Universal Studios

Once upon a time Donna and I visited Universal Studios in Hollywood California. It was 20 years ago and during our honeymoon trip. At that time there were no other movie studio "theme parks" and Universal was somewhat unique. It didn't have all the rides and stuff you'll find in Universal nowadays. The main portion of the visit back then was through the backlot of the studios.

When the boys and I arrived at the park, it was quickly apparent that it had been updated to match much of Universal Studios Florida. The backlot tour was still there though. Even with the damage done by the fire a few weeks ago, most of the backlot was available to us. A few more sets had been added, but it still looked like what I remembered. One of the coolest new additions was the plane crash site from the War of the Worlds set that Stephen Spielberg did a few years ago. They left the set up and put a road through it for the tours.




After the backlot tour, the boys tried to drown me by taking me on the Jurasic Park ride. If anyone thinks they can ride this ride without getting wet, they are sadly mistaken. You will get wet. *chuckle*



After our fun at Universal we cut through downtown Hollywood and headed up the Pacific Coast Highway. Of course we had to drive by Hollywood Blvd and take a ride down Sunset Blvd before heading out. Here is a picture of the Chinese Theater on Hollywood.



It may surprise you but there are campgrounds on the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu California. This is where we ended up pitching our tent for the evening before heading on up to San Francisco. It was full moon so we spent an hour or so on the beach that night playing in the surf and watching the waves come in. The temperature dropped down to the 70's once we got across the mountains into L.A., so it was very pleasant out on the beach at night.

It was a tough way to spend the night, but we somehow suffered through it *grin*.

Oh well, gotta go.

Until next time!