Santa Monica Alive

Santa Monica Pier from the Bluffs

I am traveling again. 

Last evening I had dinner in Santa Monica, one of those places that I have seen so much about in the movies.

It exists and is every bit as diverse as I had been led to believe.

Entrance to Santa Monica Pier

I walked the bluffs above the Pacific Coast Highway and then down onto the iconic Santa Monica pier all while watching the sun set behind the mountains. 

It was a stunning sight as the mountains were silhouetted against the setting sun and I was not the only person with a camera trying to get the perfect shot of the activities. I was amazed at how wide the beach appeared. It was huge. Completely different from the narrow Florida beaches that I love. 

Looking out at the Mountains
 with the Pacific Coast Highway in View

The pier and the walking promenade in Santa Monica city center were alive with throngs of people--even on a Monday night. It was an exciting sight. 

Looking at Santa Monica from the Pier

The setting sun cast a hue across the area that reminded me of the Sundown Celebration in Key West. 

It was definitely a celebration. 

I enjoyed the constant reminders of life and excitement. 

All in all it was an exceptionally long travel day, but it ended is a way that I could not have imagined.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Los Angeles, CA