Thanks to Cathy Strauss for planning a perfect long walk for our June training and most of all for locating it at the beach. On a day when inland regions reached the high 90s, an sweet ocean breeze kept us cool through most of our 17 mile route. Sorry you couldn’t have made the walk with us Cathy. But we are grateful for your great planning skills.

The walk really was nice, the majority along the Strand from Manhattan Beach to Redondo and back. At the Redondo Beach pier, after meandering our way by shops (where Terri scored a cute California racer back shirt) and fish markets with tanks packed with shellfish, we came upon a woman with an incredible mission. Sara Krish, founder of The Fly Buddha, was hosting a two-hour yoga and awareness event on the quad area of the Redondo Beach pier. Sara, who is a cancer survivor, started a foundation to assist women with gynecological cancer in the preservation of their fertility through egg freezing. Her effort is inspirational and we wanted to share her passion. Here is her website for those who want to learn more or donate to her cause: www.theflybuddha.com.

Seventeen miles actually went by faster than we realized because there was so much to see along the way. People watching along the strand, window shopping, catching glimpses of the natural beauty surrounding us, stopping to pet a pup and even having the living daylights scared out of us by a snake-bearing skateboarder careening down the sidewalk. Leanne spied a tiny fairy garden hidden in a planter bed along the walkway. A greenbelt through the eclectic neighbors just east of the coastline provided an alternative route for the way back landing us right at the foot of the restaurant where cool drinks and sustenance awaited .

Cathy also chose a great spot for lunch at the Tin Roof restaurant in the Manhattan Village Mall. There were some great menu selections and much needed refreshing drinks. Lynne, who had to get home early, was replaced at lunch by Karen, who traveled from Pasadena for the Mrs. Robinson’s cocktails (will maybe that wasn’t the only reason) to join us for lunch.

This was our final LONG training walk before our San Francisco 39. We have one more walk scheduled in July, but it will be a short one in Fullerton culminating with a relaxing afternoon to go over last minute plans at Lisa’s home. Almost there….once again.

The focus of the Pink Bragade’s May walk was all about the green. From our start along the greens of the Arroyo Seco Golf Course and meandering through the green tree-lined river walk to a tour of homes designed by the famous architectural brother team of Green & Green. And as a final top off of green – a fresh leaf of basil in a cocktail at lunch….green was the color of the day.

This was our second trip along the Arroyo Seco river walk, however, we changed things up a bit by leaving the trail and heading up to stroll through the beautiful homes that look over the ravine. This route added so much to the journey as we walked by some of the most exquisite landscaping and architecture – each home unique in its design and beauty.  The streets were tree lined with specimens that had made this area their home certainly for decades. Luckily we had our two knowledgeable garden and arbor enthusiasts, Lisa and Lynne with us to help figure out some of the varieties of trees and plants.

To add miles to the day – much to Wendy’s surprise (she thought this was going to be a seven mile day as the first introduction back to the walking schedule after injuring her ankle) – we took a three mile loop around the Rose Bowl. Although it was a bit on the crowded side, it was fun to see so many people getting out and enjoying this stunningly clear and blue spring day.

On the way back, we passed by the famous Gamble House, designed by those two creative Green brothers.  We popped in the bookstore to buy a map of other Green & Green homes so Leanne and Carol didn’t have to continue to read the information on their phone screens.  The path took us along the way we had come, but there still was so much to see.  And the return journey went pretty quickly.  The photo of the day came from this phase of the day.  I have to put it here in full format – Leanne snapped this with her iPhone. 🙂

Frozen in time — LOVE this picture.

For our lunch, a mandatory component of each and every walk, Leanne chose Cafe Santorini in downtown Pasadena. It turned out to be the perfect spot – something for everyone’s palette with a Mediterranean twist. We were really happy to have Linda join us. So glad she made the trip to Pasadena!! The drinks were excellent and I think we had the best waiter of all our luncheon spots to date.

Chalk up 11.5 miles and another awesome Pink Bragade adventure on the countdown to San Francisco.

THE STARTING LINE – FULLERTON, CA – THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016

Ten women, five canoes, 4,000 pounds of food and supplies with just 15 minutes to embark at the base of the Hoover Dam. Thus began the first Canoe Bragade Adventure!

Under the direction of our skilled and learned leaders, Lisa and Lori, who had travelled this journey before accompanied by 20+ teenaged boys, you would think this would be an easy and smooth operation. But reality showed that working with a group, many who had never paddled a canoe before a half day’s training session back in March, offered a few challenges. But, as always, this amazing collection of personalities pulled it off!

Lori – Menu Mama and Bartender Extraordinaire

Lisa – List maker and fearless leader.

Surrounded by the steep walls of Black Canyon, the scenery was spectacular. The crystal clear water captured the sun’s ray in turn illuminating the river several feet below the surface. Billowing white clouds splattered their way across brilliantly blue skies. It was a feast for our eyes. In retrospect, however, the true beauty of this journey down the Colorado was the bond and trust that developed as we worked together through hurdles and challenges presented to us as a group and individually.

We had a number of hurdles to surpass collectively: piling our “stuff” and ten women into three cars, loading our canoes in five minutes time while being barked at by a disgruntled equipment provider, finding tent spots that wouldn’t float way, teaching each other good steering techniques, camping areas that just weren’t there, making our water (and beer) last, cooking without our microwaves and bagging our poop!! But there were also individual challenges, some voiced, others not: sleeping on rocks with no pad, following strict diet requirements while adjusting to a group menu, suppressing irrational night fears of flash foods and fighting back a fear of heights as a friend holds out a hand to grab you atop a ladder 20 feet above solid ground. Trust, laughter, compromise and knowing that in all cases, there was you and nine women who had your back – that was the beauty of our adventure and is what will form the memories of the Pink Canoe Bragade’s first adventure of what we hope will be many more to come.

THE FINISH LINE – WILLOW BEACH, NV – MAY 2, 2016

A Panorama View of Paradise

With July quickly approaching, our training walks get a little longer. Saturday’s trek clocked in at just over 12 miles. A good percentage of the route was gradual hills – a prerequisite for San Francisco. We began early, meeting at the Cassell’s lot on Balboa Island. Though there is no house right now, there was a dock for us to gather. We first made our way through the main thoroughfare on Balboa Island which was already teaming with people enjoying their morning strolls, shopping or coffee.  The beginning of a beautiful day in Southern California.  Our walk then took us along Bayshore Drive to Corona Del Mar, turning left on Marguerite Avenue to begin our ascent north.  Carol surprised her friends, Bill and Jill Stellman, with an unexpected early morning knock as the team passed by their home on Marguerite Avenue, forgetting that it was still pretty early on a Saturday.

Next was a left onto San Juaquin Hills Road which we traversed uphill with fabulous views all around until we reached Newport Coast Drive where the Pavillions provided a required “rest and rejuventation” stop. On our way back down to PCH, Terri offered a guided tour of Pelican Hill Estates, where she serves as property manager, but time didn’t allow. Once back on California’s most famous highway, we enjoyed the final leg of our walk through the shopping district of Corona Del Mar and back to the Island. Paula, who had to halt her walk with the group due to a painful leg issue, remained on the Balboa Island and added about 6 miles to her day as she kept busy strolling around, probably stopping in a few shops along the way.

Once back at Carole’s we boarded her duffy for a short tour, complete with a repast of sandwiches, homemade salads (thanks Lori and Carole) and some other goodies. Oh, and of course, there was champagne!  Despite the wind, Carole managed to get us around the bay and back to the dock without a scratch or a downed paddle boarder!

Good Job Captain Carole Thank you for an awesome day.

At the end of April, ten Pinkies will trade in our tennis shoes for water shoes. We’ll be canoeing down the Colorado River, starting at Hoover Dam and paddling about 15 miles over three days. Lisa and Lori, who have led the river trip for BSA Troop 1201 many times in the past, will be our teachers and mentors. On Saturday, we had our first peek into what we have gotten ourselves into when we took to the waters of Huntington Harbor during our mandatory Canoe Prep. Here’s to Carolyn who braved pulling the trailer topped with six canoes and luckily got through the day without having to back them up.

After a detailed and very firm lesson from Lisa about how to get in and out of, pack and maneuver our canoes, we all donned our life jackets, picked up our paddles and tested our newly acquired canoeing skills with a short 1.5 mile paddle in very calm waters. We were joined by Cliff, Tom and Alec, all veterans of Troop 1201’s canoe trip who came along to help with the prep. Thank you guys. Wendy, watched from her beach chair, resting her ankle which we hope will heal in time for her to join us.

Thanks to everyone for a great picnic afterwards, especially Lisa for the homemade fried chicken. And Laurie, that famous family recipe for lemonade cake was an overwhelming hit. Here are a few pictures of the day to enjoy.  (Thanks Wendy for the photos.)

When Terri’s email came out regarding our March walk, she said that it was a hill workout…and she wasn’t kidding. Our gluts got an awesome workout, as did our hearts on our travels up and down the paths of Peter’s Canyon. We got off to a bit of a rocky start, when we arrived to literally no parking places. Carolyn called it a day when the only space was most likely illegally parked and she wasn’t ready to test the kindness of the parking patrol. Lisa by mere chance had someone pull out of a spot just as she was waving us goodbye after a frustrating few rounds of looking for a space. So once the walk began, what were a few hills…if we could find a parking space, the rest was easy.

It was an absolutely beautiful day, a bit on the warm side, but clear blue skies and the terrain was sprinkled with wild flowers and a treat for the eyes throughout the 7 miles. Terri kept our spirits up with her words…”I’m sure this is the last hill..” 🙂

The highest point of the walk…great view.

On our way back, we turned the corner to see yet another exceptionally steep hill – but Terri took our course to the right along a flatter path.

Really? Just kidding, Terri took us on the low road on our return trip.

Our lunch at Zov’s turned into breakfast for most of us. The food was delicious and the perfect place to relax after the walk. And, the Bloody Mary fans on the team found a good one.

Thanks Terri for planning another great day for the Pink Bragade.

Questo è luogo di lagrime! Badate! …translated..  “Beware: this is a place of tears.
Giacomo Puccini said this about his opera Tosca, but it is also fitting for his musical masterpiece, Madame Butterfly. A night at the opera at the Music Center in LA was the Pink Bragade Culture Club’s latest venture into a new genre of enjoyment. Pink Bragade members and their guests filled 22 center seats in the upper loge of the Dorothy Chandlier Pavilion for opening night of Madame Butterfly. Most of the group had never been to an opera before and of those who had, only a few had seen Madame Butterfly, so this was unexplored territory.

The evening began for the majority of the group at the wonderful Cafe Pinot (arranged by Paula – thanks!). Due to a clever reservation strategy, we had our entire party seated simultaneously. The setting, just outside the doors of the historic Los Angeles County Library building, was perfect on a warm winter evening..the twinkle lights in the trees and white cloths on the tables in the outdoor patio added to the atmosphere.

Once at the Music Center, the excitement set in. Of course, we couldn’t resist a picture in front of the LA Opera Step and Repeat — we had all dressed for the occasion after all. Here we met up with the other part of our group from the Valley and found our seats to be lost in the music of the first half. At intermission, Lisa found a woman in a beautiful vintage Japanese housedress of teal silk which was a family heirloom brought from Japan just after the war. Turns out, the wearer of this beautiful gown was Laurie’s friend Nadine. She and Johnny had two of our 22 tickets.

The group sales department at the LA OPERA were happy to see us.

Seated back for the finale when that devil Pinkerton’s treachery to Butterfly was to be revealed, there were a few tears shed. Butterfly, sung by Ana Maria Martinez, was spectacular, as were all the performances. Pinkerton, although his stature was not as expected, evidently conveyed the heartlessness of his character as he (as Pinkerton) was booed at the close of the show.

Despite a bit of a wait for the shuttle back to our cars and the fact that the originator of the idea, Laurie Allyn, could not join us for the evening and was certainly missed…it can be said that the night was nearly perfect. That being said….another Culture Club expedition is surely in the Pink Bragade’s future.

Why are all we all smiling?

….Well, there are a few good reasons….one, we always have a good time together, two, we started the journey with mimosa’s in the Emas’ floating Lanakai Lounge and three, is there any better place to spend a warm gorgeous morning than on one of our beautiful So Cal beaches?

The Lanakai Lounge.

Cheers to a beautiful morning!

Our hostest with the mostest. 🙂

We started our nine mile walk at Shoreline Village and wound our way along the coastline, strolling on the walkway through the sand all the way to Belmont Shore, dodging runners from the Long Beach half-marathon who had gotten an earlier start that we did. They probably also did not begin their day with a glass of champagne and orange juice and a slice of cranberry orange bread.

Once on Second Street, we made a few stops (hard to believe) at a few shops, the bank and Starbucks. On the return journey we took the high road and meandered our way through some of Long Beach’s vintage homes which kept us entertained and provided a lot of good walking conversation. Don’t be surprised if we all came home with some new redecorating or landscaping ideas.

Our lunch, well that didn’t go quite as smoothly. We had made reservations at Bo Beau, however, when we arrived, not only did they not have our reservation, but they seated us next to a painting class with 30 students and a microphone to provide an hour or two of instructions. Also, one very stressed waiter to serve us all….so, we left the roof and headed next door to a fabulous meal of Spanish food – small plate style – at Cafe Sevilla on Pine Avenue. Of course, we had to try their signature Sangritas!

We had the chance to exercise off a few calories on the last section of our walk as it was just a short jaunt back to Leanne’s boat. Chalk up another adventure for the Pink Bragade. 🙂

Isn’t this tree amazingly beautiful.

On the walk home…still full of energy.

Not really sure why all our events always begin (or end) with fabulous food, but get a team of foodies together and that’s one of the biggest pluses.  This trip started with a stop at the Crazy Coyote, recommended by more than one of the Pink Bragade. Nothing to say other than we aren’t sure we will ever be able to drive by again.  The food was amazing, especially the homemade tortillas.

Despite a fleeting 15 minutes (or seconds) of fame at the Palm Springs Film Festival, the latest Pink Bragade adventure was the perfect blend of our traditional monthly walk and a culture club outing.

Step and Repeat with
Local Celebs at the Palm Springs Film Festival – the paparazzi goes wild!!

Or maybe not so much…:(

Lisa’s past experience at the Palm Springs International Film Festival called us all to give it a try.  Collectively we saw five films:  My Golden Days, Made in Bangkok, A Decent Man, Chronic and SPY – French, Swiss and Mexican films.  Lisa and her crowd, the Mancini Girls Kelly and Kim, were especially fortunate to have question and answer sessions with two directors and one of the starts. Linda, Paula and Carol also met up with the director of A Decent Man, a very intense and disturbing story of the consequences of decisions.

One of the real stars of the weekend was lodging – a contemporary ranch with a 60s feel which began the moment we walked in to hear a Frank Sinatra tune playing on the Sonos.

The house was at one time owned by Liberace – hence the piano shaped pool.  Very cool – very retro!

The Friday night gang met up with Lisa, Kim and Kelly at another quintessential mid-century Palm Springs icon – Shame on the Moon.  Sammy Davis Jr. or Dean Martin could have walked in at any minute to order one of their famous (and very tasty) Cosmopolitans.  Food was fabulous.

Saturday night’s fare at the Liberace Lounge was equally amazing all at the hands of the Pink Bragade’s wonder cooks. Carolyn served up some mighty cocktails as well.

Have a look at this amazing dinner spread – with dishes contributed by almost everyone.  We really do serve up a mighty feast when we put our minds to it.

And of course, one of the best things about any Pink Bragade event is the camaraderie and when we get down to sharing our favorite music and dance moves!

Oh – right we were also here to walk.  Well, we did that and it was a good hike, finishing up before it got to hot, we clocked in about 9 miles.  The destination was to the top of the peak just above Bob Hope’s famous home (which we think is still for sale – we could pool a cool million or so each and maybe have a shot at buying it.)  The story of the hike is best told by the photos.

Our route — which we surveyed AFTER the hike.

From the bottom looking up to Bob Hope’s House.

Up and up….

Not a great shot..but gives you an idea of the place.

The top…

What a 360 degree view.

After all that, we had to eat (naturally) so we made our way to Sherman’s Deli – a Palm Springs must.  Despite a grumpy host, we were seated without too much wait and only a few jokes about the “blonde” table.

“Only her hairdresser knows for sure. :)”

And a final note to this VERY lengthy post…Heather and Wendy, on their explorations of Palm Springs, found a real gem in photographer Gary Dorothy who runs a shop in downtown. Heather netted three exquisite photos to adorn her walls and the rest of us got to enjoy some time taking in his breathtakingly beautiful work..so varied, so captivating and such a fascinating look at images that we so often take for granted.  If you are ever in Palm Springs…this is definitely worth your time…Gary Dorothy’s Imageville Gallery is at 128 La Plaza, Palm Springs  760.416.9825.

Have a look at the photo on the right…it documents our hike to Bob Hope’s home.

Thanks to Carole Cassell for hosting the team at her Balboa Home for the opening night of the Newport Harbor Light Parade.  Several members were able to sneak away during the busy season to enjoy an evening together.  With wine and appetizers helping to fight the cold, it was a wonderful evening with up front and center seats for the holiday light parade.

Rose parade…eat your heart out.

White Christmas on the seas.