Headin down the highway

Well, change of plans today. Instead of hiring a Harley to ride up to San Fran, we booked a Mustang convertible. We did this for a number of reasons; amount of luggage, comfort, traffic, but i really know it's because Mumsy talked to the weather gods and ordered rain for the west coast of USA.

No matter, it's almost as good, racing up Highway 1 in a black, brand new Mustang with all the mod cons. Wind in your hair and excellent radio stations make it even better. Having the top down made it better to sing at the top of your lungs to the 'Rock, vinyl hits' station (no ads!). No one can hear you. Also did a bit of air guitar to the likes of Frampton and Clapton, ha, what fun.

Before we did this though, I wanted to check out Venice Beach. This spot is famous for the stereotypical rollerskaters and bodybuilders we've seen on movies. Unfortunately due to the weather and time of day, we missed alot of these 'beautiful people' and only saw the seedy side. Homeless, mad, disabled, this place made the frequenters of Triple C look normal. Tim bought a small carton of beer and we felt lucky the place wasn't too busy as we were pleaded to hand over a beer a couple of times within a block. I could go on but I won't.

I will mention one person we saw though. While we were walking the strip a skateboard flies out of a general store with half a person lying on it!! This man was obviously a thalidamide victim so he had small femurs with stumps (he held onto the skateboard with these). His right arm was a stump and his left had a hand but was severly deformed. He was black and sported dreadlocks, a short beard and a toothless smile. I couldn't keep my eyes off him but also couldn't bring myself to ask to photograph him. He bought a drink in the shop we were in and told me I was beautiful, with the clarification, 'Don't worry, I'm gay!' An interesting image..........

Pics today include 'the Car', my breakfast at Venice Beach (more orange garnish!!!) and American bathroom art.

See ya