Yes, we have a river, no we are not a desert. We live in a Mediterranean climate, which means, seasonal rains (winter) and a certain amount of running water. The river is the whole reason the Spanish started a settlement in 1781. One problem with such rivers is that when we have rainy years, it would flood, kill people and destroy property. In the 1940s this became the largest project for the Army Corps of engineers, they encased most of the 48 miles in concrete and basically turned it into a very big storm drain.
For this walk I went with Charles Fleming and his many followers. Years ago he wrote a wonderful book, Secret Stairs and then he started leading walks along those routes. This time only about 30 people showed up, nice size group.
We met at the foot of this fountain. The William Mullholland memorial fountain. He was the designer of the aqueduct that brings water from 300 miles away in the Owens Valley to LA and allowed the area to become the megalopolis it is today.
We crossed a pedestrian bridge over the busy 5 freeway. Notice how it is completely enclosed, no jumpers here please.
Early on a Sunday morning there is very little traffic. On weekdays all 10 lanes are solid with cars.
Down to a very bucolic river. Three miles of the river, known as the Glendale narrows were never paved. This area was below the level of the water table, so it has been able to flourish has a natural river.
The banks are slopping concrete, a bridge connects Silverlake to Atwater Village. A wonderful bike path runs along the top. the small bridge on the left is for bikes and pedestrians to cross Los Feliz Blvd easily.
I love these older industrial elements of this bridge, and the power lines are fine as well. I wouldn’t be blogging without them.
Nature is doing it’s best to reclaim the concrete walls.
A White Heron.
Taking flight. I’m amazed at how good this picture is. Dumb luck, point the camera and shoot! What I love about digital cameras – I can shoot and just keep the good pictures.
Birds and fish flourish here. In the summer kayakers come out as well.
The lock on bridges tradition that started in Paris has sprouted up on many bridges these days.
I hope the dates don’t indicate the beginning and end of E&D’s relationship.