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LOS ANGELES

In short order it becomes apparent (easily noticed) that Los Angeles is a place like no other. Over the years, this city of dreams has accumulated (gained) a population of almost three and a half million people. With so many people here, it raised the question in my mind as to what is so attractive about living in L.A.? Noting the snow capped San Gabriel Mountains located at the "back door" of this huge coastal metropolis (city) hints at the fact that Los Angeles' simple geography (land features) is enough to attract a crowd.

Imagine living in a sunny, comfortable, Mediterranean (warm) climate year round with the convenient (close by) choice of hiking in the mountains or spending the day at the beach. With only 14 inches of rain each year compared to Maryland's 39 inches, Los Angeles extends a standing invitation to enjoy the great outdoors on a daily basis. The only downside is that all this sunshine means that L.A. must draw an immense amount of water from rivers miles away. Sadly this diversion (new direction) of water sucks dry rivers and wetlands to meet the needs of such a large population.

BEACHES

To have a magnificent stretch of beaches within short walk or drive offers the enjoyment of the seashore as part of the California lifestyle. Unlike Maryland where we need to plan for a weekend away at the beach, Californians wander down after work to rollerblade, catch a few waves on their surfboard, or take a spin on their bike. You can't help but envy these folks for being able to spend a little time at the beach any time they're in the mood. California boasts some spectacular beaches. In addition to scenes you may have seen from the famed Bay Watch TV show, Venice Beach and San Monica Beach are undoubtedly two favorite spots to see and be seen!

The crew made a point not to miss the action at Venice Beach. For instance, deckhand turned muscleman, Mike Lawnsby, showed his stuff on the rings. It was definitely a happenin' place!

Pride II is no new comer to the Hollywood scene. In 1997 while in Mystic Seaport, Connecticut, Steven Speilberg enlisted (used) her services as a set for his movie Amistad.

While in Los Angeles, Pride of Baltimore II had a chance to spend some time with her former film co-star, the tall ship Californian. Although Steven Speilberg had used Pride II for the dockside shots in Amistad, the sailing scenes were filmed on the Californian. As good fortune would have it, Pride II was docked along side the Californian during this visit to L.A. Both crews enjoyed the chance to visit each other's ship and spend some time socializing. All the glory of Amistad aside, Pride II graces the hometown of Hollywood this time with a past performance all her own. Far from the magic of Hollywood make-believe, Pride II has proven her strength of spirit by making a round trip to Asia across the world's largest ocean. This time the ship deserves to shine proudly for her accomplishments.

While in town, it was also a pleasure for Pride II to rub shoulders with the film industry one more time. The Maryland Film Commission hosted a reception for 200 guests to celebrate the ship's visit. In the true Maryland spirit, they invited their guests for a crab feast at a nearby restaurant. Many film executives and screen writers attended the feast which was served in the traditional paper table cloth fashion. Although attacking their dinner with a mallet was a bit new for some of the west coast crowd, a good time was had by all. It was great fun for Pride II to offer a festive moment for folks whose creative imaginations drive the films we all enjoy so much.

For those of us who still relish (like) a close encounter with the excitement of Hollywood, a visit to Paramount, NBC, or Warner Brothers should do the trick. Without much difficulty, you can visit the set of many TV shows or films shooting in L.A. or sit in the studio audience of Friends, or Jeopardy. At Universal Studios, the tour takes you into the imaginary world of ET, King Kong, Earthquake, Back to the Future, and Jurassic Park. A friend of mine, John Villarino, was the set coordinator for Steven Speilberg's Lost World.

He explained to me that the scene where the trailer goes off the cliff was filmed from a parking structure behind the studio, and that those terrifying raptors were actors in costume. While it is great fun to unravel the magic of Hollywood, some of you movie buffs may prefer to go home with the thrills of the big screen undissected (without the details of filming), leaving the fun to our "uneducated" imaginations!

Continue with the second part of the October 4, 1998 log.

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