Saturday January 29th

We left the coach around 10:00 a.m. and headed for downtown L.A.  Our first destination: PINK's.  Another famous eatery here in SoCal.

Pink's Hot dogs have been a favorite around these parts since 1939 when Paul Pink started selling 10 cent hot dogs from a push cart.  A permanent building was erected mid 1940's.  In the beginning, the corner of La Brea and Melrose was out in the "country".  Now, Pink's has been absorbed into the center of Hollywood. 
 

Mulholland-Slaw & NTO dogs


We got in the long line that moved rather quickly to order.  I got the Slaw Dog (self explanatory).  One of my favorites.  Judy got the Mulholland Drive Dog, a 10" dog covered with grilled onions, mushrooms, nacho cheese and bacon.

These were great hot dogs, but they can not beat my favorite...the "O" Dog!  Mainly because I prefer grilled rather than steamed.

We happened to get there on a day when they were promoting the PGA Tour's Northern Trust Open in Pacific Palisades.  I got to "Putt" for a free hot dog.  The putting green had two hazards; guacamole to the left and chili and cheese to the right.  Just to make it more difficult, the hole was encircled by an onion ring.  I sunk it in the guacamole but still got a free NTO dog.  The NTO is a dog covered with mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, chili, cheese, guacamole and topped with an onion ring and NTO flag.  Not bad, but not something I would go out of my way for.

Leaving Pink's we headed to the human carnival that is Venice Beach.  The walkway was packed with people on the sunny Saturday afternoon.  Along the path are the usual souvenir shops, surf shops, and restaurants you would find at many beach areas.  There are skate and bike parks, raquet ball, tennis and basketball courts, a bike and skating path, and one little "extra".  Kush Doctors and medical marijuana dispensaries.

Apparently, you can go to a Kush Doctor, tell him what ails you and that you think some weed would make you feel better.  If he agrees, and he probably will, you get a prescription, or "Weed Card"  for medical marijuana.  Ah! California, the land of fruits and nuts!

Reaching the end of the street party we made a left onto the wide sandy beach, kicked off our shoes and strolled toward the surf.  Soon the sound of the barker touting the two headed chicken and two headed turtle began to fade into the background as the sound of the breakers took over.  The beach was filled with families swimming, surfing and flying kites, and sailboats dotted the water. 



Next was a photo drive-by to the place made famous by the Eagles, "Hotel California".  The unassuming entrance makes it easy to miss.  If you didn't see the sign, you would drive right by it.  

From the Hotel California it was only a short drive to the Santa Monica Pier.  The pier is best known for it's vendors, amusement rides and as the terminating point for the "Mother Road" Route 66.  We've been on many sections of Route 66, but have not yet done the entire Chicago to L.A. ride.  It is on the "Bucket List".  As the sun began to set, we started back to base camp.  Even on a Saturday afternoon, the traffic was snarled.  Love this area...hate the traffic!