Accepting that you're no longer immortal is a tough one, I've accepted it too. I'm guess I'm past the phase of old enough to know better but too young to care... I still find it fascinating just how few people are out in the morning there, but California is overcrowded so there are always people everywhere!
You got some great shots in there that morning, I think the first two are my favorites of the bunch. I love the just how dark the first exposure was compared to the morning blue. Gorgeous!
It's nice that you found a fellow early riser to keep you company that early!