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 »