in the Pacific Ocean. The ship is very comfortable, serves food and makes trips throughout the day. Hotels are available on the Island, too. So are tons of activities. Tour, fish, scuba, snorkel, glass bottom boat, kayak, camp, hike; the list goes on and on.

If activity doesn't suit you then stroll the shops and restaurants right on the beautiful harbor, visit the spa or sit and people watch.

This is a great escape with a small town feel in an Island setting. Don't miss it.

Abaracadabara

Pinch me...

I saw my first magician at a friend's birthday party when I was ten. He was funny and silly and made a dove appear in a small wire cage.

I was hooked. The Art of Illusion fascinates me to this day so when I had a chance to visit the private Magic Castle Club in Los Angeles, California, I jumped at it.

The mystery begins when you are told that in order to enter this private club, you must be invited by a member or staying at the Hotel on site. I took a room and made my reservations. The formal dress code is strictly enforced with jacket and tie for men. With my Johnston & Murphy's shined to a gleam, I entered the Magic Club lobby and approached the front desk. This is where the fun began. "Just walk over to the owl on the bookcase and say Open Sesame," she instructed. The owls eyes blinked when I uttered those magical words and the bookcase slid back to allow my entry. Very cool.

The building itself dates back to 1908 and is a labyrinth of hallways, nooks and parlours. Take the time to explore the space and enjoy the historical photos and charicatures. The evening consists of five different magic shows in three seperate rooms with special guest appearances. They range from close up magic to stage shows. Five bars are spread around the large complex and a highlight was the player piano where Irma the ghost will play any tune you call out. It was eerie to watch as the group tried to stump her and couldn't. Dinner was excellent and no sooner had I sat down when who should walk in but Magic Legends Eugene Burger and Max Maven to dine at the table across from me. Most of the people there were magicians.

I soon found out why so much buzz was in the air. That night I was lucky enough to see a farewell performance by the amazing Paul Potassy. Turns out the Who's Who of magic was in attendance for this performance. I'll just say that when Siegfried (of Siegfried and Roy) sat down in front of me at the show, I was impressed.

Mr. Potassy mesmerized us all with his amazing patter and flawless illusions. At one point he cleaned out the pockets of the volunteer on stage, without his knowledge, and began producing his watch, cell phone, comb, wallet, hankerchief and pen, much to the delight of the audience.

What a special evening this is for anyone who enjoys Magic. It is a classic setting with World Class entertainment. I will remember this for the rest of my life.

Cool Beans

The Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, California is cool. Since their remodeling, a timed ticket system is in place and reservations are required. No parking on site so the reservation is for the bus transportation to get there.

The Observatory is perched above the valley with a great view of the Hollywood Sign. Exhibits explore space and our place in it. I loved the swinging pendulum and the Tesla coil that produces lightning! A Zeiss 12-inch refracting telescope is available if you go in the evening and during clear days Solar Telescopes are found in the Rotunda. One of the highlights is the state-of-the-art Samuel Oschin Planetarium that creates multi-media star shows. Also, the new Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon features a short film by the actor himself. Make sure to save room to eat at The Cafe with outdoor seating overlooking the valley. Some effort and planning is required to visit here but it's well worth the effort.

Beep-beep, Beep-beep yeah.

Wow. The traffic is everything they said it would be and more in Los Angeles, California. I'm staying in Hollywood, on the northern edge of Los Angeles and going anywhere is tough. The tradeoff in transportation is big. Convenience vs. Price. Public transport is cheap but takes longer. Private is more convenient but very expensive. However you decide to travel just make sure to give yourself extra time since the traffic is congested and the sites are spread out here. Sure wish I had wings!

California Dreamin'

I've lived on America's East Coast my whole life. Getting a chance to explore the great State of California is exciting. The plan is to visit Los Angeles then drive up the coast to San Francisco. Never been north of Anahiem before so this should be good.