Santa Monica Pier and Ferris Wheel
I arrived Tuesday afternoon and was met at LAX by Liv, after which Matt, Liv’s fiancé, took us to a fun seal-frolicking lunch at a marina in Marina del Rey near Matt’s office. We then headed over to their home in Santa Monica. The spacious and light-filled modern apartment is only several blocks from the main boulevard, Ocean Ave, the luxury hotel-lined street that runs along the water.
Everyday we explored the local beaches and hiking trails. When Matt wasn’t working, he joined us, too. We had plans to visit several museums, but it was just too sunny and gorgeous outdoors and neither of us wanted to be cooped up inside. We discovered beautiful vistas and exquisite flora and fauna on every adventure and at every turn. Liv and Matt have done some extensive hiking and climbing in the few short months they have been living there and they were so sweet to show me some of their favorite spots, and we explored new places they had not yet been.
All along Ocean Ave it seemed as though everyone was outdoors walking, running, biking, and surfing in the warm late afternoon sun. I really wanted to see the Santa Monica Pier and where Matt had proposed to Liv.
The historic 100 year plus Santa Monica Pier is still used by anglers and is home to Pacific Park, with the world’s only solar-powered ferris wheel. The wheel is 85 feet in diameter, displaying a dynamic light show created by 160,000 energy efficient lights. Tired and hungry we left at sunset. I hope we can spend more time at the Pier on my next visit.
Early incarnation of the Santa Monica Pier 1877
After dining at the charming, charming family owned and operated French restaurant, Le Petit Cafe, located only yards away from her front door, we went home to have a look at the Excel spread sheet Liv had organized, prepared to cram as many wonderful adventures as possible during the upcoming week.
Image of the Santa Monica Pier courtesy wikimedia; image of Le Petit Cafe courtesy Le Petit Cafe website.
Good Morning Gloucester 
Nice skies over water, it must almost feel like home, Kim.
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Yes it did in many ways. Because it is winter and the angle of sunlight is so shallow, and because Santa Monica is such a huge arcing Bay, you can see both sunrise and sunset looking towards the Pacific.
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Looks like the beautiful Gloucester sunset followed you the California ~ how nice! Has Liv set up an Excel spreadsheet for her wedding plans as well? 😉
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GREAT IDEA Mary!!!
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My daughter had a destination wedding ~ the destination was Gloucester! Most guests from Maryland, Virginia and Massachusetts. She used Excel spreadsheets for guest lists/responses/table sittings/Gifts and thank you notes complete. I have all her wedding planning in a wedding box somewhere ~ if only I were as organized.
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Thanks for sharing the trip…The computer and internet allows a no cost trip through the generosity of sharing 🙂 Dave & Kim:-)
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