Thursday February 21, 2019

Thursday February 2, 2019

Blog time 2100 sitting in room at Homewood Suites, Redondo Beach

We slept in until 0600.  Had the Hotel’s complimentary breakfast of yogurt, oatmeal, fruit and coffee.  Hit the spot!

Today we are departing on a big adventure.  We are taking the LA area’s answer to urban commuting .  We are taking the Metro rail system to downtown LA and then on to Santa Monica.

An easy walk to the Redondo Beach station.  We bought an all day pass.  It was only $7.  The train were safe, clean and well kept.  

The first run out of Redondo was great.  The line is located in the I 10 right of way.  Speeds were great with no intersections.  A good portion was elevated creating some good views.

We had to switch lines to get to downtown LA. (LA to Long Beach line) This line was being renovated so we took a short bus shuttle to get back on the train.  

The rail line into downtown was on old railroad right of way.  Because the line was not elevated or underground  the train had to slow down at each intersection.  At several intersection a crossing guard was stationed in addition to the  cross arms. Overkill?  As you might expect the speed was greatly reduced.

At downtown we switched trains and headed to downtown Santa Monica.  We got off at downtown and had lunch before heading back.  

The trip was an experience.  Mass transit might be an answer for auto congestion but at grade lines are slow.  However, they might be faster than driving.  

All the trains were not full.  Most riders looked like working folks.  Not many WASPs on the trains.

We got home at 1600.  For dinner we had the hotel’s light fare, meat ball sliders and salad.  Also had a glass of wine.

We must be near some military facilities because a lot of military are staying at Homewood.  They all wear camo fatigues so it is difficult which branch they belong.  Why camo in CA?

Missy and AJ stopped by this evening.  Missy showed some of her clothing line and materials.  Nancy tried on a skirt and said she liked the fabric.

Bob and Nancy were in bed by 2100.  Today no car or TV.  Everyone complained of the cold but I will take 52and sun over 22 and snow any day.