Sunday was a bit of a low-key day. We explored Horton Plaza – an open-air, multi-story mall full of name brand stores (Foot Locker, Coach, Macy’s). No shopping, only browsing… From the top level, we spotted a skating rink on one block – multiple refrigeration units cooled real ice; surprised they haven’t discovered the synthetic ice – no refrigeration units – great cost savings….
By mid-afternoon, every bar along 5th Avenue was packed with people for the Chargers game, so we joined the crowds. Happy hour deals + happy people = fun times J. The game was interrupted just after half time when everyone left the bar to head out to the street when the Annual Dog Christmas Parade began…
Thousands of dogs dressed in Christmas garb paraded through the streets with their owners proudly in tow.
Monday morning, we walked the waterfront (about 3.5 km), then turned around and headed back to the Hornblower kiosk to book our full moon dinner cruise for the 17th . Then we boarded the USS Midway, where we spent the next three hours wandering about and learning its history.
The USS Midway is the longest-serving US Navy aircraft carrier (from 1945, just after WWII to 1992, participating in Vietnam and the Middle East).With space for a crew of 4 500 during active times, the museum offers an up close look at life on the floating city with a tour on all levels to areas such as the infirmary, sleeping quarters, mess hall, war room, engine room, the ship’s jail, and so much more.
The 4 acre flight deck on the top houses multiple planes that were part of the USS Midway through the years. We talked to a former pilot who was housed on the Midway for 26 years. He spoke about catapulting off the flight deck – from 0 to 5 Gs reaching speeds of 170 MPH approx in 2.5 seconds (he was so animated as he expressed the rush he felt…).
The catapult is a bit of an engineering wonder, it is powered by two 18” diameter pistons that are powered by a large steam accumulator under the deck. The sled that pulls the jet weighs approx 5000 lbs. After it reaches its top speed of 170 MPH, it must come to a stop in the last 5 feet of travel via a special water cushioned end stop. The pilot said that the shock of the catapult stopping could be felt through the whole ship.
Next to the USS Midway is the Fish Market restaurant, a place my parents said we must visit. I swallowed my fears and went outside my comfort zone…. Todd and I started with crab cakes (and some Sauvignon Blanc). I will admit – not something I would ever order, but edible; Todd, who is the seafood lover in our duo thought they were very tasty.
Next we decided on the Black Cod (Mesquite grilled) with sides of coleslaw and potatoes au gratin. Coleslaw was delicious, potatoes au gratin were delicious, Black Cod – thank God for tartar sauce J (did I mention the Sauvignon Blanc?)…. Next time Fish and Chips…. Todd’s opinion – flavours were good, portions were small…
This evening – relaxing, checking out Happy Hour reception at the hotel, relaxing….