Old Los Angeles Zoo, Griffith Park

Gasp! We all grew up in Southern California, visited Griffith Park dozens of times and we never heard of the “Old” Zoo.  A nice article on the zoo is here.

This one was almost in our back yard, so I will skip the maps.

Uh, we ended up eating next to the zombie wars. When asked what game they were playing, we were informed that “it’s not a game—it’s a way of life!” The “Free Humanity” graffiti (photo) struck me as funny under the circumstances.

		Old Los Angeles Zoo VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Photos from Eric H, Anthony C, Heather A, and Cory C. Thanks everyone!

Penny Drive, Fallbrook, CA

Traditionally a Penny Walk goes something like this: Go for a walk with a penny/coin and you flip it to decide which direction to go in, like heads for left, tails for right, and whatever it lands on you walk that way.

We went for a Penny Drive

Date: Sunday, February 18, 2012

Starting Point: Los Angeles, California

Destination: Fallbrook, CA via Riverside, CA

Total Miles: 246 miles (one way)

Routes taken: 101, 60, 57, 91, Old Hwy 13

Attendees: Heather and friends

Santa Paula, CA

Date: Sunday, March 25, 2012

Starting Point: Riverside County, California

Destination: “Haunted” Glen Tavern Inn, Santa Paula, California (Where??? We had never been their either)

Total Miles: 246 miles (round trip)

Attendees: DarDar and Heather and friends

Where is the road?? The storm blew in after we hit the road. We spent a night in the haunted Glen Tavern Inn.

The Hotel reminded us a bit of Faulty Towers…..

Santa Paula VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Jane Austen Evening 2012

Pasadena is less than one tank away….

 

The Event VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

The Society to Manners and Merriment hosts the Jane Austen Evening every January. After a five year absence, we tried it again.

 

The Gowns VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

After two months of sewing, we were finally able to wear our gowns. My Grecian Goddess and Dar’s Recycled wedding dress were both reimagined dresses. Mom and Hellen’s were new.

 

The Location VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Pasadena Masonic Hall. Parking inadequate, but the building was pretty.

 

The Hair VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Thanks to Torrin Page (here in YouTube) for the tips on Regency Hair styles. I think we did ok.               I suddenly want to grow my hair long again.

 

Thanks for looking!

New Orleans

While “Naw-leens” is considerably outside of our One Tank radius, we applied One Tank Rules once we arrived.

Quickly, here are a few highlights…(Please note that I have a filter on my camera to protect the lens. I did not have time to edit the cut off corners out. Be warned: this is me with no makeup. What we are willing to forsake for science...C’est la vie. )

Best Tour Guide VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Best Tour Guide :Jasmine of Laura Plantation

We wish we could have combine the views of the Oak Alley with Jasmine’s personality. The two together made the perfect tour.

Best Location With Beauty and History VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Best Location With Beauty and History: Oak Alley Plantation

The Mint Juleps were not bad either.

Best Beignet VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Best Beignets: Café Beignet (Sorry, Café Du Monde)

We tried and tried them again and again just to be certain.

Best Dinner Entertainment VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Best Dinner and Show Deal: Steamboat Natchez

 

Best EVP Session VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Best EVP Session: St Louis Cemetery #1

Of course I dragged the EVP kit all the way to Naw-leens. I choose to give up taking makeup and a few other things in order to fit the EVP experiment in the bag. You should have seen the look on the airport screeners when they tried to figure out what a Faraday cage was on the screen. We completed several sessions. We received the best results, including disembodied voices at St Louis Cemetery #1. We also played messenger for several friends and family who wished to make a request of New Orleans Voodoo Queen,  Marie Laveau. I understand that at least one of these requests was granted! I did NOT graffiti my name on the tomb.

Best Fried Chicken and Groupon VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Best Fried Chicken and Groupon: Fiorella's Cafe

Best Views VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Best Views: Swamp Tour with Cajun Tours

The bus drives and tour guides were fantastic. They work hard, please  tip them well.  We did not rate the company  the best tour company because of the negative contacts with their customer service staff.

Exploring the City VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Best Bourbon Milk Punch, period:

Bourbon House

Naw’Leens or bust

We are heading to New Orleans.

While not strictly within the One Tank guidelines (way more than one tank of gas to get there!), we shall apply one tank rules there.

P.S. I have lovely pictures of  San Diego and our post Halloween dinner. I will get to post those soon…

Now, if I can just get everything in one carry on….