Monday January, 17th

Time to hit the road again.  About 9:00 a.m. we pulled out of the San Diego KOA.  Sad that we didn't get to see all the things we wanted, but happy to be able to continue on our journey.

We turned onto Interstate 805 heading north, then eventually connecting with I-5 toward Los Angeles.  I never understood why the folks out here add "THE" to their highway numbers.  If you ask someone back home for directions they will probably say "Take I-79 south" or "Go north on 51".  Out here you'll likely hear "get on 'the' 101 and then take 'the' 405".  Oh well, we say things like yinz and gumbands for no reason...(Don't speak Pittsburgese?  Click to here learn.)

Anyway, thank goodness today is Martin Luther King Day.  I can't imagine what it must be like to drive these freeways during a regular week day, especially during rush hour.  You would have to be born here in order to become imune to the absolute non stop line of traffic in both directions from San Diego to L.A...or, perhaps I'm just getting old...naw, that can't be it!

None the less, it is always fun and interesting to see the things that you've heard about in songs, read about in books or seen on TV or in the movies.  The famous Los Angeles City Hall building that appeared on Joe Friday's badge at the beginning of each episode of "Dragnet",  Mulloland Drive, Ventura Highway, Capital Records, and the famous "Hollywood" sign.  I think I even saw a Little Old Lady from Pasadena on the road.

It took nearly 5 hours to complete the less than 200 miles from Chula Vista to our destination.  About an hour north west of L.A., Ventura is a really quaint town full of old Mission Churches, antique and thrift shops, and sidewalk cafes.   Nearby are the Channel Islands, Los Padres National Forest and just steps away from our motorhome, is the Emma Wood State Beach.

Our spot here at the Ventura Beach RV Resort is level with a maicured lawn, fire ring and picnic table.  After getting set up, we look forward to spending some time relaxing, sightseeing, and visiting nearby family at a much more subdued pace.

For the next few weeks, the blog may be a bit duller, but only because we are going to emerse ourselves in the laid back style of southern California.