The weather finally turned cool and it was feasible to go for a hike. I can’t get over the fact that within 30 minutes of us there are so many incredible hiking trails. On weekends these trails are full of fellow hikers, some people like to get away from the crowds, I’m just happy to see so many other Los Angelenos out enjoying our mountains.
The San Gabriel mountains were shrouded in clouds, so much so, this almost doesn’t look like Southern California.
A two and a half mile climb starts with a nice flat road and big flowering bushes.
Starting the climb and looking back at some alternative paths below.
A California Live Oak with bare roots next to the path.
I’m no geologist, but these layers of rock fascinate me. What gives the pink one it’s color? How did that strip of white get trapped there? 
The views are supposed to be spectacular. We had cloud cover the whole way, yes it really was that grey. So the commercial area of La Canada stands out, but it wasn’t worth taking pictures of haze. 
Unless one walks right under the tower that holds the power lines and the top is disappearing into the fog.
Or a hawk appears to be just a silhouette against the nothingness.
Soon we were above the power lines but still only about half way up the mountain.
I even remembered to hand Joel the camera so he could get a picture of me.
We made it to the top!
People enjoying a picnic. I thought I was focusing on the people, my camera thought otherwise.
A five mile hike is plenty for me. I’m impressed with those who walk the whole 12 miles up to Mt. Lowe and back. But this is where we turned back. Of course there are some wonderful things up at this level, but that will be another post.
This hike starts at the top of Lake Ave in Alta Dena. Anyone who knows Alta Dena knows that there is good soul food to be found. No we didn’t go to Roscoes Fried Chicken and Waffles, it was Sunday after church, the line was out in the parking lot. Instead we stopped at Louisiana Fried Chicken, food served in plastic baskets and only a few plastic tables. We earned the right to eat fried chicken and what can I say – there is nothing moister than good fried chicken. The batter has a little kick and the steam just wafted off the basket. I’m getting hungry all over again, but my legs are still sore from Sunday’s hike, so I will just enjoy the memory.
Leah
When my Dad was a kid his family used to go on field trips on the Mt. Lowe Railway. I do believe there was a hotel up there too!
There was and it will appear in my next post, well the remnants of it will.