Mon.-Wed., May 24-26, 2021
The biggest accomplishment of the last three days is that I have somehow continued my long distance walking program that started under the guidance of physical fitness guru Mark Johnson at his ashram in Maui.
After walking solely through the neighborhood near our home in Camarillo the past week, I opted to drive up to Ventura for a stroll through their Old Town district, along the seashore and onto their 149 year old pier.
Along the route I would see lots of interesting things.
It all started after parking at . . .
Ventura's funky
Cemetery Memorial Park
The top of the park offers a nice view of the Pacific Ocean and the Channel Islands in the distance.
Even though it is indeed a public park, more than 3,000 of Ventura's original settlers from the late 19th-century and early 20th-century are still permanent residents with an eternally excellent view.
More on this park at the end of today's walk.
This old church is for sale
A few years ago, it served as a B&B.
A park that is also a cemetery, a church that was a B&B . . . Ventura is an interesting beach community INDEED!
This pink building is part of
the church property
The church's side entry doors
have a lot of character
I wonder what the asking price might be?
Ventura's Elk's Lodge
was having a remodeling
In response to the pandemic, Ventura
turned its Old Town Main Street into
a pedestrian only thoroughfare
Apparently, the merchants and city liked it so much that it may remain as pedestrian only once Covid-19 is finally behind us.
There are lots of murals in Ventura
This is my favorite one.
The Limón y Sal Restaurant
is housed in one of Ventura's
great old buildings
Old by California standards but it would be considered in the brand spanking new caliber by most Europeans.
Interesting scenery
The Bank of Italy would morph
into the Bank of America one day
I needed some fuel, a cup of coffee sounded perfect.
WHAT THE . . .
I ordered my cup of Joe and then looked to my left.
DAMN!
The young lady behind the counter informed me that they were Maple Bacon Almond Croissants. She insisted that they were non-sugar, low carb and low calorie pastries made on the premises.
I may or may not have eaten one but I'm not sure, it was a long time ago.
I coached in Catania in 2008 and 2009.
Palermo was our Sicilian rival city
in everything from sports to cannoli
On a side street, it caught my eye
as I had never noticed it before
I know someone who love Suns
These columns were of interest
He would look AWESOME
in our backyard
Whirlpool fountain
IT'S FOR SALE!
Mission San Buenaventura
Ventura's venerable Italian deli
I love these colorful bowls
that were for sale next to the deli
Large public fountains are pleasing
One big, old tree across
from the deli and the mission
Another public fountain on what
was once called "China Alley"
The mural behind the "China Alley"
fountain includes this little fellow
If you like pizza, then this
is the spot for you in Ventura!
I was getting closer to the beach and Ventura's famed Surfer's Point.
And, NO, I did not get a slice of pizza because I remembered that My Body is a TEMPLE!
Ventura has a rich sports history
One of the greatest athletes in USA
history was reduced to racing a
quarter horse in Ventura in the 1950s
Disappointing.
A map of old Ventura
Finally, I arrived at the seashore . . .
Modest Driftwood and Rock Art . . .
. . . can also be created
on a grander scale
A lone surfer contemplating
his entry into the water
SURF'S UP!
Where beach artists shop for materials
Some rocks are too
big and rugged for sand art
I opted to walk out to the end
of the Ventura Pier
The end of the pier was quiet
Looking back at Ventura
from the end of the pier
I started working my way back to my car.
I made it to Cemetery Memorial Park
without too much trouble
See, I wasn't kidding about the more than 3,000 souls still interred in the park.
This gravestone in the Park
was of interest so I Googled him
James Sumner was born in London, England in 1840.
On October 20, 1869, he was serving as a Private in the U.S. Army's First Cavalry as part of Company G.
On that fateful day, Sumner's Cavalry unit was charged with rescuing a settler's child who had been kidnapped by the famous Chief Cochise and a band of his Apaches.
Apparently, Cochise kidnapped the child solely to draw the Cavalry into a box canyon for the purpose of an ambush.
When the Cavalry arrived, the firefight broke out and Private Sumner led a charge of his fellow troopers that at first held off their attackers and then drove them off into the hills.
There was no mention of the fate of the settler's child after the skirmish.
For his heroics, Private James Sumner received our country's highest military honor, the Congressional Medal of Honor, on February 20, 1970.
At some point, our hero migrated to Ventura until he passed away.
The 10,000+ steps goal was
met once again
Thanks to Laurie's strict diet plan for me, combined with walking over four miles per day, I have lost 3.4 kilos = 7.5 lbs. since returning from Maui seven days ago!
Good to be sure but I have a long way to go to get back to my pre-Covid-19 fighting weight.
Reading Is FUNdamental!
A fun, easy read
The combination of the colorful cover and witty title made me want to buy it on a recent trip to Barnes and Noble.
Stephanie Cole is the pen name of one Shelley Costa who has also written books under her real moniker.
I love some of her other catchy book names which include: "Crime of the Ancient Marinara," "You Cannoli Die Once" and "Basil Instincts."
I remember now, I DID eat that Maple Bacon Almond Croissant, thank goodness that it was made of healthy ingredients!
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