As we travel our way around America, Canada, New Zealand and Australia we will update this page with our travel experiences and observations.
LA & Redondo Beach
We are using the Best Western for most of our Motels. From past experience we have found them exceptionally clean, well appointed yet simple and very cost effective. At the end of the day its just somewhere to spend a night or two. LA is no exception, we stayed in the South Bay Galleria Hotel as it is not to far from LAX, Compton and is close to the mall where we could get US mobiles etc etc.
We also took bus route 130 from a stop just outside the hotel and headed to Redondo & Hermosa beaches which are located 2 to 3 miles away. The walk along the Strand from Hermosa Pier towards Redondo Harbour is relaxing, if not a little busy. The walk is very popular, especially on a Sunday, and it appears to be the place to catch up with friends as you skate, cycle or jog along. A detour watched the sea lions in the bay at Portfino is worth while and if one is feeling a bit adventurous a peddle boat can be hired.
While walking in the next street up from the strand you get a chance to see some California classic cars. In the short time we were there we saw a bright yellow Model T hot rod, through to 1940's woody estates, Ford Galaxies, Mustangs, VW Beetles and 60's and 70's American classics, including a Mercury (Ford in the UK) Capri. It is obvious that some of the cars are in daily use with sun faded paint and the odd battle scars.
There are a number of Cafes on this street and we happened across Mickey's deli, which boasted to be in existence since the 50's. It's easy to see why, the quality of the was great and I recommend the Hermosa Chicken sandwich.
Doobie Doo Starts His Journey
The Land Rover has started his journey in a 40ft container. It will be shipped from Felixstowe in the UK to Los Angeles via the Panama Canal. The trip will take approximately 4 weeks. This Karen saying her final farewell before Doobie goes on his sole trip.
U.S., as with most countries, are cautious about dirt and mud on the vehicle. As the Land Rover is a year old, the underside is totally clean, but to be on the safe side we treated it to a Felixstowe Posh Car Wash which included vacuuming the interior. Hopefully we will not fall foul of any customs officials, as it was showroom clean inside, outside and underneath.
The vehicle is particularly high due to the roof tent. To ship it without removing the roof tent we opted to go with a hi-cube container. Even with the hi-cube there was only an inch of clearance at the door way. The fall back is to let some air out of the tyres, this would drop the height by another inch or so.
This is Doobie in the container. The angle of the photo suggests there is little clearance. In reality there is probably a good four inches. It does mean that the Land Rover is going to have to be secured tightly to remove any vertical movement.
There's something lurking in the container and its name is Doobie Doo!!!!!!
We also took bus route 130 from a stop just outside the hotel and headed to Redondo & Hermosa beaches which are located 2 to 3 miles away. The walk along the Strand from Hermosa Pier towards Redondo Harbour is relaxing, if not a little busy. The walk is very popular, especially on a Sunday, and it appears to be the place to catch up with friends as you skate, cycle or jog along. A detour watched the sea lions in the bay at Portfino is worth while and if one is feeling a bit adventurous a peddle boat can be hired.
While walking in the next street up from the strand you get a chance to see some California classic cars. In the short time we were there we saw a bright yellow Model T hot rod, through to 1940's woody estates, Ford Galaxies, Mustangs, VW Beetles and 60's and 70's American classics, including a Mercury (Ford in the UK) Capri. It is obvious that some of the cars are in daily use with sun faded paint and the odd battle scars. 
The Land Rover has started his journey in a 40ft container. It will be shipped from Felixstowe in the UK to Los Angeles via the Panama Canal. The trip will take approximately 4 weeks. This Karen saying her final farewell before Doobie goes on his sole trip.
U.S., as with most countries, are cautious about dirt and mud on the vehicle. As the Land Rover is a year old, the underside is totally clean, but to be on the safe side we treated it to a Felixstowe Posh Car Wash which included vacuuming the interior. Hopefully we will not fall foul of any customs officials, as it was showroom clean inside, outside and underneath.
The vehicle is particularly high due to the roof tent. To ship it without removing the roof tent we opted to go with a hi-cube container. Even with the hi-cube there was only an inch of clearance at the door way. The fall back is to let some air out of the tyres, this would drop the height by another inch or so.
This is Doobie in the container. The angle of the photo suggests there is little clearance. In reality there is probably a good four inches. It does mean that the Land Rover is going to have to be secured tightly to remove any vertical movement.
There's something lurking in the container and its name is Doobie Doo!!!!!!