Dwight showed a friend and me around the University of Minnesota teaching and research greenhouse where he volunteers. This gorgeous space has four rooms, each with a different climate, including this desert room. The rainforest room smelled and felt wonderful on this frigid day.
Category: USA
Arctic Journey
After three days sheltering from the Arctic blast, screwed up the will to walk one block to our local bar for Reubens and beer.
Everybody’s Going Somewhere
Between 10 lanes of traffic at the intersection of the Metro A and C lines, Willowbrook/Rosa Parks Station, on our way to LAX.
Makes You Think
Unintended triptych, left to right: Dwight at the Getty Center today (pack in front as required by museum guards); sculpture depicting 17th century femininity; “Joey at the Love Ball,” drag, 1991. A few provocative juxtapositions of contemporary and pre-1900 European art are scattered throughout the galleries.
All about the Journey
Rode three forms of transit today: ferry to Long Beach while dolphins leaped; LRT to downtown Los Angeles while hucksters walked the aisle pushing weed and knockoff tasers; nonstop elevator to the lobby of our hotel on the 70th floor of the tallest building on the West Coast.
Getting Chores Done
After a day hiking the hills, we carefully synchronized refreshments with the wash and dry cycles in a nearby laundromat. It was now time to fold.
Crossing Catalina Island
Hiked up, up, up, then across Catalina Island on ridges. Looked down at clouds and the Pacific. Retraced our steps to Avalon for a 3:00 p.m. ice cream lunch, two scoops each.
End of Today’s Hike
Almost back in Avalon after hiking for a few hours in the hills. Easy gradients, ridge views, bison hoof prints. As the photo shows, this is low season, with many vacant mooring buoys: it’s a good time of the year to explore the island.
Catalina Textures
Hiked up from Avalon until we could see the other side of the island. Walked a ridge trail then retraced our steps. Beer, chips, salsa and fresh guacamole at Luau Larry’s.
Avalon
Staying in Avalon on Santa Catalina Island, 30 miles from Long Beach by ferry. Avalon is the southernmost town in Los Angeles County, and a mythical island in the legend of King Arthur.