So Venice Beach, probably my favourite stop so far. I think I can summarise the reason for this as follows; no one would think twice about a 30+ year old man scooting around the show on a skateboard in Bermuda shorts. In fact it's normal! Definitely my kind of place. Indeed, I was ridiculously excited by all the free equipment next to the beach, Basketball/Handball/Tennis courts, skatepark, grown-up jungle gym, footie goals on the beach (with nets!). All combined with the amazing views, loved it!

We had arrived at our excellent hostel and I had a date with a huge bag of Cheetos. (There is nothing more depraved and irresponsible than a man in the midst of a Cheeto's binge. Unfortunately that man was me.) Having finished them off, after begrudgingly sharing them with Mellissa, and eating hostel made rice and vegetables, plus stuff from the free condiments cupboard, we eventually decided to head out and see what was about. Had a great time drinking cheap sangria at a bar round the corner (to the sounds of acoustic versions of Smashing Pumpkins, Alice in Chains and Nirvana which I was loving), pints at a red-neck establishment, disgustingly strong Jagermeister cocktails at a rooftop bar and the largest Margarita I've ever laid eyes on at a chilled out place playing terrible, terrible music. (Seriously, just as Black Eyed Peas are mercifully cast back down to the hell-dimension from whence they came 'LMFAO' are summoned forth to continue the destruction of everything that is good and true). These last few places were all on Washington Boulevard which was a bit of a walk from the hostel but we didn't care, just pleased to be where we were.

I was up first the next morning to go and have a quick scout around to see what was what. The beach front was just round the corner. Such an atmospheric, relaxing place to be when largely deserted. We decided that we wouldn't aim for too much today, just hire bikes and then go up and down (but mostly up) the beachfront. Eventually decided to hire a skateboard for me and some skates for Mellissa for an hour then revert back to bikes. I used to skate a little but I was pretty unsteady at first, I forced myself to have a little go on the skate park though and had great fun just scooting around the place. Unfortunately Mellissa, wary of her weak wrist, decided not to venture out on her skates (would have been classic!) and swapped them for a lo-rider bicycle with no breaks. After watching the skaters at the park for a while we got our bikes and headed south. Didn't get very far before the track ran out so headed back North towards Santa Monica. Had a great time just cruising along, stopping every so often for pics or to have a go on the plentiful free equipment (including a Gladiators style 'hang tough' line of suspended rings). Stopped at a cafe for some lunch where Mellissa once again demonstrated her ability to fall asleep in any given situation (see photos). Eventually had to call it a day and head back to return the bikes. Spotted some kind of gathering on the beach so had to investigate, there was drumming and dancing and we watched the sunset. Beautiful!