Canals and Ice-cream

Saturday 28 Feb - Weather hot and sunny

With the sun shining as we pull the curtain, it looks like a day to be outside. After a leisurely breakfast, we set off down Washington Boulevard again. Crossing to the other side of the street, we discover a small area set aside as a nature reserve with several interesing birds sitting by a small pond. In addition to a regular sized egret there was also a much smaller snowy egret and at least one shag-like bird. A lady stopped to talk and suggested we might like the wet-land reserve at Marina del Reay. After consulting the rudimentary, but free, map provided by HI, we realised that it was a car journey away.

Having turned into the marina area, we followed the road past a couple of smart restaurants to a small artificial beach surrounded by BBQ stands and picnic benches. Is just UK where this sort of amenity would get vandalised or misued?

Back on the main road, we reached the foot of Washington Blvd and Venice Pier. The day had warmed up and the temperature was into the 70s and a drink was called for. Saturday had bought everyone out to enjoy the warm weather on the beach so all cafes were full, but luck was on our side as the Ice Cream parlour was just opening for business and tables and chairs were being set up outside. We were the first customers of the day and watched as our ice-creams were created in front of us. Both were works of art and involved taking ice-cream, and the various other ingredients and chopping them altogether on a marble slab. I'm not sure how we managed it but we sat outside for at least an hour watching the world go by.

People watching is great entertainment, especially so at Venice as so many people were set on enjoying themselves in different ways. Surfers strolling and cycling down to the beach in wet suits, cyclist by the hundred on so many different types of bikes, rollerbladers and rollerskaters and so many cars trying to find somewhere to squeeze their huge cars into.

Eventually tiring of this free entertainment, we strolled into the Venice canal area. One hundred years ago the area was laid out with lots of canals, but only a small part remains now. Footpaths follow the canals with beautifully kept houses and gardens alongside. Many houses have a mini-pier onto the canal with a small boat or canoe moored up. The area is a delightful oasis of colour and although it was hot, it felt slightly cooler walking by the water.

Back at the hotel the hot-tub was calling again followed by a lounge in the courtyard garden to dry off.

The evening food expedition took us back into the marina where the Tony P restaurant provided a meal. An all American style menu provided steaks and ribs in large portions washed down with Fat Tire Ale. This the way to relax American style.