Text from my original event post: “Built in 1921 as an advertisement for the Hollywoodland real estate development, the towering letters of the HOLLYWOOD sign have beckoned millions to Los Angeles. From starry eyed Midwestern actors with their dreams packed in suitcases to the background to Hollywood based movies, the Hollywood sign has captured the hearts of millions and inspired more stranger than fiction tales than a jaded casting agent’s office can hold.”

I was so excited to do this hike as the first hike with The Great Outdoors Photography Group. Not only does the Hollyridge trail offer stunning views of the Los Angeles Basin and the Greater San Fernando Valley (plus parts of Pasadena in the far east), but it also offers the most up close and personal view of the Hollywood sign.
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To join, please visit: http://www.meetup.com/outdoorphotos/calendar/11393434/

Built in 1921 as an advertisement for the Hollywoodland real estate development, the towering letters of the HOLLYWOOD sign have beckoned millions to Los Angeles. From starry eyed Midwestern actors with their dreams packed in suitcases to the background to Hollywood based movies, the Hollywood sign has captured the hearts of millions and inspired more stranger than fiction tales than a jaded casting agent’s office can hold.

But, did you know that you can hike to the top of Mt. Lee and view Hollywood and the surrounding landscape amidst the sign? Come join fellow photographers and experience the expansive landscape of Los Angles and the San Fernando Valley, culminating at the top of Mt. Lee at the Hollywood Sign.

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I love to travel.

Period.

There are no exceptions to this rule. There is nothing that makes me happier than the feeling of being on an airplane or being at the helm of my car with my maps and the puppy. It just makes sense.

So, when we decided that the most logical and completely reasonable thing to do after I came back from a three day trip from Cabo San Lucas was to go up North and escape Los Angeles, it seemed perfect.

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Saturday afternoon, while recovering from the Silver Lake photo walk, I sat like a zombie in front of my computer. While discussing the evening’s options, the following IM message popped up on the screen:

“Lets go to Vegas!”

Normally, I would jump at the chance to wander around a Vegas casino. I enjoy staring at the eyes of people bitten by the gambling bug, watching people play craps and guessing which patrons are actually women of evening trying to find a client. It’s voyeurism at it’s finest (along with some great shows). However, as I had the “Potluck and a Beach Sunset Over Malibu at El Matador State Beach” event the next day at 6pm and it was hot as hell in Vegas, clearly this would not be the best option.

So, when he suggested going to Joshua Tree and wrote the magical words “It’s only two hours away”, my camera and I were ready for the trip.

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This gallery is from one of my first participated events with The Los Angeles Hiking and Photography meetup.

Even though I’m a Southern California native, I actually got lost trying to find Glendora! After two stops to ask for directions, getting lost due to bad directions, having to call an out of state friend with an  Internet connection for correct directions and then getting lost again – I finally found Glendora and the Wilderness Park.

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There is something delightfully visually decadent about spring time in Los Angeles. With spring time in the air, one can shake off the coldness of the winter season and embrace the warm glow of the sun with open arms. In my case, it’s doing of my absolute favorite things: visiting Descanso Garden in La Cañada Flintridge.

From the beautiful, bright and bold tulips to the still blooming camellias, there is always a nook and cranny in the garden to discover. A few weeks before spring, (and after a hike along the Switzer Falls trail in Angeles Crest) I visited Descanso Gardens for the first time in a little over a year. When I arrived, I was in awe of the slight but noticeable changes in landscape and decor that had occurred during my unvisited time. The resulting images I took were beautiful. But, I knew that in order to capture the true beauty of the spring, I needed to return to the Garden during the full power of spring.

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