Archive for the ‘California’ Category

Hike to Malibu Grotto at Circle X Ranch

The hiking trail is in the Santa Monica Mountains, north of Malibu. An out-and-back hike of 620 foot elevation gain is about two miles each way or four miles round trip.

I signed up for this hike a long time ago, but did not foresee the temperature would climb up to the 90′s. I wanted to back out but since I was already committed to my carpool too, so I went ahead. We started at 12:30 p.m. and finished by 3:00 p.m.

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The first half is a down hill hike, so coming back would be an uphill climb.

Sandstone Peak

Surrounded by these beautiful mountain scenery

25 yards before reaching the grotto and waterfalls, were big rocks and boulders.  I found it difficult  to  go through the boulders so I just waited for the rest of the group to come back.  While  resting on top of the big rocks, I  enjoyed the shade and surroundings.  Looking for subjects to photograph, I found this branch shaped like a heart.

Leaves of gold enhanced by the sun’s rays.

If this was done in the spring or winter, the hike would consists of creek crossings, and waterfalls.  Along the way, we saw some dried creek beds.  You ask, would I do it again?  Yes, next spring.  And thanks to the new hikers I met, Noelle, Mary and Jay, they were such a great help and inspiration!

Watts Towers Arts Center

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This past Sunday afternoon brought us to Watts, next to Lynwood, in Los Angeles, to see the famous towers built by one man, Simon Rodia, an Italian, who  immigrated to the US  in 1895. It was built without benefit of machine equipment, scaffolding, bolts, rivets, welds or drawing board designs.

Though this post is not about the Towers, I want to share with you the beautiful mosaic tiled artwork in the Arts Center.

While waiting for the Museum to open, I looked around and found this interesting reflection shot.  The house across the street is owned by a Hispanic family.

At a different angle, I saw this heart shaped mosaic tile reflection.

This is an enlarged version of the red heart.

Here’s a preview of the Towers…..

…..consisting of seventeen major sculptures constructed of structural steel and covered with mortar, are the work of one man – Simon Rodia.

Note:  The tour guide did not show up (Father’s Day festivities?), but we were able to take photos from the outside.  We stayed for a couple of hours, and then left.

Like I did not have enough art photos for the day?   We came home and rested for a bit and then proceeded to Pasadena for the final day festivities at the Chalk Art Festival.  See one post below for some of  the winning entries.