Nah, just keeping the bp down after a stressful day. That's the highest point in the Sta Monica's. Was surprised to find quite a few teens on the trail for a Friday evening.

 

That tarantula's name is Quentin right?

Jim

 

My first one seen outside the deserts. Must be a California breed.


California Tarantulas Are Looking For Love

 

Yeah, pretty common in our deserts, but usually only seen during mating season. I kept one as a pet, a couple of different times. They are very docile. Handled them a lot and never got bit. You know, scaring girls and other sissies. What could be more fun than that?

A little googling reveals that they are common all along the CA coast, not just the desert. News to me. I'm thinking they may be out earlier in the milder climate along the coast, compared to the desert.

 

I would be on that list of sissies. LOL

Jim

 

On the road again. Back to South America.

 

Where it's Springtime!

Have a good trip, Sean!

Pop

 

Okay, what direction will I be traveling over the bridge?
How much does it cost to go the opposite direction?

 

You're headed east, and they don't charge a toll anymore.

 

Yes indeed. No foolin old Bill.
Expected to see someone indicate "south" when really south is just about headed for Avalon.
The tollbooths were on the east side for west traveling traffic and changed, after a decision was made to not charge each way, just 50 cents going westbound. The tolls were eliminated In 2000 and was the first, welded suspension bridge, in the nation.
Of course it made the bridge famous in the original movie, "Gone in 60 Seconds."

 

You didn't want to go south to Avalon?

Jim

 

That's what the cruise ships under the bridge are for.
Last time I had our boat near the bridge, I got a speeding ticket for creating a wake. My neighbor who came with me, assured me it was a no wake zone. Never believe a longtime local, especially when they then don't want to pay for the fine after caught.
Because the port is an international port, my violation was files as a " port tariff" violation and as a misdemeanor.
After three days in court, the DA reduced it to a " disturbing the peace" violation and cost me 75 bucks instead of 650 bucks.
You learn to not want to fight city hall unless you have the time and resources.

 

I know that feeling. I had an incident on a city bus where my powered wheelchair was damaged. I filed a claim against the city. I waited and waited, an started calling once a week to find out the status of the claim. After 3 months of this, I get a letter from them telling me the claim was denied due to "operation of law". And they said I could take them to court if I disagreed with the decision. I called and asked what "operation of Law" meant, and was told I had 45 days to do something in response to the claim, and I didn't do it. Nobody told me what was needed, so I never knew. She then said I could take them to small claims court if I disagreed. I told her I was not going to go through the hassle for such a low amount of money. The claim was only for $302.

Jim

 

Hehe, I know the bridge fairly well, and I love to torment my wife when we are down in that area. She is very afraid of high bridges, which is a phobia I just can't ignore. She's only actually been over it a couple of times with me, because there are times when it is the only logical way to get from here to there.


I loved the old pontoon bridge when I was a kid. As well as the draw bridge as a young driver. Guess I never knew its name. Things sure have changed down there. Everywhere I guess.
The Bridges of Terminal Island | Where We Are | SoCal Focus | KCET

 

Yes, some pretty interesting bridges. Nice article about the pontoon bridge.
The Helm bridge is currently going through some construction changes, being replaced. It's really not a draw bridge, but it's considered a vertical lift bridge.
Lots of traffic to deal with right now, if headed that way.

Here's an article about the changes.

http://www.acta.org/projects/projects_planning_SR47.asp