Beach Day

 Now, it is true that I had been warned about the weird people at Venice Beach along the boardwalk.  I took the warning lightly because I had been encountering weird people all throughout LA.  Oh my goodness... weird is right. 

The beach itself was pretty- had a more surfers than swimmers.  I took a quick dip and then tried to avoid the seagulls creeping closer to my bag of Pringles by drying off a bit and walking over to the boardwalk where many people were out displaying their artwork and crafts. 

Across from the tents and stands was the line of shops with souvenirs, clothing, tattoo parlors, and medical marijuana clinics.

Random people would just fly passed as you walk: a guy screaming into a video recorder, someone roller blading while playing the electric guitar, people singing to you and handing out CDs, street performers, and just characters that were either dressed like hippies, needed a shower, or would just scream or sing out random phrases.  I didn't know whether to be amused or concerned at some points!

Also, there is an area where people with a permit can paint on the walls and on the bases of palm trees.  A very colorful area to say the least!

Next stop: Santa Monica.  Now this was more like it.  A very nicely set up area leading up to the pier and a gorgeous view as you walk out towards the end of it.  And the beach has a backdrop of mountains. 

 Still had some amusing characters, but a little more mild.  Street performers- who weren't playing instruments while speeding down the walk- and vendors lined the pier.  People dressed up as Disney characters were out to take pictures with kids too.  A nice atmosphere, similar to Navy Pier but not nearly as big (the views make up for that though!).

This beach is a little more lively, in a couple ways.  Not only did it have more families and more attractions, but I would say that every third shell that I picked up had something still living in it... totally not used to that.  I wandered underneath the pier too- now that is a different world!  Barnacles, starfish, and crabs clinging onto the pillars while the tide rolls in and out.  Seagulls were picking at them for lunch; no wonder these birds were huge and fat!  Definitely a cool place to explore, as simple as it is.



This seagull has entire starfish stuffed in his mouth!