Day 12: Kicking back in California

We travelled halfway across the U.S. in ten days, getting our kicks along the way. Now, in California we’re kicking back and enjoying the easy rhythm of life on the west coast. Here’s a view of the ocean from the patio at the lovely Redondo Beach home where we’re staying. We sat out here and sipped coffee in the morning as we journaled, blogged, and chatted with our hosts.

Yesterday, I drove down to Laguna Beach to meet Judi Gigliotti Schoolcraft for lunch, a friend I hadn’t seen for 42 years. Yes, we had a lot of catching up to do. Here we are after a delightful lunch at The Deck in Laguna Beach.

 It was on another road trip in 1977 when I last saw Judi. Five friends and I had rented a Winnebago and drove from St. Louis to San Diego to see Judi and her then seven-year-old son, Shawn.

 Meanwhile, Cathay and Cheryl walked down to Redondo Beach just minutes away from the our rental where they spent a leisurely afternoon in the sun.

Shane has been escort, photographer, and entertainer for the three of us during our time in LA. He drove us through Hollywood, took our pictures under the “Hollywood” sign, and introduced us to two wonderful restaurants, El Compadre’s and Pikey’s. Last night we ended our evening back at his house where he picked out a couple of tunes on his guitar and sang for us.