For directions and information:

http://www.placerita.org/index.html

I’ll save you the suspense by telling you that I didn’t make it all the way to the waterfall this time. Why?

My Co-Host got tired…Do you believe this little BULLDOG walked 2 miles?! I KNOW, right?!?!?

If you want to visit the Waterfall, you’ll walk through Walker Ranch which is the ruins of the old homestead once owned by- THE WALKERS- between 1900-1950. So….you hit 2 destinations! Kewl! The Waterfall usually has water running in the Winter/Early Spring and it IS really pretty and peaceful up there. I’m looking forward to hitting this trail again WITHOUT Little Mister. I’d like to spend some quiet time on my own- just taking in the natural energy. I want to just sit there and BE…

I think Caiden used up the majority of his energy at the beginning of the hike. By the time we got here-

He stop listening to me and then had a huge breakdown. Eventually, he calmed down and we continued along the trail until we found some terrific rocks to climb!

Adventure Boy is SO CUTE!

We crossed over the stream on that crazy, metal bridge and continued onward…

Until we made it here and decided to have some lunch and talk to the other hikers going by. Adventure Boy turned into “My Feet Hurt” Boy and then “I’m Tired” boy…so we turned back.

We HAD TO STOP and look at the stream again on our way back…

Right before we made it off the trail, we came across the Scariest Tree on Earth aka THE MONSTER TREE! Don’t worry, Caiden growled at it and scared it so EVERYONE IS SAFE- I PROMISE!

Even though I had to deal with Caiden’s breakdown, I still had a great time getting out into the woods! He fell asleep 2 seconds after I put him in the car so the fresh air and exercise did him some good too!

Length: We went 2 miles total. See picture of trail sign for accurate mileage.

Exercise Level: Not too easy, Not too hard.

Cell Friendly: In Places

Dog Friendly: YES

Kid Friendly: Yes, if they listen well

Wheelchair Friendly: No. There is another trail that might be- check it out on their website.

Bring:  Water and a snack. Maybe a light jacket too.

Wear: Good Sneakers or Hiking Boots, Sunscreen, a hat if you’re fair, layers if you have a tendency to get cold.

                                                               My Handsome Co-Host: Mr. Caiden!

 Sepulveda Wildlife Area                                                

 6335 Woodley Avenue  Van Nuys, CA 91406-6473

  (818) 756-9710

Directions: In the LOVELY San Fernando Valley where the 405 and 101 Fwys meet. You’re gonna want to look for Woodley Park (off Woodley and Burbank) east of the Golf Coarse.

About the Park

The Wildlife Preserve is the only unpaved part of the LA River. When visiting the area, you will run into a variety of Water Fowl, Hawks, Burrowing Owls, Sparrows and various other winged creatures. Animals can occasionally be seen as well but with the exception of the occasional mouse, I haven’t seen anything other than Birds, Red Earred Slider Turtles and fish.

This place is well-known as a Pick Up Place for Mens ”in the bush” activities but the Rangers have upped their patrols and I feel confident in them enough to bring my Grandson here and not have to worry about him seeing things he really doesn’t need to see.

The sad thing about the area is the graffiti. I was absolutely appalled at the damage that has been done to the inlaid “compass” and the signage in the viewing areas and along the trail. The trash in the surrounding creeks is pretty much a standard and if they had a volunteer day, I would surely take the time to come out and help clean up. This is a heads up to those who’d like to visit. It’s not pristine and perfect but it is still a nice place to take a stroll.

My Co-Host as he runs toward the trail…

Distance: 2.6 total miles for the whole loop. If you walk from the parking area to the end of the trail without continuing on under the fwy, it is probably less than a mile.

Exercise level: You can make it as easy or as hard as you’d like. If you take a walking (running)  little one with you, there’s a good chance you’ll have to walk pretty fast to keep up with them!

Cell Service: Yes.

Stroller/Wheelchair friendly: Yes

Kid Friendly: VERY

Dog Friendly: No

Bring:  Water (always) and a snack if you plan on staying for awhile

Wear: Sunscreen, a hat if it’s really overcast or very sunny, comfortable shoes and layer if it’s chilly outside

The Low Down

Just a note: No, I did NOT cut my Co-Hosts hair into a Mohawk (that was his Mom’s idea) and Yes, I can’t wait til it grows out.  Moving along…

Parking is easy around the trail and once I let my Co-Host out of the car- he was OFF!

We saw lots of School Groups off the trails in the Viewing Areas with Microscopes set up to look at the Microbs and Bacteria retrieved from the surrounding waters. I hope when Caiden gets to that age, he’ll go to a school that does that as well! How Cool! The kids LOVED seeing how excited Mr. Caiden was when he eye spied them doing their research. I explained to him that when he goes to school, he can do that too and he reacted by saying “DUCKS!” and took off running!

It was a gorgeous, warm, sunny 78 degrees in the middle of this January Day (yup, I said JANUARY) and Caiden was ready to check out the ducks…

Sitting on the banks, Little Mister quacked at the duckies while Grandma rested in the shade.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Once we got back on the trail, we saw a bridge off to the right. OMG! So interesting for a little boy!

This is where we saw the fish and watched the current take the leaves downstream…

And now for some exercise…

To the end of the trail we walked where we met up with the Park Rangers on Patrol. They stopped to say HI and laughed when I explained to Caiden that they were the “Duck Police.” It was past lunch time and The Little Monster wanted his “Peanut Butter and Jellyfish (as he calls them)” sandwich so we found a bench and he ate his lunch while we watched Canadian Geese take off and land on the water.

 After his Al Fresco lunch, we walked back full steam ahead to visit the bridge again. As long as my little man got to watch the fishies again- he was golden and ready to go climb some rocks that we saw on the way into the trail. Grandma and Monster had a great time, got our nature on and exercised together- you couldn’t ask for a better day!

Address: 2600 Franklin Canyon Dr- Beverly Hills, Ca.

Open: Sun Up to Sun Down

Inside Info: Make sure you make a COMPLETE STOP at both Stop Signs in the park. You WILL get a PHOTO Enforced Ticket!

Directions: Taking Coldwater Canyon (S)- When you get to Mulholland, make a right (NOT UP Mulholland but a R into the residential area). Look for the teeny, tiny little sign…                        

Taking Coldwater Canyon (N)- When you get to Mulholland, make a LEFT (NOT UP Mulholland but a L into the residential area). Look for the teeny, tiny little sign…

ABOUT THE PARK

Franklin Canyon is a  Beautiful OASIS between the Valley of the Damned (SFV) and Beverly (Hills- that is)…

Trivia: They filmed the opening scenes from The Andy Griffith Show there! Kewl stuff!

Official Site: http://www.lamountains.com/parks.asp?parkid=14

Length of Hike: Hastings Heavenly Pond Trail- I don’t have the mileage, but I’m gonna say around 1.8 miles roundtrip. Wodoc Nature Trail is like walking around the block.

Exercise Level: By yourself- you can make it as hard or easy as you’d like. Having a kid in tow makes it a lot slower but you’ll still get something out of it.

Cell Service: Sort of

Kid Friendly: ALL AGES. Only stroller friendly around the duck pond (Wodoc Nature Trail) and on the actual road.

Wheelchair Friendly: Around the little duck pond (Wodoc Nature Trail) and if you stay on the actual road…

Food/Water:  Bring it with you

What to wear/ bring: SUNSCREEN is a must no matter what time of the year, clothes to keep you comfortable in hot temperatures or warm in cool temperatures, WATER- WATER-WATER, a snack for energy, bug spray and VERY sturdy tennis shoes for mini hikes or Hiking Boots (for anything “off trail.”)

My Favorite Co-Host Joined me for my (our) Mini Hike:

My 2 year Old Grandson, Caiden

The Low Down

This was the 1st “official” Grandma/Grandson hike for my Co-Host and Myself. He’s 2 so it was a short hike but a hike just the same. Caiden did very well! He actually listened to me, didn’t run too far ahead and didn’t fall off a mountain or anything- so that’s a plus! We went on the trail closest to the “Big” pond- walking through some tall grass and over some small hills. There are some wooden stairs providing access from the parking areas to the trails and they were quite a drop but Caiden held my hand and navigated them like a champ! Later, we collected leaves and duck feathers for a little art project that we were going to present to him Mom later that evening…

After checking out the “Big” trail, we walked down the fire road to the Wodoc Nature Trail (aka The Duck Pond) where we spent a good 30 minutes watching the ducks, fish and turtles. This is a GREAT place for a well behaved 2 year old (or above) to get close to animals in their natural habitat. I LOVED the fact that there were NO GEESE! Geese can be really mean and I didn’t want Caiden to get scared during his first “hiking/nature” experience.

Here is Caiden at the Duck Pond

…and some more gorgeous pictures for your viewing pleasure:

You know you’re waiting for Opie to come running outta the trees yelling, “Pa! Pa!”

The Wrap Up

If the smell of PINE is what you seek in an otherwise desert-ish land, c’mon down to Franklin Canyon. You can almost hear Andy Taylor whistling down the lane while Aunt Bee puts pies (mmmm- pie) on the windowsill to cool for dinner. This is a much-needed escape destination in the middle of  congested, 90210 Urban Sprawl and I KNOW y’ll will feel country-fied by the experience!

900 Exposition Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90007
Phone: (213) 763-DINO

For Hours, Directions and Admission Prices- http://www.nhm.org/site/

EVERY 1st TUESDAY is Free

My Co-Hosts for this Adventure

My Grandson Caiden and his lovely Auntie Bay

BRING

• Water
• a picnic lunch if you want to save your cash
• a camera

EXERCISE LEVEL: You’ll be walking ALL DAY.

*Everyone thinks that LA has no history… think again.The Natural History Museum is located in beautiful Exposition Park. The park was purchased by the City of Los Angeles in 1889 and destined to become the Cultural Center for our young city. The original a building for the NHM was Open for Exhibition on November 6th, 1913 and exhibits can still be viewed within its walls today. Currently, a grand construction project is underway. The city is adding on an additional wing along with many other features that will enhance your Museum experience!

The Original Stained Glass Dome located in the 1913 building

Our Adventure aka The Low Down:

AFter getting THE BOY dressed, the car packed and our SF Vanilla Iced coffees THANKFULLY in our grasps- Bailey, Caiden (sans cafe’) and I hit the road to Exposition Park.

Parking is $8 and there is easy access to the muesem AND a terrific playground across the street! Currently, the train is being extended to the area (USC is right next door) so it will be even easier to get down there and get your culture on…

Caiden only cared about ONE THING…DINOSAURS!!!

We tried to see other exhibits first: Early California, the Animal dioramas, the Gems but that was 86′d by Caiden and he was the boss on this day so… OFF THE DINOSAUR HALL!

The displays are incredibly well done. Easy enough to scan the info when trying to entertain a 2 year old but with enough facts to actually learn something. Nice going NHM!

The Boy LOVED all the great Dino Dioramas and his Auntie Bay had a great time expanding her horizons as well!

Caiden was VERY into the Animal Diorama Hall. He has quite an obsession with Elephants so he was in complete HEAVEN when he saw this:

Soon, we all became cranky and had to eat. The new NHM Grill is fabulous! Mac n Cheese for my little Man, Veggie Burger for Auntie B and a BBQ Chicken Salad for me…Nom!

To a access the menu, go here: http://www.nhm.org/site/plan-your-visit/where-to-eat

DO NOT MISS: Walking throught the BONES OF A FIN WHALE!

We visited the Insect Zoo and them Mr. Caiden had a meltdown so we went outside to the HUGE, Grassy area in front of the museum and let him run around. That completely burned him out (and us as well) so we were D-O-N-E.

Re-entering the Museum, we hit the Store on the way out. Expensive but we like to support the Museum- especially on a free day!

Below you will find a picture of a Burnt Out 2 Year Old after eating a VERY expensive Museum Lollipop:

Yeah…he’s had enough.

The Wrap UP:

All and all (minus the meltdown) we had an excellent time and an exercise filled learning experience. In my HUMBLE opinion- NHM/LA still needs A LOT of work to catch up with NHM/NY or The Field Museum/Chicago (luvs!) but it’s still an LA must see.

• Water is a must
• Wear shoe if you wish
• Sunscreen is a must any later than 9am
• A camera is ALWAYS fun

The Wrap Up:

Regardless of how trashed the beach was, I did manage to pull up a patch of sand and meditate for awhile.

There is nothing better for your soul then a foggy coastline, soft sand beneath your feet and the sound of waves crashing onto the shore…

Did you know that walking in the sand can burn up 300 to 800 calories an hour? How cool is that?!

In the wee hours, I decided that just a normal walk wouldn’t do. I needed to connect with nature- take deep, cleansing breaths of morning air and view some beautiful scenery whilst I worked off some serious fat cells. Since I had some business to attend to later that morning, I headed over to Dockweiler Beach.

(310) 322-4951

  

• Water is a must
• Wear shoe if you wish
• Sunscreen is a must any later than 9am
• A camera is ALWAYS fun

For Admission, Hours, Directions:  www.sbzoo.com

Bring/Wear:

• Water- at least one big bottle.
• Comfortable Clothes
• Sturdy Tennis Shoes
• A Camera
• SUNSCREEN!!!

Kid Friendly: Yes

Handicap Access: A little hilly but YES

Dog Friendly: No

Cell Service: Yes

Food: Throughout the zoo or bring a picnic!

Shopping: Support this Zoo and buy T-shirts and fun stuff for the kiddies!

The Low Down:

Santa Barbara has one of the most beautiful zoos I have ever visited. I actually liked it better than the San Diego Zoo and it is -by far- heads (and tails) above the LA Zoo. I live 10 minutes away from the LA Zoo but I would rather drive an hour and a 1/2 to cool, breezy Santa Barbara. I think it’s the lack of  graffiti scratched plexiglass and droves of gang banging families that makes it more appealing. Anyway…

My Gorgeous Co-Host today was:

The Boy! My Grandson Caiden (the best co-host ever)!

The BOY and I escaped the over 100 degree weather in LA and cruised our way up to Santa Barbara. The Zoo is GORGEOUS, the grounds are spectacular and the animals are thriving. There are plenty of hills so you will definitely get your exercise in for the day. During the week, it’s not very crowded so Caiden was able to walk along side of me and not get trampled on by other guests!

There is a wonderful play area with a hill that the kids can slide down on collapsed boxes or run up and down using their own energy. They have a little tree house and a children’s garden too.

 At selected times during the day, they run a Dinosaur Show that features a Giant T-Rex Puppet! When the T-Rex came around the theater building into plain view, Caiden and I both thought it was the real deal!     The Boy and I said on a hill above the theater and had a picnic while the show went on. Walking up and down those hills can give a small boy a BIG appetite!

Caiden’s favorite part of the zoo is the Elephant enclosure. Above the enclosure is a picnic area with table and chairs. We were able to pull the chairs right up to the fence and watch the Elephants eat. Keeping a 2 year old occupied is a feat in itself and being able to get so close to the Elephants and watch them do “Elephant Stuff” kept him busy for a good 20 minutes…thank you for the excellent placement of chairs, SB Zoo!

At the top of the ZOO, you will find Lions, Gorillas, Condors and giraffes. You can feed the giraffes for $3 (or maybe $5)…

Me: “Caiden- what’s that?” 

Caiden: “A liiiiion.”

Me: “what’s he doin?”

Caiden: “Seeeping. He says RRRRR….”

Me: “Good job Buddy! Gimme 5!”

One of the best displays of Bugs and Lizards I have ever come across is located at the beginning of the Zoo. Even if you are squeamish, do not avoid! Seriously- it’s dark, damp, mysterious and interactive. Lots of buttons to push and creepy crawlies to discover!

BY THE WAY- Check out the SIZE of this Vulture! It’s bigger than Caiden!  

DO NOT MISS:  The Train that goes around the Zoo. Totally worth the $4!

                                    The view from the Picnic Area way at the top of the Zoo.

                                    The Gift Shop closest to the Main Gate. 1/2 Price T-Shirts!

The Wrap Up: The Boy and I spent close to 4 hours at the ZOO and had an amazing time. Once back in the car, it took him all of 3 minutes to fall asleep. That is solid proof of a successful trip!

Yes my friends- I am perpetuating the myth that “nobody walks in L.A.” AND contributing to smog factor by driving this lovely piece of machinery ALL OVER town. After 2 years of carlessness, I have joined the ranks of the wheeled and have purchase this automobile to take me on some more FABULOUS ADVENTURES.

Next stop- a quick drive up the CALIFORNIA COAST (bliss!)  to Ventura where I will drop into Neptunes Net ( http://www.neptunesnet.com/  ) and have some awesome seafood  (not fried) and maybe a little, bitty beer while watching the sunset with some good friends! Now THAT”S- joie de la vie, no?!

Stay tuned for the next few weeks while my car (which has been named “Big Pimpin’” by my friend, Frank) and I hit some mini-adventures around the L.A. area!

Too bad I broke it off with Vegas Victor- he would have loved this ride…oh, well- C’est la vie!