Beach hike to dinner at Paradise Cove Cafe- the temporary return of the Titular!

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It's that time again- time to stroll the beautiful beach to Paradise Cove for brunch, lunch, or whatever meal they're serving when we get there. This time the tides dictate we have dinner, so we beat the heat twice with an evening romp at the beach.

Why do we enjoy this hike so much? Could be the spectacular, sheer cliffs. Could be the white sand beach dappled with interesting rocks. Could be the dolphin pods frolicking 20 feet from the shore. Could be the sea lions sunning themselves on the rocks and barking at us. Could be the rock climbers. Could be the film history made there. Could be we'll see some whales... Could be a lot of things- come see what it is for you.

This is an easier hike- 5.2 miles, much of it along the beach, with 150 feet of elevation.Bring family and friends if you'd like.

We'll start at the Pirate Cove beach, hike up and over Point Dume into Dume Cove, then make our way along the beach to Paradise Cove. Once we get to Paradise Cove, we'll sup at the Paradise Cove Cafe, where we can literally dine on the beach. This is a day to enjoy the beach and each other, and we'll take our time in doing both. Due to the late start time, the leisurely pace, and dinner plans, bring a flashlight or headlamp for the return trip, just in case.

*Note: Paradise Cove Cafe is not cheap. Check the menu on their site (link below) for pricing, and remember to carry enough cash or plastic to cover yourself. Portions are generous enough to share, so that's an option if you bring (or make) a friend.

Paradise Cove Cafe (http://www.paradisecovemalibu.com/beachcafe/index09.html)

A few film history notes. For the dudes- Tony Stark's mansion in Iron Man was located on Point Dume where we'll be walking. The mansion was computer generated, so no worries about trespassing. For the ladies- the beach house in Beaches is along our way. Teary-eyed women can trespass at will. * Pirates Cove was the location of the famous Statue of Liberty scene from the end of the original Planet of the Apes movie.

• The Weekday Trailblazers, their subsidiaries, and all Titular Heads, real or imagined, in no way endorse nor may be held liable for trespassing or tear-jerking. Trespassing and intimate knowledge of the film Beaches are serious crimes. Punishment includes, but is not limited to, heavy fines, jail time, and excessive ridicule from fellow Blazers, especially Titular Heads.

Directions:

From Santa Monica, follow Pacific Coast Highway 18-miles west to Westward Beach Road. Turn left, toward the ocean, go beyond the fee collection station to the very end of the road.

From the 101, exit at Kanan Road, follow it south 12-miles to Pacific Coast Highway, then turn right. Westward Beach Road is over the rise, at the foot of the hill, just before the turn for Zuma Beach. This is NOT Zuma Beach. This is NOT Free Zuma.

Parking in the designated lot is $10.There is free parking on the street before the lot, but will require a longer walk to our meeting spot. Meet at the far end of the parking lot, below the cliff.

Note the later start time, to coincide with low tide.