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Today we left Indio to go to Los Angeles. After a sparse breakfast we started, and nobody had anything against a stopover for a delicious snack.

We didn’t take the freeway as suggested by the navigation system but took the highway crossing all the cities adjacent to Indio, among others Palm Springs. There really one city merged with each other. Short before reaching the freeway entry a huge wind park started – it had really gigantic proportions and went on for some while along the freeway. Amazing!

Some miles later we left the freeway – time for a snack. We headed for a Subway, and all the subs where tasty. And our youngest one got a useful gift to her meal. After that we wanted to have a coffee, next to the Subway was a Starbucks. And the coffee was indeed great! The waitress was really nice and funny, she did some video recording for us – so we had fun whilst drinking our coffee.

Many miles before L.A. it was very hazy and smelled like smoke – the impact of the wildfires in California. Luckily they were completely confined in the meantime, so we had not to expect any obstacles because of this. About an hour later we reached downtown L.A. It’s simply gigantic what area this town covers. Downtown was also hazy, but this time because of smog. Half an hour later we arrived at our motel, the Ramada Limited near the airport of L.A. The rooms were ready, so we could be positively surprised immediately. Really awesome rooms, big and clean, great!

After taking some rest we set out for the Pacific. After about 20 minutes Santa Monica beach lay ahead of us. We spent a wonderful hour with wind and sea air, put the feet into the water and had a lot of fun in doing so. And some of us needed to take some oil from the beach again…

Then we went back to the motel, our stomachs started to rumble, so we freshen up and went out for dinner. We found Norma’s Restaurant which looked pleasant right at first sight. And the meals were absolutely delicious. The service was nice too, simply everything was alright here. We were sure that we would come back again.

On the way back we couldn’t pass the liquor store and took some beer and wine with us. So there got nothing in the way of a comfortable evening anymore.

Crossing Palm Springs
Crossing Palm Springs

The way from Indio towards L.A. led us thru Palm Springs

Wind park
Wind park

At roadside a huge wind park

Los Angeles
Los Angeles

L.A. - we're coming! Even if there's much smog

Santa Monica
Santa Monica

To the beach of Santa Monica

Santa Monica
Santa Monica

Wishful looks at the Pacific

Santa Monica
Santa Monica

In the background the Pacific Park at Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica
Santa Monica

And - how the water is feeling?

Santa Monica
Santa Monica

Wow, it's simply beautiful here!