We had a day before the parade so Leigh arranged a limousine guided tour to the Pacific Ocean at Santa Monica. I slept like a log but Caro was up early and had breakfast and was dressed before I woke. ![]() I think she learned this expression from her Grandmother. At least it makes me think of Jessie.
While waiting for Leigh to call and say they had all their stuff in order and were almost ready I looked out the window. ![]() I realized why I had felt quietly disturbed. The mountains visible from the hotel reminded me so much of the mountains of Oregon where I spent the formative years before school. Also we used to visit relatives in Los Angeles and I suppose I was remembering the San Gabriel mountain range.
After several starts and stops the Texas Expeditionary Force made its way to the front lobby where the limousine was to pick us up. The driver and vehicle was not prepared for the electric scooter. And true to hired hands everywhere the driver insisted on disassembling the scooter and lifting in into the trunk. I knew it was only a matter of time before the driver would have a problem. ![]() The new itinerary was to Griffith Park then Universal City then to Santa Monica pier with a picnic in the park The LA basis was very foggy and cold. The temperature surprised me. I had always though LA was warm. After a long twisty ride we were at the Griffith Park Observatory. At the time I did not know why Leigh wanted to see the place. Then I saw a plinth with a bust of James Dean in front of the observatory. ![]() James dean was a frequent visitor to the park and observatory. I think a movie with him was partially shot at the park. I climbed to the top of the main observatory to look around and discovered just how foggy the valley was. Here I am pointing out to the cameraman where to take the next shot. The shirt adds 40 pounds, honest. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() The observatory is nonfunctional but must at one time been a working observatory. In front is a statue of tribute to great astronomers like Gallileo. The picture does not do the statue justice. You really need to make a trip to the Griffith Park Observatory to see it for yourself. ![]() I guess I was raised funny for a male but I notice flowers. I was especially impressed by the Azealas blooming here at the Observatory. They don’t normally bloom in Houston until late March or early April. ![]() Well this page is getting too long so I am going to break here and tell about the rest of the tour on the next page.
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