November 11, 2019, Venice, CA-

As I set out to walk alongside the canals of this down-to-earth beach community, I noted that its namesake, in Italy, is at serious risk of sinking into its swampland underpinnings.  California’s Venice has its own concerns:  Earthquakes and a large homeless population being two very different such points of focus.   This is a part of Los Angeles where it is not unusual for people to set up impromptu “shops” along South Venice Boulevard, across from the north entrance to the Canal Walking Path.  There are many who sleep where they can, around the village.

The canals themselves are lined by eclectic houses, which seem to have many students and artists, in residence.  The quirkiness of the district is as much of a draw as the serenity that radiates from an early morning, canalside.

I chose to walk mainly along Grand Canal, which is the western boundary of the District.  My route took in the bridges of Carroll, Linnie, Howland and Sherman Canals, at their juncture with Dell Street.

Here is a long view of Grand Canal.

I turned left at Carroll Canal, looking to cross the bridge in the foreground.

From the Dell Street Bridge, here is a view towards the Eastern Canal.

A couple of Little Egrets were on hand.  Here is one, grooming herself, along the Grand Canal.

There is plenty of kitsch here, as well, including a Pink Flamingo paddle boat.

Linnie Canal is the next feeder to Grand Canal, going north to south.

As is seen in a previous paragraph, Halloween has a lingering presence, in the Canal District.

Howland Canal came next, on my southward jaunt.

These peace-infusing homes are at the junction of Grand Canal and Howland.

This Gingko Tree nearly overwhelms the towpath.

An upside-down dinghy strikes a pensive mood.

Various messages appear, along Grand Canal, between Howland and Sherman.

 

Canalside gardens also tend to be polychromatic.

Here is a view of Grand Canal, as it bends towards Sherman.

As I crossed Sherman Canal Bridge, and was walking northward again, I caught this Little Egret on its way to “safer” perches.

This mural, outside the Canal District, depicts some whimsical creatures out of Dr. Seuss’s lesser known tales.

With a peaceful counterpoint to the noise and energy of Venice Beach, I felt ready to take a look at Santa Monica’s vibrant Third Street Promenade.