CM #29: Cruzin’, Pirates, Grotto’s, Reading

Jul 01, 2023

Hi Friends!

It’s Saturday, July 1st, 2023. Happy 4th of July Weekend

Just to let you know we’re going to be doing some experimenting with the newsletter over the summer months so hang in there as we try to make this a better experience.

Be Well! Stay Safe!

Mark & Patti

Let’s Go Cruzin’

Wednesday night was always cruise night on Van Nuys Boulevard. Why Wednesday? It was possibly created as a spontaneous opportunity for something to do, a cool place to be, in the middle of the week. Friday and Saturday nights also found a large number of people and their cars out on the boulevard, but Wednesday was the big night.

Cruze into more here

Why Visit The Salk Institute? Architecture for One

Absolutely, and there are many reasons to do so! The Salk Institute remains one of the world’s leading architectural marvels; its spacious, unobstructed laboratory rooms and sharp lines continue to stun architects and tourists alike. World-famous for both architecture and biology, here are seven reasons you need to a book a Salk Institute tour.

Nestled in the hills and rocky bluffs of La Jolla California, the Salk Institute has been making impactful discoveries since its completion in 1963. The institute’s major areas of study are aging and regenerative medicine, cancer biology, immune system biology, metabolism and diabetes, neuroscience and neurological disorders, molecular biology, and plant biology. Its cancer center is one of the best in the world.

Treasure Island Beach at Laguna Beach

Toward the southern end of Treasure Island Beach Park, which sits atop the bluffs, you’ll find a ramp that leads down to the sand. This beach is a long one—stretching all the way to Aliso Creek in the south. The further you walk from this main access point, the more space you’ll have to yourself. Heading this direction, the sea floor is sandy, perfect for swimming.

Learn more here

A Pirate’s House in Newport Beach

A secret stop here in Newport, The Pirate House is an outdoor Museum that's unlike anything you'll see in Newport, or on the high seas! A local resident has turned the outside of his home into a display that looks like it was supposed to be part of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disney World. As you pass by, you'll notice pirates on the rooftop, in the canal next to the home, and essentially everywhere that there is room. Spot famous pirates like Captain Hook and take a bunch of pictures because you won't find landscaping like this anywhere else in Orange County. Just make sure that you are respectful as this is a private residence and the owner does this for the enjoyment of others.

Get your pirate on here

The Mosaic Tile House - Los Angeles

VENICE BEACH IS KNOWN FOR its boardwalk filled with colorful, eccentric people. The houses, buildings, and structures that dot this area also reflect this “rainbow coalition” of people. From simple beach bungalows to ultramodern homes, Venice is truly a unique place to live. But none of these places quite capture the effervescent essence of Venice like the Mosaic Tile House.

Though it’s not well known to the public, the moment you enter this large-scale artwork-in-progress structure, it’s like walking inside a coral reef. Most of the tiles are in the red, yellow, and orange spectrum, but bold colors radiate throughout the space. Almost every square inch of the home (including the outside) is covered in mosaic tiles.

Find out more here

Fern Grotto Beach at Wilder Ranch

Fern Grotto Beach is definitely worth the hike from the Wilder Ranch State Park visitor center. The grotto is a shallow cave at the back of the beach with ferns draping down over the entrance. There is a nice sandy beach in a deep rocky cove to enjoy here as well. The mouth of the cove isn’t large but there is quite a bit of sand here surrounded by sandstone walls on all sides. Getting here is half the fun though. Along the way are many great vistas over other beaches, bird and seal covered rocks, and a bucolic setting.

Getting there is a click away