Do you like waterfalls?

Earlier today I hiked from the top of Lake Avenue in Altadena to Inspiration Point. I took the Lower Sam Merrill trail and then then Castle Canyon trail:

Distance: 10 miles

Gain: 2800'

Pack weight: 32 lbs. (2L drinking water, 1L Gatorade, 6L of weight water which was jettisoned at I.P. All drinking water and Gatorade was consumed.)

Tick worry: high moderate

Power glutes usage level: low

Snakes, bears, antelopes, etc.: none

Flesh pylons: lots and lots, even on the C.C. trail

Time up: Griffith Park: a section of the top soil has sheared off. A narrow trail has been cut into these slides. For experienced mountaineers it's nothing, but for your average touron it might be a little too rough considering what's on the downhill side is a little steep and probably wouldn't feel too good as you tumbled. While I've biked up and down and even fallen off this trail (into bushes), anyone who'd MTB across these stretches would have to be either an advanced rider or just a bit crazy. Unfortunately, despite that there were many people on the trail.

In contrast, the C.C. trail shows very little storm damage.

The pictures above are, from the top: the viewing tubes at Inspiration Point, a runner crossing one of the slides, and a waterfall.

Unfortunately, the picture of the waterfall isn't that good; it looks better in person. Most of the hikers on the C.C. trail with that waterfall were men. That's a bit surprising, as I know there are large numbers of female hikers. If you're one of my female readers, I suggest you take this trail the next time you're in the area. By the way, if you are one of those female readers, what do you think of waterfalls? I realize that might sound like a bit of a strange question, but as for me waterfalls are one of my favorite natural features. I think there's something both wild and refreshing about them. I wish I'd spent a bit more time at that waterfall and taken a few better pictures. In fact, I wish I'd taken the opportunity to cool down a bit in the water there. Can you imagine yourself taking a break in that waterfall? Easing your hot skin into the cool water cascading down the hillside, feeling the bubbling water, feeling the thousands of tiny bubbles massaging your skin... Feeling at one with nature and experiencing your wild side as you let all your inhibitions and all your cares just slip away... Close your eyes and imagine that for a second... The feelings deep inside you as the water gently caresses your skin... Yes, waterfalls are certainly my favorite natural feature. Maybe you could write me an email and tell me how they make you feel?

Comments

Did a similar one in late 02 early 03. Went from Eaton Canyon thru Idlehour Camp to Inspiration Point. Down the Merril trail to Echo Mountain and back to Altadena back to Eaton Canyon. Good work out, many ups and downs, about 15 miles. Watch for rattlers they are out in spades (06).

There are little patches of slide damage all around the skirt of Franklin Hills (which is only one hill, really). Lots of yellow cones still in the street and a few boulders that are just a little bit beyond leglift capacity for anyone to move anywhere. Ronda Vista Place is still a lot like a slip&slide.

The area that always concerns me in Griffith Park is the semi-alluvial fan that empties out into the Vermont Canyon tennis courts parking lot. Damn messy, that.

Had no idea those lensless telescopes were up there. Thanks. As a guy who struggles up Mt. Hollywood from the Observatory once a year at best, I doubt I'll be ascending 2800' on any given day.

If you'd like a more challenging day hike, try Mt Whitney. We've always had good luck with the weather mid-September.