LA Day 3 and 4

^Surf's up dudeeee.

“If everybody had an ocean, across the USA, then everybody'd be surfin', like Californi-a,” sang The Beach Boys. And so it went.  I went down to Malibu Surf Shack to rent a suit, booties, and a long board for $45!  I wish I had started earlier in the morning because it seemed like I had missed a better set of waves.  I started out at Zuma Beach but found that the waves just weren’t big enough, so we went Chasing Mavericks, which is a great movie if you haven’t seen it.  We drove a few miles down the road to County Line Beach and found some nice 3-4 foot waves.  The water was a cool 60 degrees but with a wet suit it felt fine.  I think staying hydrated and avoiding the glare of the sun on the water are harder than enduring the cold!  After catching a few waves, we walked across the street to Neptune’s Net and grubbed out on some insanely tasty fish tacos.  You really can’t go wrong at this place.

^This guy was having fun.

I wanted a day of surf and turf so after returning the board, Chasen and I teed off in the afternoon at West Lake Golf Course.

We capped the night off with dinner at BJ’s with Chasen’s buddies, where they serve up a nice selection of cold ones.  The Pizookie desert is a must have.  The Pizookie is a freshly baked cookie with a few scoops of ice cream on top.  Total success.

By now, it was the start of my fourth day in LA, and the original plan was to stay with Chasen for half of the time and my other buddy, Hunter, for half of the time.  So here I am, out on the West Coast trying to work out the move from Chasen's to Hunter's place and sure enough, on the third day, Hunter simply said he couldn't host me.  Sick bro.  I guess the lesson learned for anyone that travels is to always have a backup plan.  Thanks for your patience Chasen!

^And Hunter, why do you have several large turtles as pets in your backyard?

So if you’re in California in the middle of winter, you may be lucky enough to catch a few 70+ degree days.  Fortunately for us, the following day we were golfing all afternoon as the ‘Polar Vortex’ was gripping the East Cost and Midwest.  Hunter did redeem himself a bit when he brought Chasen and I out to Braemar Country Club for a round of golf.  The course was by far the most challenging course I had every played on with narrow fairways and a lot of elevation changes, but the greens were pristine, and the RBZ Stage 2’s were hitting true.

^Quite the fairways at Braemar Country Club.

After the sunset, we went to the watering hole for a few libations and snacks.  Chasen and I had plans to go to Chapman University down in Orange County that night to visit a few friends that had interned in DC over the summer, Amanda and Jessica.  Chasen wasn’t happy about driving from northern LA all the way to the southern part, but after shaking his head at me a few times and me offering to buy the gas, he agreed to the trip.  For some perspective, that trip from northern LA to southern LA can be like riding through the twilight zone. Geographically, it's only a 60-mile trip, but you literally don't know how long it is going to take.  We set out at about 8pm that night and made it from Calabasas to Orange County in less than one hour.  Guiness Book of World Records status.  Arriving at Chapman, we got rowdy at a few Sorority and Fraternity parties, and amazingly, we got up at 7:30am and made it back to Calabasas in another record shattering one hour.

Along the way, I finally was able to see the Hollywood sign! For anyone visiting LA, this is a must see.

The next day, I was flying back to DC so I just enjoyed another gorgeous day in LA with a nice run, and some fresh Californian avocados. #AvocadosOnEverything

^Last dinner with Chasen's family at Woori Kalbi Korean BBQ.  Incredible.

^And in the spirit of Hunter's turtles, I saw these little guys while on a run near Chasen's house.  I think they've pioneered a new yoga pose.  #TheFlyingTurtlePose