sandstone peak via mishe mokwa
last weekend a couple good friends and i grabbed some backpacks, water, and some really cool hats to hike up to sandstone peak. it's the tallest point of the santa monica mountains in the malibu canyon sitting at 3,111 feet. from the top-and on a clear day-you can see mount baldy, the valley, and catalina all from the same spot. the trail itself starts from a dirt lot about 1 mile east of the circle x ranch on yerba buena road. follow the mishe mokwa trail signs for a 6 mile, 3-4 hour, 1,500 elevation change hike.
although the hike was amazing, the views spectacular, and the company unmatched, our favorite part of the day was eating a late dinner at the natural cafe in westlake village. you'll have to check out my facebook page to see the awesome hats, but here's one view from the top:
morro strand beach
i often reminisce about my time spent around the central california coast. although it was a brief year of my life-that felt even shorter-it was the single most defining year of my life, and you can blame my photography endeavors entirely on morro bay and the surrounding 'wildnerness'. memorial day weekend was spent in the great company of some new and old friends at morro strand beach. it was an action packed two night and three day excursion consisting of relentless wind and rain, a bank robbery, fish and chips, smores, and fireworks (which was perceived to be 'gunfire' by elder campers, who in turn called out a police helicopter to canvas the campground with a searchlight). the proof:
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- morro strand beach with friends
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- dinner
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- morro rock from the north
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- things you can’t find on a southern california beach.
the observatory: for observing things
The Griffith Park Observatory is quickly becoming a favorite place of mine to walk up to, and then back down. Today I brought my camera, these are some of the things that I saw:
runyon canyon hiking trails
having hiked runyon canyon a few times now, i feel like i can write a constructive thing or two about the trail. the two main entrances are: mulholland drive to the north end, and fuller avenue to the south. each time i've gone i've used the fuller avenue entrance. my recommendations for parking are to the west of franklin/fuller on franklin avenue in the marked white box. parking is 2 hours max, no permit required. you should bring your own water, but in case you forget, you can buy drinks and snacks at a stand at the entrance to the trail.
there are paved portions of the trail due to fire road access and residences within the canyon. immediately upon entering there is a grassy area to the west, used frequently for sunning, yoga, and recovery. it's all up hill from here...
almost immediately the trail splits to the left and straight ahead. left will be less huff and puff, mostly paved, and dogs on leash required. straight ahead will take you on a mostly dirt trail, some scenic view points of the entirety of los angeles, a wicked stair section (marked in the red box on the right on the map), and is dogs off leash. either way you go, it will put you right back to where you started. it's really a matter of if you want to be walking down the staircase, or up it! :)
the left red portion on the map above is the less traveled --and the steepest--part of runyon canyon. if crowds aren't your thing, the west trail is much more secluded. getting to it isn't obvious, but keep your eyes peeled for a narrow switch back or two along the left fork. i think you can also get to it by cutting across the grassy field immediately after entering the park.
hazards: snakes, coyotes, other peoples' dogs, poo, and steep terrain.
pasadena doors and walls
just wanted to share some doors and walls i found strolling pasadena this afternoon:
fridgway, colderado.
every year, i try to make it out to colorado. drive, fly, or snowboard your way 900 miles or so, and you've hit the western slope. thanks to my best friend, i was introduced to western colorado. and also thanks to that same best friend, i was introduced to snowboarding in western colorado. if we can find a way to cover the miles, we have two warm beds waiting.
true grit, railroad museum, birding, hiking, beer, and freezing your butt off to the occasional tune of -25ºF. all great reasons to visit ridgway. my adopted second family holes up year-round in pleasant valley, a long walk and sometimes longer drive outside an already humble dot on the map. see below.
ridgway, colorado
take the 550 north to montrose, south to ouray, or take the 62 west to wind into telluride. either way you go, you'll likely get the panoramic views of the san juan and cimarron mountain ranges. focus too intently on the backdrops and you're sure to miss the elk, bobcats, wild turkeys, bald eagles, and camels. yes, camels.
montrose is your go to spot for the walmarts, mega grocery stores, and chain restaurants... you know... civilization. ouray will surround you with local artist outlets, hot springs, insane people (ice climbers), and the closest to--what i imagine would be--feeling nestled cozily under the matterhorn. telluride would be your destination for abandoned mine tours, bluegrass, golf, art of all kinds, and above all else: skiing!
the telluride mountain resort features mostly experienced skiing terrain, and seems to double in size every few seasons. it is the home base for colorado's only heli ski company: telluride hellitrax, sorry aspen, brekenridge, and vail! so you might imagine, the slopes are pretty harrowing. as if to taunt you on your first day, the beginner ski lift takes you over a double black diamond mogul track that runs straight down under the lift chairs. a sense of humor? no, a sick sense of humor... i like it!
taylor out, here's some final thoughts courtesy of my cell phone camera:
