Post #524063 by Psycho Tiki D on Thu, Apr 15, 2010 8:03 AM

Well, things have changed a lot in the past 15 years and thank god for GPS!

Drove down to Rosemead on Thursday and spent the evening at Bahooka's. 1961surf stopped in and helped us close the place down. Bahooka is an amazing place and it was virtually empty when we arrived, so I took the opportunity to wander around and attempted to absorb everything there. Dinner and drinks were good, though I was a little disappointed they didn't have any mugs. This was remedied by Bill, who brought me one, along with a TV 75th anniversary t-shirt the next night at the Hula Girls show.

Up early on Friday-first stop was Oceanic Arts; another gem and the hospitality of Bob and Leroy was amazing. We ended up chatting with them both individually and spent more time talking to them than looking around. We were taken into a back room (looked more like a historic vault) and were given some new and vintage Oceanic Arts swizzles and some other stuff. Made a couple of purchases as well.

Next stop was the Crystal Cathedral (had to do this for the wifey) and took the tour of the entire grounds. Not really my thing, but it was interesting and different and I was struck by the story and history revolving around the place.

Off to LAX to pick up another friend that decided to join us. Over to HB to check into the Shore Break and whisked over to DBC. Early lunch and we were the only ones there! Ate and drank and toured.

Chilled for a few hours before the show at the Galaxy. Great sets by all the bands, Hula Girls and Los Straitjackets stood out as the best. Long day and night and met up with 1961surf there too. Good times!

Saturday was a down day. Went to Long Beach and I was surprised to see Port's O' Call a ghost town. Toured the Scorpion sub and headed over to the Puka Bar. Puka was nice, but in a crappy part of LBC. Again, the only ones there. Headed back to the hotel and ate dinner on the strand.

Sunday rounded out visits to the Rose Bowl Flea market with a few finds, nothing of major note, a stop to the Rincon Room (another "must see") with Ron and Mickee as the most gracious of hosts. My mind was in melt down walking around their beautiful home, yard and bar...the best home display I have seen to date.

Off then to Pismo for birthday dinner and a stay at the Kon Tiki. Great way to end the trip!

Had the bestest of Birthdays...and a special thanks to my wife and two friends who indulged me at every turn...you all made it the most excellent trip.

PTD