Hiking the Hummingbird Trail

Sandstone formations along Hummingbird Trail. 

Just over the hill from the San Fernando Valley, you can find some rugged terrain filled with geographic wonders and adventure.  Hummingbird Trail starts at Kuehner Drive, just 0.2 miles north at the Kuehner exit off of the 118 fwy, and leads you through canyons, boulders and massive formations of sandstone from the Cretaceous Period.  The elevations of over 1,000ft at the top of the trail present beautiful views of the valleys and, on a clear day, the ocean.  Not for the faint of heart, Hummingbird Trail is a moderately challenging hike, though a path is marked out with painted arrows to guide you along the easiest route.  The brave can explore rock formations, caves and crevasses along the way.  The trail is 5 miles long, round trip, with no restrooms other than those nature provides, but there is free parking at the trail head on Kuehner Drive.  Hikers should be alert for rattlesnakes and mountain lions, though the number of people on the trails suggests these are rarely sighted.  Personally, I was enchanted by the wild bunnies and ground squirrels, and awed by the incredible rock formations.  Definately a sight to see.

It's A Wrap - Hollywood's Thrift Stop



Shoes from the big and small screens, for sale at Its A Wrap!

 Ever wanted to walk in your favorite celebrity's shoes?  Well, you can, literally.  It's A Wrap is a "thrift" store that sells clothing that has been previously used in movies and television.  Want to get an outfit from All My Children?  A prom dress you saw on Glee?  A suit from CSI?  All this and more is available at two locations in the Los Angeles area.  Items are marked by codes to let you know which production they came from with helpful charts on the walls to identify the show or movie.  Prices can be a little steap, but most items are one of a kind and have all been used in a film or television production!  In addition to the items for sale, Its a Wrap displays many famous movie and TV posters and costumes making it a fun spot for the serious collector or the Sunday window shopper.

Secret Garden of San Marino - Huntington Gardens

Chinese Gardens at the Huntington Gardens in San Marino.

The Huntington Gardens are perhaps my favorite hideaway in Los Angeles, and a must see for tourists and locals alike.  The grounds include several themed gardens, including the newest Chinese garden (pictured above), a Japanese garden, Greek statues and fountains, rose and herb gardens, large sprawling lawns, and even an extensive desert garden which I highly recommend on a rainy day!  There is an interactive children's garden for the younger guests, or the young at heart, with interactive exhibits, fountains, tunnels, mist sprays, musical rocks and magnetic dust!  Annual passes are available, as well as one day admission, and the first Thursday of every month is free admission with reservation (call on the first day of the month before as tickets go fast!).  There are cafes on the grounds and picture taking is encouraged.  There are also several museums, a library with exhibit, and a tea room, all of which I will address in future blogs!