We didn't travel far in miles today, only about 100. It took a while to get out of L.A. of course. L.A. is a crazy, crowded place. After we got out of L.A., Eldon got a break and Cindy started driving again! Malibu is the essence of what I think of as California; houses hanging on the hill tops and surfers in the ocean. In Oxnard, we saw several hundred migrants picking strawberries. We stopped and bought some strawberries that were picked an hour earlier. The farmer told us Leonardo DiCaprio buys his produce there - wonder if that's true??? Anyway, the strawberries were yummy. We are now in Santa Barbara. After stopping at yet another Motel 6 (this one actually has different decor than the others), we went down town to Sterns Pier. It felt good to stretch our legs walking along the pier. I am now on a fish taco kick - like regular tacos, they never taste the same twice.

Comments from Eldon: Today I got passed by Ferrari's and a Lamborghini. It just doesn't seem right to have to drive a Vibe (clown car). Then, I got to squeeze the same melons that Leonardo DiCaprio does. And then I saw a man on the wharf with crabs - what a country.

Comments from Larry: Pelicans are absurd. They have a beak that doesn't quit. and they beg like dogs. How revolting.

We battled the L.A. traffic & made it in time for the first race at 1:00. Santa Anita is the most attractive race track we have ever seen. Both the buildings and the scenery - the San Gabriel Mountains are in the background. Eldon thoroughly enjoyed his day and won $26 (I lost $10).

Larry stayed at the Motel 6 across the road. Later we battled the traffic again and went to Hollywood & Vine to see the Walk of Fame. That is where the hollywood stars are on the sidewalks. Also, we got to see the big "HOLLYWOOD" sign in the hills, but the pictures did not turn out because it was dusk. We are going to head for the Pacific Coast Highway tomorrow. Too many maniac drivers in L.A. for us small town folk. It was interesting though!

Comments from Larry: I spent the day at the Motel 6 by the pool with a cold milk - very relaxing.

Comments from Eldon: Santa Anita was as good or better than I imagined. The traffic getting there really sucked though. With 12 lanes and an El train dividing them, it's hard to concentrate on just your lane. When I was going 75 in a 65 just to keep with the traffic, a Maserati passes me like I'm standing still. God I love California.

We felt like real Californians today. Our first stop in San Diego was the down town harbor. We then went to Mission Beach. Then on to LaJolla to Seal Cove, where we saw about 50 sun-bathing seals. We also stopped at Del Mar horse track - even though it's closed, Eldon wanted to see it. There is lots and lots of traffic here, but beautiful scenery. Tonight we are staying in Carlsbad; it is between San Diego and Los Angeles. Tomorrow we get to take on Los Angeles. We plan to go to the horse races at Santa Anita Park at 1:00. Santa Anita was Sea Biscuit's home track - Eldon is excited. If that goes well, we may also tackle Hollywood. Wish us small-town folk good luck in L.A.! Keep us in your prayers..........the traffic is intimidating.

Comments from Eldon: I never realized California was also a police state. We went through 3 impromptu security check points with dogs and all on the I-8 today; probably because we are driving a Pontiac Vibe - a vehicle of smugglers choice (not). I saw the decommisioned WWII Navy ship, USS Midway in San Diego.

Comments from Larry: Today I got to see seals - quite lazy individuals. Like a cat, they like a good nap.

We're back on the road again. We spent the weekend with my nephew, Mike, his wife, Marisa, & their kids and spent a lot of time with my sister, Joy. (Thank you Mike & Marisa for your hospitality). We had a great time with every one. It was nice to see Phoenix too - a huge city by my standards. After leaving Mike's we headed to Organ Pipe Cactus National Park. The trip took longer than we anticipated, but I thought it was worth it. It is in the middle of nowhere and only a few miles from Mexico. In fact, we got stopped by a border patrol checkpoint that was temporarily set up on the highway looking for smugglers. The guard asked if we were US citizens & looked in the car & told us to have a good day. I think after he looked at all the junk in our car; he realized we had no room for smuggling! They did open the trunk of the car ahead of us. Anyway, the park was like driving in a cacti forest. This park is the only place in the US that has the organ pipe cactus. Some of the cactus were in bloom too - I thought it was lovely. We are spending the night in Yuma. We decided we needed one more night in Arizona - California is only a couple miles away.

Comments from Larry: I saw a border patrol dog today - he looked like he got up on the wrong side of the bed.....not very polite.

Comments from Eldon: I saw a border patrol man today - he looked like he got up on the wrong side of the bed.....not very polite.

We arrived in Phoenix yesterday. Weather & family are great. We are staying at Mike & Marisa's until Monday then heading to California. It's nice to stay in one place for a few days. And I can do laundry while we're here! My sister, Joy, is on the right, playing the piano where she lives. In the other, Eldon is with Sara (7) and Daniel (4). Sara & Daniel are lots are fun & we are taking advantage of our time here. Also, the food is good....... will try to send more pictures tomorrow.

Comments from Eldon: I finally found people I can relate to at my maturity level.

Comments from Larry: Did you say kids??????????!!!!! Aaahhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nice short drive to Sedona today through the Oak Creek Canyon - gorgeous scenery again. I think we are on scenery overload! Sedona is as beautiful as everyone told us it would be. The town is surrounded by red rock. A lot of western movies have been filmed here. There are hiking trails all over, even in town. Tomorrow, Phoenix.

Comments from Eldon & Larry: None, we're happy but tired tonight.