The drive from Carpinteria to Malibu was just one big line of traffic. There were still scenic spots to see, but every inch of space along the coast had been built on with either residential properties (which would be worth millions) or commercial properties.
Some very fancy looking property....
.....on the way to Malibu.
We travelled through the Malibu Canyon to reach Malibu Beach and stayed at the Malibu RV Park. It wasn’t too bad and we ended up staying a couple of nights.
Malibu RV Park
Ocean view
To digress a minute. Do any of you remember seeing the movie RV, with Robin Williams in it? If you have, you’ll appreciate the next moment, when Trev had to empty our septic tank. In the movie, Robin Williams attaches the hose and it gets blocked. Eventually through a weak spot in the hose, all the waste products build up until they exploded high in the air and landed “Splat” on Robin Williams.
Our RV Site
Great views of sunsets.
Well….we had a similar experience at this RV Park, when Trev emptied the “waste” tank. I’m sitting comfortably in the passenger seat when Trev comes to my side window and says..”Remember that movie starring Robin Williams? That just happened!” “Yeah, right!” I replied. Then I smelt the stench in the air, got out to have a look and sure enough, waste product everywhere! The only difference was that it didn’t actually “land” on Trevor. The boys were ever so helpful in helping Trev clean up the mess!
Akaisha and I was unaware of the "mishap".
Trev in a "smelly" predicament with the boys looking on.
Mmmm...what to do about this!?
"Phew! What's that smell!
The boys were ever so helpful!
A great start to our night of camping, but after several showers, the smell dissipated somewhat on Trev. The rest of the evening was spent bathing, eating and doing laundry.
Akaisha eating.....
....and bathing.
We drove past some lovely looking houses on our way to the Santa Monica Pier (the end stop for those travelling on Route 66).
Some lovely homes on the way to Santa Monica Pier.
Apparently the end stop for the famous Route 66.
The Pier was alive with activity, with someone selling something somewhere. Lots of entertainment as we walked along the Pier and many rides to keep kids and adults entertained for hours.
Walking on the Pier.
Ferris wheels and other fun.
Carousels.....
...and colourful architecture.
We wandered off the Pier and decided to see the “goings-on” along the way towards Venice. And we didn’t have long to wait with entertainers in the street and Muscle men on the beach. The kids were fascinated with the prowess and agility of men and women “exercising” along the paths and beaches. They even had a go themselves. At one point Flynn was copying the “big guys” and they were giving him words of encouragement. He was pretty chuffed.
Comedy and music entertained us on the streets.
I took this picture for my Dad....this guy must have been about 70 yrs old.
The skill, prowess....
and agility...
....of these men.
Children learn....
through copying....
..and perseverance.
In amongst all of this activity, we spotted a “Turtle”. Anything goes here! Later, we even met the turtle. He was a cool guy called Trenton, but all his mates called him “Turtle”, so that was it. Name stuck! He was Jai’s age and was visiting with his Mum, Jenice. He said he’d come along for the ride to Venice, so got his Mum and off we went.
A cool "turtle" backpack!
He introduced himself...
...and a friendship with "Turtle" was born!
It took about half an hour to get there, but so much to see along the way. There were cool walkways and cycle paths, with a myriad of people and modes of transport.
Walking, riding....
....skateboarding...
rollerblading and mini bikes.
Rolling along....
...anyway you can.
Yes...Kaitlin took this photo! (I guess surfing is a mode of transport!)
We walked along the market and that was an eye-opener for the kids indeed! People from all walks of life (and more came out of the woodwork as evening drew near). Not necessarily a place you’d want to be at night or by yourself, but the kids were thoroughly entertained.
Going through the markets.
We were fascinated with the "advertising"
Interesting looking characters!
"Turtle" showing his moves.
Colourful signs everywhere.
Everywhere you looked, there’d be something to watch, from skateboarders to gymnasts. In fact, these gymnasts were were trying to lobby the Government to make the style they were doing an Olympic Sport, hence the spectacular display of strength and agility.
Up, up....
...and away!
Cool skate park.
Amazing flips.....
....and somersaults.
Skilled young people.
We wandered back to Santa Monica Pier and ate some dinner with “Turtle”, Jenice and her Italian friend, Dave. Turtle and our kids decided to do some “shuffling” on the boardwalk (the guy in the booth next door put on some groovy music for them). Believe it or not, they actually made $5 when Turtle put his hat out as they danced. Trev and I thought we should have left them there for another half an hour and that may have paid for our dinner!
The kids earnt some money.....
....shuffling on the Santa Monica Pier!
Needless to say, we had a great day made more special by meeting Turtle and his Mum.
The next blog takes us to LA where we experience Halloween USA style!……………
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