Secret Stairs - Alta Loma Terrace Again

Many of the recent posts on the blog have been chronicles of the adventures had while searching out new neighborhoods in Los Angeles via the book Secret Staircases of LA.



However, this time was unique b/c the people who gave me the book for Christmas last year got to finally join us on a hike, my Mom & Dad.



After about thirteen or so missions into the hills, we decided that the most unique neighborhood we've seen yet was Alta Loma Terrace in Hollywood. Tucked away behind the Hollywood Bowl, this neighborhood is a walk only with no access to cars.



Started in the 1920's, this neighborhood in the hills relies on a private elevator shaft (above), that takes residents from the lower garages, built into the hillside, up to their bungalow style residences.



Along this hike you pass a Frank Lloyd Wright creation, the Samuel Freeman House. This was the first visit I made to the house where there wasn't a car parked out front. Being a little more darning now, the family explored the front yard & peeked into the narrow windows of the outer walls.



Following the long, narrow, overgrown corridors of foliage and hidden homes we became overwhelmed with the hidden qualities of this neighborhood. There is even a home designed by Lloyd Wright, Frank Lloyd Wright's son that shares the hillside.



Thanks Mom & Dad for the book! It will bring many great adventures.

Silver Lake - Secret Stairs

Once again, a few good friends have found themselves wondering amongst the quiet streets of a hidden Los Angeles neighborhood.



Our Secret Staircases of LA book has brought us to a junction I visit quite often, Silver Lake Blvd & Sunset, but would have never known this nest of hodge-podge homes existed amongst the terrace elevations.



Ambling through the top portion of this walk I noticed as well that this walk had crossed paths with a previous adventure.



Looking back on this walk I missed out on a picture of one of the neatest houses I have seen yet, another trip will be in order for that.

Hermit Falls - Round Three

This weekend's outing found the four of us marching through the forest, down river, the waters flowing sound's filling the canyon. Descending down we can hear bird calls surrounding on all sides.



Chantry Flats is by far the best 30 minute escape from Los Angeles there possibly is. Located just outside Pasadena off the Santa Anita exit, it's no wonder the weekends are full of hikers looking for a breath of fresh air.



This will be our third trip to Hermit Falls in the past few months. The water level was quite high this time, but still no trouble to cross the river a few times as the hike switch-backed across.



"A photograph is usually looked at - seldom looked into."
- Ansel Adams

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Remembering Napa Valley

Recovered some photos from a trip to Napa Valley, California from December of 2010. Tooled around with the looks a bit in Lightroom.



- Pride Mountain Vineyard -



Pride Mountain was a really unique vineyard sitting atop a windy mountain drive that is well worth the seclusion. With a great tasting tour & beautiful settings all around one couldn't go wrong for an afternoon in the mountains.


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Rainy Eagle Rock Stroll - Secret Stairs

Between the rain on Saturday afternoon, a few good friends managed to get a nice outdoor stroll in. Notice Carlos planning out next move at the top of this set. This is a beautiful view of the San Gabriel Mountains.



This particular secret stairs adventure brought us to the middle of Eagle Rock. Beginning close to the bustling Boulevard, we quickly ascended into the quiet terraced neighborhoods just east of Highway 2.


[Driveway to nowhere]

Only as we explored further did the neighborhoods really become secluded & refereed to at times as 'Italian villa' style through the narrow mountain lanes.



This portion of Los Angeles is a real treasure. When you look up into the hills & exploring throughout them, one can find a lush green wonder of dwellings tucked into the slopes of north east LA.

Secret Stairs - Valentines Day

Enjoying a nice afternoon with my girlfriend Georgette, we ventured off to find some more Secret Stairs this Valentines. This time heading to the hills of Eagle Rock & Pasadena.



What a magnificent neighborhood, tucked away behind numerous small hills & terraces, quieter the farther we ventured in. We snuck into a house that was under construction.



This was one of the most covered and shaded walks yet, with many chances to venture off through the close knit neighborhoods.

Secret Stairs - Alta Loma Terrace

This week the Secret Stairs book took us to a really great new neighborhood



This was an area that has homes w/ no cars allowed. The Hollywood hillside is dotted with homes that you can only access by walking through shady over hanging lanes



There is even an elevator built into the hillside for the 30 some odd homes that make up the Alta Loma Neighborhood.



You may even recognize part of the area from The Long Goodbye.

Secret Stairs - Hollywood

There is this great book out right now called Secret Stairs: A Walking Guide to the Historic Staircases of Los Angeles. It is an urban adventure all it's own.



The book is filled with over 30 step by step guided tours through scenic neighborhood, involving great architecture facts & history of the surrounding area. Along the way, lots of staircase hiking.



Taking three of us this particular evening, on a wonderful journey through one of the original planned neighborhoods for Hollywood... nicknamed here Hollywoodland. Exploring the neighborhood just north of N. Beachwood Dr.



Many of the planned routes will take the traveler on a winded journey up a flight of stairs, but is well thought out by the author, a walk through the narrow streets of the terraced homes before the adventurer has recouped for the next flight.


[this home is located in Silver Lake, CA]
Another adventure into a part of Los Angeles I've never experienced... till now. More to come soon.

Getty for a New Year

Spent a great afternoon at the Getty. Anyone who's been before can attest to it being wonderful for more than just the amazing culture the walls contain.

I recently discovered this while walking the halls this time, s a Joseph William Turner original painting. An artist that has been around quite some time, but I had only recently discovered some of his pieces. This was my first encounter in person.

Signatures of past artists. Click to enlarge

Another Sunday on the Trails

What a beautiful day outdoors. A little brisk with a few light showers while out with some good friends. Can you see the rainbow below?



We took the offroad skateboard out for another ride. Atop a fine look out where Reseda Blvd deadends into an endless array of trails we strapped in.