The Harley Davidson Touring Blog

March 19
Downing a quick celebratory Corona beer, we went back to the bikes in shorts and T shirts. Now, we were going to use the Harley's for their second best capability after touring - cruising!
We'd been given the name of another Fish restaurant which we were told was cheap and cheerful...basically, it was part of a small chain called Tin Fish. Located next to the busy rail interchange (or sidings in the UK) there was plenty of whistle blowing going on and lots of heavy locomotive movements which were interesting rather than intrusive. Having eaten so well for lunch, we decided that some appetizers of Shrimp and Calamari would do the job. Washed down with a glass each of Californian Chardonnay the price of $22 for two was most acceptable. By now it was about 9pm but we felt we should have a quick look round before calling it a night. H had been told about a memorial to Bob Hope which was located quite close so we rode down Harbor Drive to the G Street Mole and what a sight was there. As we parked in the lot, we were overshadowed by an enormous aircraft carrier, the USS Midway. This is now a museum which would certainly be worth a visit. Walking down the mole, we came to a clearing and there, with the ship in the background was a lifesize bronze casting of Bob with an audience of thirteen or so other lifesize castings of Marines, soldiers, airmen and Nurses. Every two or three minutes, a tape would start with an excerpt from the show. I can't do it justice here but I found the setting and exhibit quite emotional and I wasn't in any of the wars! An old guy standing next to me shook his head said "A true American hero, born and bred". I said "Yes, he was". I just didn't think it was the right moment to mention that Bob was born in Eltham, London.
A fine end to a long day and as we strolled back to the bikes, we thought about how the sacrifices of so many young men sixty years ago allowed H and me to enjoy our evening in this lovely city 8000 miles from where the majority of them gave their lives. I guess that's one memorial that did exactly what it said on the box.