Santa Anita Canyon try #1

So... this canyon is beautiful, but the trails are a bit confusing.  We came late, and had a little trouble figuring out where to go.  

So we parked in Chantry Flats, and then made our way up the Picnic area to check out a map.  

Check here for a map: http://adamspackstation.com/maps-trails-camps/maps/

There was a lot to see and do on this trail, and I cannot wait to go back.  These dam like things, cement remains, cabins, and campsites are scattered throughout the wilderness.  

We came around with only 5 miles on our pedometers, so we detoured and added the trail to check out Sturdevant Falls

Like I mentioned, there was so much to see and do... and these people were just awesome, that we had so many random adventures in this hike.  :)

Some of these adventures... ya, just wandering.

Bridge to Nowhere 3-15-14

Did the Bridge to Nowhere Hike, for the 3rd time!

This is the technical name of the trail- East Fork Trail, located in the Sheep Mountain Wilderness, above Azusa, CA.

Trail info: http://www.hikespeak.com/trails/bridge-to-nowhere-hike-los-angeles/

Creative crossings.... five one way, five back, this time... it changes it seems.  

Your shoes will get wet though, that is a definite. 

About 2~2.5 miles in.

These damn things are everywhere and they hurt!  Make sure to wear long pants.  

This time I took 25-30 pounds on my back.  30 to start, carrying extra water and food, but it went down as the day went on.  I have to figure out how not to get so bruised on my shoulders....  Or maybe that is just something you have to suck up and deal with.

Owwww....

This time also, I balanced well on all of the rocks.  Amazing!  I jumped from rock to rock on the stream, barely getting my feet wet.  Slacklining and practice really does help with balance... so does confidence.  

Santa Monica, CA: Hosteling International

Hostelling International Los Angeles

1436 Second Street, Santa Monica, CA

Hostelling is not something that Americans are very familiar with, but they are so practical for the basic traveler!  You don't need fancy amenities, just a clean bed, a shower, a potty, and a comfortable place to stay.  We stayed in a dorm that fit 8 women in total.   There were younger women, and even older, most from around the world.  Mostly Europeans, of course.  They are just more comfortable with this idea.  

I highly recommend staying in hostel, when a good one can be found, not only because of the cost, but the people that you meet.  

    Community Kitchen

Dining Center

Watching the Oscars :)

Breakfast in the morning :)

Venice Beach, CA: Santa Monica and Venice Beach Adventure

Venice Beach, CA

And we joined a drum circle :)

And then walked back

Got some dinner and coffee along the way

  Coffee Stop  

Santa Monica Pier at night.

Los Angeles, CA: Adventuring...

Probably the best thing about adventuring is meeting new people, hearing their stories, and sharing an experience with them.  Yesterday our train was cancelled, and we had to wait around for a couple hours to catch the 7pm train.  Our phones were dying also, so we went on a search for outlets.  Amazingly, out of the entire Union Station, we found one working plug and someone else was already plugged into it.  So we shared the outlet with him.  We began talking, and then he introduced us to a friend he had made, when they both missed the same train, at 4pm and went on another search for outlets down the street while waiting for the 5:35p train, which was cancelled.  So we all hung out together, and ended up sitting on the train together.  Even connected with the rest of the cart on the way home.  Pretty awesome.