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Me Myself & Riggins

Tag Archives: hiking

Reporting Live from the Surface of the Sun

29 Tuesday Apr 2014

Posted by wendynewell in Uncategorized

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Tags

Bear, dogs, fire, Fredo, Griffith Park, hiking, hot, Huxley, Jax, KNBC, Los Angeles, Pekka, pool, Santa Anas, The Big C, weather, wind

"... do not wear a sweater." - Thanks for that tip KNBC  -- source

“Don’t wear a sweater.” – Thanks for that tip KNBC

You know in The Big C where Laura Linney’s character goes a little wack-a-doodle and starts digging a pool in her backyard?  I predict that will be me before the end of summer 2014 ends.  I don’t do well in super heat.  Riggins does not do well in super heat.  Based on all the evidence our summer in Los Angeles is going to be SUPER  HOT.  At some point I’m going to lose my mind to dehydration, grab a shovel, head to the back yard, and start digging.  Then I’m going to grab the hose and just let it fill up into a muddy wonderful mess so the dogs and I can splash around like cool little piggies.  To you it sounds like a mess.  It’s 91 degrees right now here.  To me it sounds like heaven.

Bear, Huxley & Jax seek shade on Runyon

Bear, Huxley & Jax seek shade on Runyon

91 DEGREES …. END OF APRIL …. 91 DEGREES.  For the next few days Los Angeles will be threatening record-breaking temperatures.  I’m not okay with that.  I live at the base of the LA Mountains.  A nice little piece of desert I like to call my own (well it’s someone else’s and I give them money to live on it).  The sun is drawn to this area and beats down on it with the power of … well … the sun.  Anything left out too long like awnings and lawn chairs are sun washed and faded.  80% of the neighborhood relies on succulents and cactus as their main garden features.  Even the “breeze” is bullshit as it is really just a hot gust of wind we call the “Santa Anas.”  All in all it is a hot mess.  Literally.

Pekka hits the pool.

Pekka hits the pool.

Riggins is a black dog and almost 9 years old.  Those two things make him extra sensitive to heat, although most dogs can get heat exhaustion/stroke very fast.  It is something I have to be very careful of especially when hiking with the dogs.  Frankly I’d rather go out with the pups in the rain vs. high temperatures.  On hot days I eat enough flying bugs to hit my protein quota for the day.  When it gets as hot as it is now and will be for most of this week, our options of where we can go are very limited.  There aren’t a lot of hikes that offer shade or enough shade.  I also have to worry about the trail getting too hot for their sensitive paws and being able to hike with enough water.  Finally, although just as important, if it is a “red flag warning” day I need to be aware of not getting myself into a position where a brush fire could cause us issues.  It’s a real concern as any moment now the hills around me could go up in flames with a snap of my fingers (or some assholes cigarette thrown out the window — I saw a guy driving around Griffith Park recently throw a lit cigarette out the window.

Fredo is the king of chilax hiking!

Fredo is the king of chilax hiking!

STUPID STUPID STUPID.  Don’t do that.  That is a really bad move and could cause mass destruction and death given the right circumstances.  The hills are crazy dry right now.  One little spark and … poof!).  All in all it’s a pain in my butt.

Better for all of us to just stay inside and chillax (as my sister would say).   If you need us we will all be lying on the bed on top of the contents of the ice trays I will dump there.

Stay chill … or at least try.

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Hiking Thoughts

20 Thursday Feb 2014

Posted by wendynewell in Uncategorized

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Asscher, Dog, dog poop, dog walking, dogs, gangs, great dane, Griffith Park, hiking, poop, Riggins, tagging, trail

photo 3 (3)This morning Riggins, Asscher and I headed up to Griffith Park to check out a new trail.  Not a new trail to this earth.  A new trail to us.   As I’ve mentioned before when I’m hiking I don’t listen to music or podcasts so that I can be alert for critter/snake/bad people sounds.  This means it is a good time for my mind to wander.  Here are my random thoughts from today’s adventure.

* Why all the nature tagging?  Recently I’ve noticed an increase of tagging on my hikes.  Why?  (I suppose the real answer is an increase in gang activity and a decrease in police activity but I don’t want to think about that.) I’m not an expert but these do seem to be gang/territory related.  It’s bad enough when buildings and property are covered in spray paint but it just plain ol’ sucks when it starts showing up on trees and rocks.  Today I saw a side of a hill tagged.  Side of a hill?!?!?!?  First of all, what good does that do?  Someone has to walk uphill a good 1/2 hour before they even see it.  Have gangs now become more health conscious?  Have they added cardio to their daily routine?  Why there?  The scenic overview of the golf course is a great place for a drug buy?  I’d also like to point out that you have tagged dirt.  Although I find this almost humorous it is less than permanent, which I think is your ultimate goal.  When LA eventually gets a good rain your “art” will get washed away.  You are also making it very difficult for me to take nature photos of the dogs.  Lots of the good views are now scarred by your markings.  Please stop.  It’s really disgraceful.

photo 2 (4)*  Hey fellow dog folks … pick up your dog’s poop.  First of all it’s the law.  I know you are laughing at me as I’m the “no leash on hikes” gal law or not but this law I actually follow.  First of all poop all over the trails is gross.  It smells like … well like poop and that is not pleasant.  It’s the number one reason non-dog owners give for not liking dogs on trails and paths and who can blame them?  Don’t give them that ammo.  Just pick it up like a good dog owner.  Those who don’t pick it up will tell you it’s natural fertilizer.  They are full of crap (ha ha ha … crap … get it).  Dog poop is not always healthy.  It can contain viruses, microbes, and bacteria that will eventually make its way into the water table.  Dog poop can also contain nasty stuff like adenovirus, parvovirus, giardia, coccidian, roundworm, and tapeworm (bad gross bugs).  It just so happens that dogs like to eat other dogs poop so not picking up your dogs number twos makes it harder for another dog to walk past such delicious temptation.  Your dog may have a clean bill of health but the next poop dog may not.  Best to keep all temptation away.  Just like shoes, socks and cell phones (all of which have been munched on by Riggins at one time or another).  I realize it’s a pain in the butt sometimes (butt … poop … get it) but just do it.  Hard core dog poop advocates will tell you that you should flush your poop.  I don’t go that far.  Just pick it up in one of those biodegradable bags and toss it in a trash can.  Sure then it is doing bad stuff to landfills but baby steps.

photo 1 (5)*  I really didn’t like the guy walking his great dane on the trail today.  He was trying to be a good dog owner and “correct” his dog as he walked but he was just being a big ol’ mean man.  When I saw he was being super strict I pulled Asscher and Riggins toward me to keep them from distracting the poor dog.  I give the dogs a lot of freedom on trail walks.  Sidewalk walks they have to “walk pretty.”  That means walk next to me like you would see Cesar Millan doing in one of his many TV episodes.  The trail, though, is their time to sniff around and have fun.  Honestly this guy is lucky I had the two of them on leash at all.  Apparently he did not agree with this philosophy as he was going to make his dog stay next to him, head straight come hell or high water.  The dog had a choke chain on, which I hate.  I realize many people use them and they have proven to work for many.  They just scare me.  I feel like they could harm a dog’s throat.  I much prefer walking harnesses that correct in other ways.  He would yank on that choke chain with such vicious anger it was scary.  His face would get all twisted up.  He was the alpha.  He was in charge.  He was the human … GOD DAMN IT!  It made me sad.  Great danes don’t have a long life span.  Only 6-8 years normally.  They are gentle giants and the poor guy just wanted to say hi to the other dogs on the path or watch a squirrel go up a tree.  His dad didn’t need to be so rough with him.  I wanted to punch the guy in the kidneys, tell him his dog’s deserves to be cuddled not tugged during his short life, grab his dogs leash and take off.  I suppose that would have been a little over dramatic.  I’d like to think he is actually a very well taken care of dog with an owner that is just strict on walks.  Perhaps he went home to a nice comfy bed for a peaceful post hike nap!

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Annoyance & Stupidity

10 Friday Jan 2014

Posted by wendynewell in Uncategorized

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Dog, dog sitting, dogs, dogsitting, Elysina Park, hiking, Los Angeles, rooster

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I live in Los Angeles.  5 minutes from downtown (when there is no traffic so if you want to get there in the middle of the night).  My yard is small and if I wanted to I could hand my neighbor coffee through my side fence to them lounging in their living room.  What I’m trying to say is I live in a city not the country.  So explain to me why I have to live with a rooster?

A couple of years ago my neighbors got a rooster.  It was a loud son of a bitch.  It was a complete and total asshole.  It started crowing before the sun rose and then continued long into the morning.  It wasn’t like a snooze button.  You can’t anticipate when the next crow will happen.  You think it is over and then COCK-A-DOODLE-DO.  At some point I realized my annoying alarm clock was no longer around.  I was beyond happy.

Guess what?  They got another rooster.  What the hell do they do with a rooster?  I don’t know.  I suppose they have chickens too I just can’t hear them.  I suppose I’m lucky in so much as this rooster isn’t as nearly as loud as the other but he sure is chatty.  That critter cock-a-doodle-dos at any time of day.  He has no sense of rooster timing.  It’s 11:49 as I type this and he is going strong.  COCK-A-DOODLE-DO!!!!

Roosters have no place in my life.

Stupidity

You know I like dogs.  It’s not a secret.  Dogs seem to like me too so they often come up to me to say hi.  What do I do?  I bend down and give them a big ol’ kiss right on the top of their head.  Doesn’t matter what kind of dog, who he is with, what he looks like, or how clean he is.  SMOOCH right there on the noggin’.  I did that very thing this morning while the dogs and I were hiking in Elysian Park.  An older golden came by on leash and wanted to say hi.  Without hesitation I bent down and gave him a kiss.  WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?  What makes me think I have the right to do that?

First of all you should never ever pet or touch a dog unless given permission from the owner.  Something I obviously feel doesn’t apply to me.  Secondly there is a right way to introduce yourself to a dog and bending down cooing, “You are so cute … muuhaw!” isn’t the correct way.  Some day a dog is going to bite my face off.  That will teach me.

Secondly how gross!  Dogs are dirty animals.  I don’t know where that dog has been and I think it is okay to put my lips on him?  I’m horrified at myself.

I doubt I will change.

Have a happy weekend!

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Dogsitting Makes Me Happy

16 Monday Dec 2013

Posted by wendynewell in Uncategorized

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

dog sitting, dogs, dogsitting, happy, hiking, Los Angeles, work

photo 1 (26)Last week I told you some of the crap things about corporate life so I thought it was only fair to share some of the nice happy things about dog sitting (which is what I am doing right now).  Enjoy!

*  Adventure.  I’ve been able to go to a number of places I’ve never been before.  Even as a LA native I had never visited these places before!  Some of my favorite hiking spots with the dogs are new to me because of having to find places to take them.  Elysian Park, Hahamonga Watershed, Upper Rose Bowl Trails, the zillion of Griffith Park trails, the old zoo, the list goes on!

* Exercise.  I’ve known for a while that exercise is the most effective stress reliever for me.  With the dogs I get in extra exercise if I want it or not.  Due to my dog sitting profile I tend to get very active dogs which means we all have to be active!  No room for slackers.

photo 3 (17)*  Company.  I never ever ever ever pee alone … ever.

*  Patience.  Never my strong suit but when walking 4 or more dogs at a time patience is a must.  Don’t even get me started on the accidents in the house.  P A T I E N C E.

*  Warmth.  I have an extra layer of warmth in the form of dogs whenever I’m sitting watching TV or sleeping.  I’m always very cozy!

*  Knowledge.  I had no idea exercise/yoga pants had such amazing dog hair attraction qualities.  It’s really fascinating.  I think my floor is clean then sit on it to put my shoes on and get up with enough dog hair on me to knit a sweater.

*  Stamina.  I now know I can stay up for 24 hours in a panic searching for a lost dog.  Silly Miles.

*  Outdoorsy-ism.  You know all that hiking?  Sometimes you have to pee during a hike and you are on a hill with no one but the dogs around.  I’ve gotten really good at sneaking behind a bush if it is required.

photo 2 (26)*  Riggins.  Riggins is an only child and would often show signs of “only child syndrome.”  He is still my baby (and he knows it) but he has gotten much better and is now very happy to be a member of a pack.  I’m always very proud of him when he meets a new dog or owner.

*  Tan.  From hiking.  Sure I have horrific tan lines in the shape of a tank top and multiple lines on my legs from shorts, crops, and socks but I’ve never been this tan in my adult life.

* Cleanliness.  I have to vacuum ever other day, or so.  I have now used all the attachments on my vacuum.  It’s very exciting.  How many people can say that?

*  Unconditional love.  It’s amazing to me how quickly a dog will attach himself/herself to me.  Riggins has always been my companion and there for me through thick and thin making me feel forever loved.  Now that feeling is just multiplied by two, or three, or four …

As I continue to hunt for a job that will pay me enough money to survive and allow me to breath freely, I’m thankful I was able to do this gig, learn so much, and be this happy!

 

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Caged Animals

06 Wednesday Nov 2013

Posted by wendynewell in Uncategorized

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

Asscher, Bee Rock, dogs, Griffith Park, hiking, LA Zoo, news, Old Zoo, Riggins

photo 3 (1)I’ve known the old LA Zoo existed for a long time and knew you could wander around in it but never tried to find it.  That is until this past Monday when I packed up Asscher and Riggins and decided to figure out where this mysterious place was!  Turns out it was pretty easy to find since it is also the location of LA’s Haunted Hay Ride (as well as Shakespeare in the Park) and it was the Monday after Halloween.  Crews were all over the place breaking down the spookiness.

For those that know the park the old zoo is on the East side just above the carousal and Shane’s Inspiration (universally accessible playground).  That is once you walk around the small hill that is in your way.  It’s a quick 5 minute walk from the carousal 2 parking lot or a shorter 2 minute walk from the old zoo parking lot, if you are smart enough to find it.

The entire old zoo is now a super cool picnic area.  There is a big open grassy area and lots of picnic tables and trees.  It has to be the best family picnic location of all time.  There are big animal caves (used in the Anchorman movie) and smaller metal cages a little further up the path.  Behind the caves is an old shed with more cages.  It’s all a little spooky.  The area is supposed to be haunted but I couldn’t figure out by whom or what.  Riggins did try to put on his brakes heading toward the caves and tried to wiggle out of his harness and retreat back.  If I believed in ghosts I would say he was afraid of other worldly beings waiting for him to stumble into their world.  I don’t … so I’m pretty sure he just wanted to stay and snack on all the crap that the Halloween picnickers had left all over the ground.

You can walk around in the caves and many of the cages.  The dogs had fun going in and out so I assume it would be a blast for kids.  Of course the entire place kinda smells like urine.  Not animal urine mind you the human kind.  I’d suggest a hot bath for all when you get home.

photo 1 (2)Now for some history (according to my Google search, so I’m assuming others already verified all this information).  The old zoo was opened in 1912 and shut down in 1965.  Although there were many visitors the zoo had a number of problems.  Built on the wacky Griffith J. Griffith’s ostrich farm it had 15 animals for its grand opening.  There was continuous hubbub about how the cages were too cramped for the animals and made for poor living conditions.  During the war they weren’t allowed to feed the animals beef and were forced to substitute horse meat which caused all sorts of health problems (I suppose that means the zoo is haunted by pissed of animals).  In the 1930’s the park was expanded by work crews from the Work Progress Administrations.  Finally the city passed an $8 million bond measure to create a brand new zoo and the old zoo was closed in 1965.  Animals were moved to the new zoo a few miles up the road.

photo 2 (2)My goal on Monday was to go to the old zoo and then make my way up to Bee Rock.  It is supposed to be a short 2.5 mile hike (round trip) that has a decent amount of elevation but isn’t horrific.  From this area you are supposed to have a great view.  Sadly we went the wrong way and ended up on a little loop back to the parking lot.  I’m not one to give up so we went there again this morning.  Unfortunately we, yet again, went the wrong way.  I’m not great with trail maps and directions.  That makes Griffith Park a great hiking location for me.  I’ve read about people getting lost but I don’t see how.  Just get to a peak, any peak and look around.  You will see some part of LA and just need to head in that direction.  We walked up and up for quite a while (further than the 2.5 miles we were originally going to go) and finally turned around and headed back.  It looks like the trail would have eventually gone around to the front of the park (by the Los Feliz entrance) but we didn’t have that kind of time!

Here is the kicker.  This afternoon a dead body was found at Griffith Park.  The place is enormous (4,310 acres) so there is no way it was found where we were.  WRONG.  IT WAS FOUND RIGHT WHERE WE WERE.  Supposedly hikers stumbled upon the body just above the Old Zoo by Bee Rock.  AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!  I’m telling you it is only a matter of time before Riggins brings me a human hand as a present on one of our hikes.  Imagine if I had figured out the right trail?!?!?!

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Please Send Soap

20 Friday Sep 2013

Posted by wendynewell in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Asscher, dogs, Dragon, hiking, Morgan, Riggins, runyon, smell, soap

image (22)I really wish this was a smell-o-vision blog post.  I really need you to fully understand how badly I stink (or stank, to be more specific).  Last night after Bar Method class (where I sweat like it’s my job) I came home and did some chores.  Finally I drug myself into the shower only to find I was out of body wash.  Kind of a relief really.  I had taken a shower earlier in the day and how clean can a person be?  I did a quick rinse and got ready for bed.  This morning I woke up and put on my hiking gear and headed up Runyon with the dogs.  Looking back I realize I missed the step where you put on deodorant.  When Dragon showed up he immediately peed on me.  I guess he owns me now.  I changed my hiking pants but really just toweled off the pee.  I was going to Runyon where the entire hill smells like dog pee.  I’d fit right in.  After a long and sweaty hike, which included me getting down on my knees in dirt and filth to get pictures of the puppers I headed back to the car.  Instead of immediately heading home to take a shower I went downtown to the Paws/LA headquarters to drop off some donated art for their fundraiser.  When I was finally heading back home it hit me.  I smelled.  Not good.  I smelled BAD.  It was somewhat amazing.  I’m shocked the dogs would even come near me.  Once home I ran in and took a shower using shampoo as body wash.  A girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do.  I rarely use perfume and never do if I’m just at home alone, but I felt it necessary to spray a mist of vanilla scent on before getting dressed again.  Whooo weeeee.  Smeeeellly.

Since I can’t take pictures of my smell and technology has yet to allow me to send a horrific scent to you via blog post you will have to settle of adorable pictures of the dogs from this week.  Enjoy!  Pictured:  Riggins (you know him), Asscher (golden retriever), Morgan (poodle), and Dragon (schnauzer)

image (23) image (24) image (25) image (26)

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I Get Knocked Down …

10 Tuesday Sep 2013

Posted by wendynewell in Uncategorized

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Asscher, dogs, dogsitting, hiking, Riggins

You guys … I’m a clutz.  It’s pretty shocking that I (knock on wood) haven’t caused myself serious injury.  Although I did give myself a concussion that one time.  That was pretty bad.  Other than that none of my bumps and falls have caused me to have to go to the emergency room.  I think I just go “rag doll” when I start to lose my balance and just drop.  That must save me from getting really hurt.  I’m in no way a hero.   I don’t teeter around and eventually stand back up right with a heavy sigh.  Nope.  I falter and DROP.  Sometimes for no reason at all.

image (12)Yesterday while hiking with the dogs I had them both off leash as we crisscrossed over a stream (pretty dried up stream due to the hell like weather we have been having).  It takes everything I’ve got to stay upright jumping from rock to rock.  Hanging on to dog leashes makes it nearly impossible.  Plus it is safer for both the dogs and me to just take care of ourselves.  Because they are off leash I try to be very conscious of the other hikers as some, gasp, are afraid of dogs.  Heading back from our hike to the waterfall I saw a guy coming toward us.  At first he seemed cool and Asscher (golden retriever) bounced right by him.  Then the dude saw Riggins and FROZE.  People are often afraid of Riggins.  It’s understandable.  He is scary black with big teeth.  His face has actually gotten more angular with age so his head almost has a Doberman look to him when his ears are sticking up.  Add the fact that part of one of his ears has been bitten off and you have got a mean looking dog on your hands.  Now you and I know Riggins is a lover not a fighter but if you don’t know that I can see how you would be hesitant.  To make matters worse Riggins is VERY sensitive to others around him so if you are afraid, he is afraid, and that makes him growl, and that makes him scarier!  I grabbed Riggins and was pushing him to my side so I could hold him away from the guy as he passed us.  I was about to say I had him and the guy was fine to pass when I went down mid-sentence.  I had been standing on a rock and just lost my footing.  I fell full butt on the rock I was standing on and then slid down to the ground.  It wasn’t a big rock but big enough for a little slide to make my fall even more dramatic.  The poor hiker had to get over his Riggins fear to run over and help me up.  I thought that was pretty nice of him.  I’ve fallen in my neighborhood with Riggins at my side and everyone just stared at me.

If you are counting, and why wouldn’t you be, that is the second time in less than a week that I’ve fallen down and someone had to come to my rescue.  Sigh.

photo (9)I have a real nice bruise on my butt.  I wanted to show you a picture but honestly it doesn’t look bad enough.  Considering the pain I’m in my entire right cheek should be black and blue.  I did text the pic to a few people to get sympathy, so if you got the butt pic consider yourself a good friend!  I had to tell my Bar Method teacher I bruised my bum before class today so she would understand if I did some modifications to the moves.  Embarrassing!

My left butt cheek is permanently misshapen due to a fall during a hike years ago.  It is oddly pointy.  People say that isn’t true but to those people I suggest they aren’t looking closely enough at my butt.  I was kinda hoping this fall would smush it back into place.  No such luck.  Maybe next time.  And we all know there will be a next time!

(Since I’m not sharing a butt picture I’m posting cutie pictures of Riggins and Asscher over our last two days of adventures.)

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Los Angeles Dog Hikes

26 Monday Aug 2013

Posted by wendynewell in Uncategorized

≈ 6 Comments

Tags

dogs, Eaton Canyon, Echo Mountain, Elysian Park, Griffith Park, Hahamonga Watershed Park, hiking, Riggins, Rose Bowl, Runyon Canyon

Riggins look over the spine at Runyon

Riggins look over the spine at Runyon

Happy National Dog Day!  On such a wonderful holiday I thought I’d give you the lowdown on the different hikes the dogs and I enjoy in Los Angeles.

General Hiking Rules of the Road –

  • There is only one hike in the area that allows dogs off leash and that is Runyon.  In all others it is illegal to keep your dog off leash.  Do as I say not as I do.  You know my theory on off leash hiking.  To simplify my thoughts, “I like it.”  Generally dogs are better behaved off leash and can take their time sniffing and having fun.  I especially like it for Riggins since he can run from shady spot to shady spot and hang out there until I catch up.  Of course, if your dog isn’t use to hiking or doesn’t have a rattlesnake vaccination (during season). or is prone to foxtails (during season), or is aggressive to dogs/human on/or off leash then keep your puppers tethered to you.  If you want your dog to learn to be a better hiker than I suggest going with friends with dogs.  Dogs in packs tend to look out for each other and will help keep the novices in-line.
  • Hike with a friend.  This is especially true for any path that may not be that populated.
  • It may be the Girl Scout in me but I like hikes where the folks on it say “hi” or “good morning.”  Almost everyone I say “hi” to and smile at returns the gesture.  This is true for all hikes except Runyon.  Runyon is a Hollywood gathering and you can expect minimal hiking niceties.  A smile and kind words also tends to disarm folks that may be judging me for allowing Riggins off leash.
  • Just like in a car those going up hill have the right of way.
  • Always bring water.  Even if you are expecting a short hike that has water available.
Lousy and Lordy take a time out in the shade at Runyon

Lousy and Lordy take a time out in the shade at Runyon

#1 – Runyon Canyon.  This is every dogs favorite.  It has been described as Disneyland for dogs.  There are three main paths (although one is technically private property).  The paved road (in the middle), the stairs (to the east) and the spine (to the west).  Riggins and I tend to go down the paved road and up the spine.

Good things:

  • Legally your dog can be off leash in the marked areas.  That ends up being most of the paved road and the stairs.
  • Lots of people so you don’t need to bring a friend to remain safe.
  • Lots of dogs which is always fun.

    Snowbell runs down a hill at Runyon

    Snowbell runs down a hill at Runyon

  • Multiple path options allows you to make the hike hard, really hard, are crazy hard, depending on what kind of work out you are looking for.

Bad things:

  • Not the nicest fellow hikers.
  • Parking can suck.  Go early.
  • No bathrooms.  Admittedly I’ve ducked behind a bush more than once.

Dog friendly:  Super dog friendly since it is a dog park.  You will see a few dogs off leash on the private road and most dogs off leash on the spine even though both of these areas are technically on leash.

Lousy leaps for joy at Runyon

Lousy leaps for joy at Runyon

Keep alert if you buck the system as rangers do ticket here.

#2 – Elysian Park.  Despite what I wrote in my post about this area it has become one of my personal favorites.  Just stay on the “nice loop.”  It’s not difficult and is almost more of a “walk” than a “hike.” My suggestion is to park at the Grace E. Simmons Lodge parking area (there will be signs directing you there).  Once parked you will see a street that is blocked off above where you parked.  Take that to the trail head (or at least one of the trail heads).  Once on the trail just go left at any fork in the road.  You will end up down at the street you took to get to the Lodge.  From there it is a short walk on the road to your car.

Good Things:

  • Near the 1/2 point there is an oasis that includes water for the dogs.
  • Bathrooms can be found in the park at the beginning and end of your hike.
  • Lots of trash cans along the path so you don’t have to carry that dog poop long.
  • Great views of the Echo Park, Glendale, Burbank, etc.
  • There are a number of smaller paths that connect to the main path making it easy to cut your walk short if need be.

Bad Things:

  • Traffic.  During Dodger games or morning commute it will be a pain to get to the hike.

Dog friendly:  Very.  There are lots of dogs and most will be off leash.

#3 – Griffith Park.  There are lots of hikes in Griffith Park but my favorite is the one tha

Riggins, Bear, and Jax look out toward the Hollywood sign at the observatory

Riggins, Bear, and Jax look out toward the Hollywood sign at the observatory

t goes from Fern Dell to the observatory.  Park near the Trails cafe and walk past the kid’s playground.  There you will find two paths.  Take either.  They go the same place.  The one to the right is a tiny bit shorter and a tiny bit easier.

The Good:  

  • It’s just fun to end up at the Observatory!
  • There are bathrooms at the top and bottom.  You can also refill water for you/dogs at the top.
  • If you want to extend your hike just walk to the back of the parking lot and you have access to miles and miles of more trails.

    Shug makes her way up the path to the observatory in Griffith Park.

    Shug makes her way up the path to the observatory in Griffith Park.

  • If you want to take pretty pictures then pass up your car on the way back and take the little Fern Dell walk by the stream.

The Bad:

  • Be cautious if you allow your dog off leash.  I can admit those that it makes unhappy are technically in the right.  I put Riggins walking leash on that has a short “leash” attached to it so I can easily grab him if I come across a pack of kids or others that are fearful of dogs.
  • The observatory can get crowded during certain parts of the day.  I suggest going early before it opens to the public so you can wander around at the top with less trouble navigating around folks.

    Riggins and Kona pose in front of the Observatory.

    Riggins and Kona pose in front of the Observatory.

  • If you throw caution to the wind and let your dog off leash remember to put him/her back on before you get to the top and/or the bottom.  Both are very public areas and full of children and cars.
  • Depending on the time of day you will either have a good amount of shade from the surrounding mountains or none.  Be prepared for it to be sunny and hot.

#4 – Hahamonga Watershed Park – Sweet little park that, per it’s website, is the home

Asscher takes a breather near the soccer fields at Hahamongna Watershed Park.

Asscher takes a breather near the soccer fields at Hahamongna Watershed Park.

to 22 miles of hiking trials.  I’ve done *maybe* 6.  Pick a path and go.  I assume you can get to the Rose Bowl from here I just haven’t figured it out.

The Good:  

  • It’s kinda cool to walk past JPL.
  • Lots of open space and a number of trails.
  • Super easy and lots of parking.

The Bad:

  • There are horses here.  If your dog, like Riggins, think horses are the devils ride, then keep your eyes open.
  • This is a disc golf field.  There are lots of folks playing frisbee … very seriously.  I suggest
    Dexter and Riggins ham it up for the camera at Hahamongna Watershed Park.

    Dexter and Riggins ham it up for the camera at Hahamongna Watershed Park.

    keeping out of their way.

Dog friendly: Yes.  Although, like all the hikes, keep your eyes open for rattlesnakes.  Most dogs will be off leash.

#5 – (Beyond the) Rose Bowl Loop – I usually skip the Rose Bowl part of the Rose Bowl loop and instead take the dogs to the path that starts above the Bowl and goes around the golf course.  It’s not hard to find.  While most folks loop back around the Rose Bowl head the other way and you will come upon a more secluded path.

The Good:  

  • It’s an easy hike.

    Dragon and Riggins hang out on the trail beyond the Rose Bowl loop.

    Dragon and Riggins hang out on the trail beyond the Rose Bowl loop.

The Bad:

  • Heads up as it is possible that a stray golf ball will come flying towards you.

Dog friendly: Yes.  Some dogs will be off leash.  This is one that I actually keep Riggins on leash the entire time.

#6 – Echo Mountain – Park at the top of Lake (in Pasadena) and take the path up to the ruins of the Mount Lowe Railroad and Echo Mountain Resort.  If you want to go crazy you can continue on to Inspiration Point.

Riggins among the ruins on Echo Mountain.

Riggins among the ruins on Echo Mountain.

The Good:

  • The historical part of this hike is really fun.

The Bad:

  • Make no mistake you are hiking “up” a mountain.  It’s not a difficult path but it is up!

Dog friendly:  Yes.  Some dogs will be off leash.

#7 – Eaton Canyon.  A popular and fun hike that ends at a waterfall.  A bit of a surprise for the Southern Californian!  You can park at the

nature center area or skip some of the hike by driving up the street and parking near the second entrance.

Clover loves the waterfall at Eaton Canyon.

Clover loves the waterfall at Eaton Canyon.

The Good:

  • Water is always fun.  It also gives you a nice place to get your toes wet before heading back.  I also force the dogs to get wet so that the hike back isn’t so hot for them.

The Bad:

  • In summer expect lots of crowds.  This spot becomes a public wading pool.
  • The beginning/end is full of people and can be hot and sticky.
  • 1/2 the path zig zags back and forth over the stream.  It becomes a bit of a balancing act.  I am always more pooped than I think I should be
    Chloe dives in at Eaton Canyon.

    Chloe dives in at Eaton Canyon.

    after this walk.  I assume it is the extra core workout from trying to keep from falling into the water!

Dog friendly: Yes but keep in mind that there are a lot of people.  A few dogs will be off leash but not many.  I suggest going early to try to miss the crowds.  I tend to keep Riggins on leash until we get to the water and rocks and then let him free.  I have a much better chance of keeping up right if he isn’t pulling me along!

There you go!  The 411 on the paths near LA that we frequent.  If you see me say hi!

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Hiking in Runyon Canyon – Guest Blog

05 Monday Aug 2013

Posted by wendynewell in Uncategorized

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Bear, dogs, hiking, Jax, Riggins, Robyn, runyon

A few weeks ago my good friend Robyn was visiting from Kansas where she lives with her husband and darling kitty.  During her vacation she wanted to hike Runyon.  Riggins, who loves to be the center of attention with any human, was happy to meet up with Robyn to play tour guide.  Once home Robyn blogged about her doggie hiking adventure and was nice enough to let me re-post it here on WendyandRiggins.com for you to enjoy (head on over to her blog to read more about her and he adventures).  Take it away Robyn!

Hiking in Runyon Canyon

One of the things I really wanted to do on this trip was hike in the amazing hills Southern California has. but which ones? I thought about Turnbull Canyon in my hometown and Griffith Park, but finally decided on Runyon Canyon above Hollywood.I learned about Runyon Canyon from my friend, Wendy. She hikes it regularly with her dog and posts about it on Facebook and her blog. I looked it up online and it sounded like a great hike. I let her know that I was thinking of hiking there on Friday and we made plans to meet.

Now, let me tell you about Wendy. I have known her since I was in 4th grade and she was in 5th. Her sister was in my class. So we went to the same elementary school. When I was in 7th grade and she was in 8th we went to the same junior high. We went to the same high school and I was in Drama class with her for 1 semester (she is a fantastic actress). Then, believe it or not, we went to the same college!!!!!! So I have gone to school with her all the way from elementary through college!!! I reconnected with her on Facebook.

OK, back to the hike!

We met at the top of the trail off of Mulholland.

She had her awesome dog, Riggins, and 2 guests..Bear and Jax. I loved that we did this hike with the dogs!! Runyon Canyon is dog friendly and for most of it the dogs are allowed to be off leash. I had the honor of walking Riggins when he had to be on leash 🙂

Since we started at the top we went downhill (obviously!). The views were spectacular

We went down the easy trail which is wide and gently sloping. You can see the dogs in these pictures, too.

Down there is the foundation of a home that used to sit in the canyon. I believe the owners gave this land for hiking.

A foggy view of Park La Brea. A housing community in Hollywood

Up above is the hardest trail

And the beginning of it

Wendy gave me a choice of which trail to take back up. I did not choose the most difficult. Now Wendy could and and has done that one, but for me it was a little too advanced! My other choices were the one we had just come down which is the longest or a shorter, but steeper hike. I chose the steeper one.

At the bottom, heading up

Century City?

Hollywood and beyond

On the medium trail, looking across to the easy trail and above is the hard one

Oh, and here is what I am hiking

What was I thinking???? LOL. I needed a break. (with the fabulous Riggins!!)

Great view of the Hollywood sign

Look how far we’ve come!!!!

Maybe I am ready for this one???

Maybe not lol.

Hollywood sign again

We made it to the top!!! Wendy said I did really well and I was very proud of myself. It was tough!! But it will make hiking the Kansas Flinthills a breeze lol

there was a home up here and they had this beautiful bougainvillea

Here I am with Jax, Riggings, and Bear

And the fabulous Wendy!!!

More homes in the hills

And a tour bus!!!

2 days later I took these pictures from the parking garage at the Grove. Just to give another perspective. We hiked the trail on the right!

If you ever get a chance to hike in Runyon Canyon I highly recommend it!!

Robyn’s bio (from her blog) – What can I say about me? Well… I am very random and quirky. I live in Kansas, am married to a sexy biker dude who works for Foot Locker and am mom to a crazy cat. I am a runner and vegetarian and I watch entirely too much Reality TV. I am also a Mormon, explorer, crafter, drama queen, native Californian and Spoiled Brat.

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Happy Weekend

07 Friday Jun 2013

Posted by wendynewell in Riggins

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Tags

dogs, hiking, Riggins

Schools are out (or almost out) and summer is here! Wishing you a sun filled weekend.

20130607-175639.jpg

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