Tuesday, October 27, 2009

WATERSIDE WEDNESDAY: WEST COAST EDITION

It's sunrise in California and I've been awake for an hour or more. My body clock is still set on East Coast time.
The book tour continues on the West Coast this week. Yesterday I visited Playa del Rey (where I am staying at the Inn at Playa del Rey), Venice, Culver City, and Manhattan Beach.
Feel like a walk? The streets of Manhattan Beach are like a text book on architectural styles.

This sleepy little beach town was once known for its cute bungalows and cottages -- now it's no holds barred. Within a few blocks you can see Victorians...
Mediterranean villas with surfboard signs...
Modern creations...
And even a few old cottages.
Next, let's take a stroll along the pier.

At the far end, a little aquarium has open tanks where you can touch starfish and urchins...

And smile back at a flounder!
There are nice views of the town from the pier, too.
I stopped to watch the surfers for a while. The perfect wave was elusive.
Now it's time to fly!
I've got to get on the road again. Keep in touch!

12 comments:

Vintage Rose Collection said...

Barbara,
As I sit here on the East coast with a warm fluffy blanket around me, a stroll along the sunny beaches of CA. is just what I needed. It looks like a slice of heaven. Can't wait for more darling :)
Love to you,
Jo-Anne
xo

Julie Marie said...

Hello Barbara, ooh I love all those beautiful homes... and the pier looks so wonderful... I miss the ocean... Bisous... Julie Marie

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

What a lovely area! It is cold and rainy here in NC...but the fall colors are beautiful. Have fun!

bikim said...

What a trip and adventure!
take care,
Rosa

Blondie's Journal said...

Looks like summer is s till in full swing ion the West coast!! Love your pics of Manhatten Beach! I made a wrong turn there once going to Hermosa beach and wasn't sorry!!

Wish I were there!!

xoxo
Jane

Elyse said...

how fun to see your photos, especially after just spending some time on cape cod. it's amazing how different 2 coasts can be!

happy touring!

xo

Kathryn Bechen said...

Welcome back to CA Barbara! Will you be in San Diego too?

Alison Gibbs said...

Such wonderful architecture
Alison

Barbara Jacksier said...

Alas, no. I'm heading north, then back east. Perhaps in February there may be a southern CA tour.

Loui♥ said...

Lovely post..
Here in Denver,am watching it snow, snow, snow!
a whirling , swirling almost whiteout!
does that count for a "waterside Wednesday"?
hugs and smiles..
Loui♥

Drawn to The Sea said...

One of these days... California... one of these days... your shots make me wish "one of these days" was tomorrow.

Peace,
~Julia

Shorely Chic said...

I love mermaids, too :)