With all the Reagan tributes this past week (I had met him once and couldn't help being impressed), I felt compelled to honor him with some kind of day of reflection. Since my personal religion comes from a visit to Asia 20 years ago, I tend to feel more spiritual in Asian temples or out in nature. I got to combine both with a beautiful drive on Saturday.

If you are in the greater LA area, I highly recommend a trip south down the 110 freeway toward San Pedro. Take the Gaffey exit and turn left which takes you past the Port of San Pedro and then to a beautiful spot overlooking the Pacific Ocean where there is a Korean Friendship Bell. A very serene spot, with lots of folks flying kites in the ocean breeze. They were setting up for a wedding there that day. Nearby is the Fort MacArthur Museum for military buffs.

Then, keep going on Gaffey which takes you to a left turn onto 25th street which then turns into Palos Verdes Drive. This drive takes you around the peninsula with the waves crashing below on the left, and fairly new multi-million dollar homes on the hill on the right.

15 minutes past the Friendship Bell stop is the Wayfarer's Chapel. A Frank Lloyd Wright designed chapel on absolutely beautiful grounds. This chapel is made of all glass except for the wooden beams that crisscross at the ceiling. There is a round window at the head of the chapel that perfectly frames a perfect tree. And of course, the Pacific is a 200 degree view from anywhere on the grounds so "wayfarers" could see this chapel and seek refuge. This chapel is one of the most popular wedding chapels in Southern California and books years in advance.

Then, keep going on Palos Verdes Drive and now there's still the ocean on the left, but the homes on the right are mostly from the 1950s or so...many of them have "Palos Verdes Rock" used on a wall facing for accent. You'll pass the downtown which features some great old architecture...just a cool place to stop.

You'll end up in Redondo Beach and can easily get to the 405 freeway that will take you back from where you came.

From the 110 exit to Redondo Beach with no stops, it's probably less than an hour's drive. Try it out on any summer day!