Two Days at "The Bu" Part 2

Malibu......just the name gets you thinking of  surf, sand and sunshine.

 The name Malibu comes from the Chumash Indian Village name Humaliwu, meaning "where the surf sounds loudly". An independent coastal city, Malibu extends for 27 miles up the coast to the Ventura County line.
During my time here in Southern California I have been through Malibu many times but never took the time to really stop and look around. We stayed at the Malibu Country Inn (say Hello to Ivy), a delightful little place located a short distance from Zuma Beach, one of the most famous beaches in SoCal. A quick walk to the beach just in time for sunset and then dinner. 
Since this was my first dining experience in Malibu I thought I must try Duke's, a local favorite right along the Pacific. Ask for Christine, she's been there since it opened, is very good and alot of fun. Duke's was great and the Seafood Risotto and the Ribs were incredible,if you have the chance to dine here....do it.
The adventure begins the next morning with a walk to Point Dume, a great climbing spot and well known filming location.

You climb through and over rocks covered in muscles to the secluded beach and there in front of you is a sight that you've wanted to see your whole life..........The cliff from the ending of "Planet of the Apes"!!! Not that remake piece of crap, I'm talking about the 1968 original!!!!! This was magical for me, I know how this must sound but I really like this film. The wall has white chalk like streaks from bird droppings.......alot of of bird droppings!! After an obligatory homage to the film, we headed back to the car and what do we spot but a set of steps leading to a trail above the cliffs. While we were up there the sun came through adding to the beauty of the views.

We had lunch at another local favorite called Coogies, a great place that offers an intense juice bar as well as local organic items on the menu. 
Then it was on to the next set of stairs.





Walk # 41 in "Secret Stairs"

Pacific Palisades-- Castellammare
This is the most beautiful walk so far but not very challenging, only 518 steps, it does offer some great homes and incredible views of the Pacific as you stroll through a maze of streets and steps.

Start at Gladstone's on the beach and walk down to the bridge crossing the Pacific Coast Highway. The large Spanish structure on your left was, in the 1930's, actress Thelma Todd's Sidewalk Cafe. 
Another one of the amazing sights is, "Villa de Leon". A 12,000 square foot Italian Mansion built for wool magnate Leon Kauffman. The Villa took 5 years to build and was designed by Kenneth MacDonald Jr.

This home  has 9 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms a car wash in the garage and is currently on the market, listed for $14,995,000.00

The real highlight was "Castillo del Mar" the home of  Thelma Todd. "Hot Toddy" was found in her car in December of 1935, the  cause of death was eventually ruled "Accidental". Read about it here: "The Death of Thelma Todd"
Check out All the photos from Part 2, Here.