LA...Days 1-2

Wednesday 2-18

We had a late night flight out to LA. Our plane left the airport a little late due to a late arrival and the plane had to de-ice. The pilot was able to take “shortcuts” and we are able to land at our scheduled time. After waiting a while for the rental car bus, we had the fastest car pickup ever. We rented with Alamo and there were a lot of check-in kiosks. There were not a lot of choices of vehicles, but we ended up with a Chevy Cruz. The car was decent in all matters. We stayed at a friends’ place in northern LA for the entire trip.

Thursday 2-19

Mission San Fernando Rey de Espana

The goal for the day was to check out two national park sites. Along the way, we visited the Mission San Fernando Rey de Espana. There was a $5/person fee to enter the grounds. Bob Hope was buried at the Mission. There were a lot of displays to view. We spent probably about 45 minutes at the site. The Mission was founded in 1797, but many problems (1812 earthquakes and gold prospectors) caused the grounds to fall in to disrepair before being restored.
  

Cesar E. Chavez NM

César E. Chávez National Monument was the first NP site that we got to visit. It was kind of in the middle of nowhere. The site is relatively new to the NP system and is still being developed. Currently, the site has a lot of photo displays, a short but very informative video, and garden where Chavez is buried.

For a little variety, we headed to Bakersfield for lunch and a different roadway to drive back towards LA. Lunch at La Costa Mariscos was very good and the décor was really nice, too. I had the chicken fajita burrito and they let me substitute the rice and beans with a salad and fresh vegetables (carrots and broccoli). Mike had the port burrito. We splurged on Fried Ice Cream dessert – yum!

The last visit for the day was King Gillette Ranch at the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. The NP visitor center is located at this site. The land was once owned by King C. Gillette – the razor magnate. The Spanish Colonial Revival style mansion built in the 1920’s and other structures still remain on the site. There was a short trail that provided a 360-degree views of the surrounding area. The “Biggest Loser” is filmed at this site. 

King Gillette Ranch - Santa Monica Mountains

We had dinner with friends at Jerry’s Famous Deli. I had a salad and it was good – large portions on everything.