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!

 

Diane, Sounds like a wonderful tribute that President Reagan would really appreciate. I, living on the east coast made the trip to Washington and attended the Caisson procession and then the next day, paid final respects in the Capitol Rotunda. I never had the chance to meet the President but did serve under him along with 4 other presidents.

The Crossfire was extremely comfortable and the cruise control at 65 most of the way netted over 33mpg. As usual, the looks and even comments mouthed from other drivers was welome. I must find an upstate NY trip to share with ya'll on the west coast someday.

 

WOW!!! I thought I was getting great mileage with 27 mpg hwy. What have you done to get 33 mpg??? That's super impressive.

 

Keepin' from stompin' on it is my guess. ops:

Me, I'm still averaging right at 26-27 even with daily commuting. And trying to keep off the pedal too much. Up here we have a LOT of Camaro's, they seem almost like cicada's at times, and 90% of 'em can be easily smoked with my Crossfire.

 

The only time I really "Stomp" it is leaving lights and such. When I drove it to Ft. Bragg the last time I filled up just prior to getting on the interstate and I was very easy with the throttle. I wanted to see just how much mpg I could get. The best I can do with no A/C on and acting like there's an egg between my foot and the excellerator is just over 27 mpg. The only way I could have gotten more than that would have been to shutt it off when going down hills. :lol:

 

:lol: 8) Diane - I grew up in Palos Verdes Estates (my parents still live there), so every place you talked about, I know very well. You were right - it is a beautiful drive. You just have to be careful on the stretch of road before Wayfarer's Chapel called Portuguese Bend where the land has been slipping into the water since about 1958 :!: Whenever we visit my parents, we take a good part of the drive you just described. (Although when I was going to college at Harbor JC - the route you described was actually my daily commute!!)

We were in Simi Valley last weekend and visited The Reagan Library (or at least as close to it as you could get). That was beautiful as well.

 

I grew up in Torrance and Redondo Beach.

P.V..... Very nice.

 

Wes, I had a hard time believing the mileage myself but I drove to Washing DC, little traffic, cruise control at 65 with once or twice up to 85 while passing. I used the AC on the way back for maybe 100 miles. I topped off when leaving my home and used the same station and pump when returning. I traveled 386 miles and filled up with 11.6 gallons. The only thing I have changed is the K & N filters. Other than that, who knows. It seems that this car just gets better with age. I now have just over 8k miles on her.

It was VERY difficult not to zip around what traffic I did have but I was really interested in seeing what the mileage could be. I also have EZ-pass so I did not have to stop at the toll gates.

 

When I went to Bragg the traffic was light and no tolls. Before my K&Ns and the Upsolute chip I was getting 25 mpg on the interstate. After just over 27.... I have 8,700 miles on mine now. I did make a couple of pit stops (too much coffee ) and of course I did get back up to speed as quickly as I could. (wink) Do us a favor and keep us posted on whether or not you continue to get that awesome mileage.

 

Yes! The road had a number of "dip-de-doos" in it and construction equipment alongside...it's clear that they have some major rebuilding to do to stabalize the area.

What a nice place to live!

 

Punkin, that must have been an incredible experience...I happened to be home from work that day and watched the procession on TV..it was quite moving from 2000 miles away; I can't imagine what it must have been like to be right there. Thank you for sharing, and thank you for your service to those five presidents and our great country!

 

Diane,
Believe me when I say the pleasure was all mine. I can't describe the feeling we had in the military when after watergate, return from Viet Nam, Iran hostage crisis, double digit inflation, interest rates, gas lines and such, the election and optimism of Ronald Reagan just changed everything. As sad as I felt, I was proud to pay my respects to the ,IMO, the greatest president in my lifetime. The ceremonies and respect paid by the thousands of people were incredible. Two women with 5 children were beside me at the capitol building when the Caisson came through with small American flags. Afterwards, she was collecting them from the kids when I ask if I could have one. At least I tried to ask but the words came out somewhat garbled with what could be described as "choking up". She said nothing but "of course you may". I will share that with the Grandchildren I hope to have someday and anyone else that will listen.

 

Unfortunately, that area is a goner. Has been slipping for so many years. The street has to be repaired and repaved every couple of months. According to the link below, it has slid 600 feet since 1956. We have had many friends that have lived there. One friend has to "jack up" part of his house. Another - you have to walk up a steep hill inside the house to get from one room to another. I think I even heard they stopped with all property taxes for anyone in that area because of the problem. Attached is a link to that area. Pretty interesting stuff.

Luckily the rest of the area is gorgeous :wink:

http://seis.natsci.csulb.edu/VIRTUAL...portuguese.htm