It's July 2nd 2015 And Jon Is Visiting For The 4th Of July Weekend
What is that red, yellow and purple boat? It's The AquaLink water taxi from Long Beach Transit. The 68-foot catamaran comfortably ferries passengers to the most popular attractions in Long Beach Harbor and on down to Alamitos Bay Landing. Fare is just $5 and wheelchair boarding is available at Dock 4 near the Aquarium of the Pacific, at the Queen Mary, and at Belmont Pier.
Links 4 popular places around Long Beach Harbor: The Queen Mary, Aquarium of the Pacific, Belmont Pier and Alamitos Bay Landing
The AquaLink shuttles between the Aquarium and Alamitos Bay Landing at the Long Beach-Seal Beach border, with stops at the Belmont Pier and the Queen Mary. A round trip takes 2-2½ hours; for a faster trip, catch the AquaLink Express that skips the midrun stops and takes about an hour and 40 minutes for a round trip.
The AquaLink vessels have indoor seating available – though most everyone stays outside – and a snack bar with chips, sodas, beer and wine. The fare is $5 in each direction.
The water taxis are operated for Long Beach Transit by Catalina Express; you might recognize some of the crew members from your last trip to Catalina. And the taxis are a sign of summer: They run from Memorial Day weekend through the end of September (you'll also see them during the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach in April).
Let's Get The Adventure Underway!
Greg makes the last minute coordinations before taking to the sea
He looks so innocent
Not ours... It's the local marine research ship
The dredge departs the harbor
"Ten dollars on the nose..."
Nick looks so serious
Greg, on the other hand....
We departed at 12:05... Right on schedule
A short walk from Malarkey's to the ship
Bob gets a tow from Nick
"Greg keeps yelling "Da boat... Da boat"
Greg, David, and Robin on their way
Bob does the famous "We is here dance"
Grandson Jon escorts Grandma Sue to the ship
The cat is ready for us!
David's first time on the water taxi
Looks like a selfie in progress!
Bob will provide technical assistance
Adult supervision in process
Robin and Jon... Two delightful people!
Always a smile
"Just push this button!"
Jon's arms are so long they get a wide angle shot!
Love this picture
David checks the time
Calm, cool, and collected and then....
It happened!
Boys will be boys!
We are leaving... Passing by the Yacht Club
What is he up to?
P-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-t
P-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-t
P-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-t
"They got it right!!"
"I know I can get one here!"
The adult sippy cup
"It works! I have not spilled anything yet!"
"Now I shall dance and not spill a drop!"
The barge is resting!
Did You Know? - A barge is a flat-bottomed boat, built mainly for river and canal transport of heavy goods. Some barges are not self-propelled and need to be towed or pushed by towboats. Canal barges, towed by draft animals on an adjacent towpath, contended with the railway in the early industrial revolution, but were outcompeted in the carriage of high-value items due to the higher speed, falling costs, and route flexibility of rail.
Zooming right along!
We stayed inside where it was warm and not so breezy!
Jon tells the story of his new car...
We are getting close...
We love our family!!!
Minutes from food.... This is good!
Lunch Time Anyone??
John Sangmeister is the owner and a friend of ours through Zachary
We had a great time... We are stuffed!!
Never knew that shrimp enchaladas could be so good!
Did You Know? - An enchilada is a corn tortilla rolled around a filling and covered with a chili pepper sauce. Enchiladas can be filled with a variety of ingredients, including meat, cheese, beans, potatoes, vegetables, seafood or combinations.
Enchiladas originated in Mexico, where the practice of rolling tortillas around other food dates back at least to Maya times. The people living in the lake region of the Valley of Mexico traditionally ate corn tortillas folded or rolled around small fish. Writing at the time of the Spanish conquistadors, Bernal Díaz del Castillo documented a feast enjoyed by Europeans hosted by Hernán Cortés in Coyoacán, which included foods served in corn tortillas.
Heading For Home
Tummies were full... Little naps were occurring randomly
The breakwater holds its ground
Lot's of giggling going on here
Khoury's is being refurbished!
Heading for the car
Up up and away!
Bye Mr. Taxi... See you again soon!
Do We Have To Get Off?
We have Mitch & Luisa, Zack, Becca, and Lilly awaiting out arrival
Greg will drop off David and then come to Old Ranch!
Robin must head home to pack for her upcoming vacation!
Dining At Old Ranch
"Daddy, I do not want to sit down"
"OK, I will after all"
Daddy gets a nreak!
Serious look
Mommy and Lilly ... Two beautiful ladies!
"Can I sneak this by Lilly before she sees it?"
This is fun to watch
All smiles
"I am so loved!"
"Daddy does the heavy lifting"
Great Grabdpa gets the raspberries
Now We Are Off To The Phoenix Club
Lee and Jon enjoying the music
Le remembers this music... Jon is beginning to appreciate it!
Connor is being Connor
Happy Boy
Great music to dance or listen to!
