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.
Continue Reading »
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.
Continue Reading »
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.
Continue Reading »
"I do mind, the Dude minds. This will not stand, ya know, this aggression will not stand, man.!""
The Big Lebowski" (c) 1998 Polygram Filmed Entertainment
Sometimes, it’s best to look at certain conflicts in life as an opportunity to grow as a human being and as an event organizer. In my case, it was a rather interesting email from a hike participant and reading the comments regarding the heat during last weekend’s Malibu Creek State Park hike.
The member and I exchanged emails, resulting in me understanding that new members and current members, unfamiliar with the logistics and how I run things, might experience a rather sharp different between their projected expectations of group participation and what would be offered and expected of individual participation.
As a result and to eliminate future situations that may occur from misdirected intentions, I wrote the following email -defining the difference between personal responsibility, event organizer responsibility and individual involvement. Judging from the positive emails and feedback I received from group members, I hit the problem on the nail and sunk it flush with the board.
Continue Reading »
Malibu Creek State Park is one of those hidden spots in the Santa Monica Mountain range that has something for everyone, depending on the season. Even in the summer heat of July, I found plenty to see. Rabbits, lizards, hidden streams and, of course, the M*A*S*H filming site were all available for the discerning eye.
However, my two days at Malibu Creek were yet another experience of how one day in Southern California can vary greatly from the next.
Continue Reading »
Fryman Canyon in the Santa Monica Mountains in the San Fernando Valley and Towsley Canyon in Santa Clarita Valley are two great spots for the local nature photographer.
I first visited Towsley Canyon in early spring of this year. The 6 mile hike with the puppy was a bit challenging. But, the recent rains and interesting landscapes made it all worthwhile. I did it again in March with the Hiking and Photography group. The results illustrate that beauty can be found throughout all apsects of nature – if you just look with a good photographer’s eye.
Fryman Canyon, accessed through Wilcare Park off of Laurel Canyon Blvd is another fun gem. Year round, hikers and photographers that want a great view of the San Fernando Valley descend onto the path.
Continue Reading »
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.
Continue Reading »
Ah! It’s fitting that my first official blog entry be about this delightful little secret in the Santa Monica Mountains.
I first discovered Charmlee Wilderness Park from flipping through the pages of the book Southern California: A Day Hiker’s Guide by John McKinney. I was intrigued that there was another area of the Santa Monica Mountain range, waiting for me to explore.
Plus, as dogs are allowed, it was a golden opportunity that I couldn’t pass up.
My first trip was in May. Armed with the Wonder Puppy, Cheyenne Big Sur, I meandered around the trails, steered her away from lizards, photographed the ocean, birds and trees, and marveled at the jewel above Pacific Coast Highway. Continue Reading »
