"Plane Chicken"

Not everyday you see a Boeing 7-series sharing the road with you.

Halloween Party on Echo Mtn.

The Happy Hour Hiking group had over 30 people show up Wednesday night. The theme: Halloween. Some hiked the three miles up with costumes while others arrived with special lights and assorted party favors. All in all, our weekly meetup (meetup.com) was another success.

Tonight marked our 30th hike to Echo Mountain overlooking Pasadena and most of Los Angeles. As daylight savings kicks in next week, we still plan on meeting at our usual time and beginning our hike in the dark. We will see how long that lasts....

Good Dogs

Walking by the truck, I noticed two goldens looking at me; I couldn't resist. I went back to my car, grabbed the camera and my "models" both posed like pros.

Bad days can easily turn to joy just after a simple canine stare through the back of a pickup truck. One of God's great gifts and man's best friends.

Old Town Alley

Pasadena--Weather permitting, I like to ride into Old Town and explore. This time I was on the hunt for Pasadena's alley ways. I think there could be an entire blog on the subject. I know I could fill a few pages of photos but I try (though not always successful) to limit my daily entry to one.

Many of the alleys have a plaque on the entrance of each building providing pedestrians a brief history behind the historic passageway. One advantage to riding a Vespa is that sometimes I can find creative places to park, saving a few quarters.

A Taste of Autumn

I just returned from four days in Mammoth Lakes, California. I know..., it's a stretch to call the Eastern Sierra a part of Los Angeles, but Angelinos do consider Mammoth Mountain "LA's Playground."
The Fall colors were nearly at their peak in Bishop, CA, about 45 minutes south of Mammoth along Highway 395.

Honoring Our Vets

Burbank is the real Hollywood. Anyone who lives in the area knows that most of the studios are in the "Beautiful city of Burbank" as the TV game show hosts say. Burbank is also the home to the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena-Bob Hope Airport; no kidding!

From time to time, the airport hosts fly-ins of World War II planes and their pilots. There are not too many original pilots around anymore. The WWII veterans that are sure love to tell their stories! This was the third time hearing this gentleman's tales of war, and I don't get tired of listening, nor does Jay.

The interview can be seen at: JayLenosGarage.com

Pearblossom Highway

Valyermo, CA--As much as I champion Pasadena and all it's diversity, sometimes I drive up and over our mountains and wander the Pearblossom Highway through Vayermo. With gas prices down, the two-hour tour into LA's high desert no longer costs a day's wages.

By Googling Pearblossom Hwy, you can catch a glimpse of this scenic highway and all the quirky towns. My favorite time to visit is in the late afternoon when long shadows sweep across the desert floor and every abandond shack looks like a subject out of National Geographic.

Old Pasadena in the 80s

Colorado Blvd & Fair Oaks in 1986. I took this shot after learning the master plan for renovating downtown Pasadena was going forward. This part of town was borderline safe during the day and a no-walk-zone at night.

Climbing the Hills Over Pasadena

The Happy Hour Backpacking Group had an exceptionally clear night. Our weekly Wednesday night hike began at 6:00 at the top of Lake Avenue, and festivities began at 7:00 on top of Echo Mountain. The views overlooking Pasadena and Los Angeles were incredible. We had about 25 hikers, good wine, dozens of assorted appetizers and warm air in October.

Anyone want to join us next time?

Blue Sled

While driving east on Del Mar, I saw a 1962 Cadillac Coupe DeVille drive up along side of me. We were on the bridge over the freeway when I noticed a pretty girl behind the wheel. So I had to get a picture. I grabbed the Nikon, rolled down my window and yelled, "Smile!" She was a good sport.

Room With a View

Raymond Ave, Pasadena--Taken at the "magic hour" (90 minutes before sunrise, or 90 minutes after sunset), a man looks out from his balcony onto Memorial Park. I guess they call this the "dog days of summer?" Although, lately Pasadena/LA has seen some beautiful, warm evenings, I think I'm ready for Autumn.

Here is a little touch of Fall. This shot taken at the same place (in an empty swimming pool) as my new profile picture.

Overhead View of Old Pasadena

During one of my flights, I had my buddy take a few low res shots of Pasadena from 1,500 feet.

Simple Luxuries

San Marino--Yesterday, I took over 350 photos; many of which were quite usable. I captured emotion in smiles and in frustration. Some pics display action, labor and skill while others were shots of very expensive things.

But I chose this photo because sometimes we forget how good we really have it.

Desoto at Pink Motel

Sun Valley--The Pink Motel is a shooting location along the San Fernando Road. I stopped off to get a few shots and learned that motel and cafe', "Cadillac Jacks," are only props.

Nonverbal Debate

While driving, I noticed a mechanic working on a truck. I stopped, took a few shots, chuckled and before I could put the camera down, by golly, another photo opp! Next door, a second gentleman is working on a project in the same compromising position.

There is not much more to say about these photos other than each building suggests, or represents a certain political party.

The Gold Line

Pasadena--Allen Station is my usual starting point. From home, it's a seven to ten-minute walk to the Gold Line platform; including the time it takes to slip a five into the ticket machine. From Allen Station, destinations are plenty. Union Station in L.A. is a favorite as well as China Town and Olvera Street. However, part of the enjoyment of taking the light rail is the scenery along the way, especially passing through South Pasadena.

There was a time that I used to ride the same right of way through Pasadena back in the late 70s and early 80s. My buddies and I used to hop the freight train at Glenarm and jump off at Colorado. Despite the grease stains on our corduroys and prospects of getting caught by Santa Fe, the adventure was well worth it.

Vincent Thomas Bridge

San Pedro--Vincent Thomas Bridge in the LA Harbor under repair.

Red Hat Ladies

I've seem them before..., but have never asked. There were dozens of red hat-wearing ladies walking the grounds of the Huntington Gardens in San Marino. They are members of the Red Hat Society.

I caught up to the crowd of enthusiastic women at the Cafe'. I pulled out my camera and asked if I could sneak in a shot or two. They all fixed their hats, made a few adjustments and smiled between laughs.

Meet George Jetson

Downtown on a clear, windy day. It's the kind of neighborhood I think the Jetson's might enjoy.

Beautiful Sierra Madre

Nestled against the San Gabriel Mountains, the eclectic town of Sierra Madre is one of LA's more charming hamlets. The homes are relatively modest in size and are typically built in the late 1800s through the early 20th century. Among the styles built are cottages, craftsman and cabin-like lodges. Although some of the homes are quite palatial with massive lots, like the home pictured below, Sierra Madre is mostly known for it simple, small town charm.

Pasadena, Los Angeles, Palos Verdes & Beyond

From the Sam Merrill Trail in Altadena, on a clear evening, one can see for 100 miles.

Crown City Dome

Tonight, on my way back from visiting friends in Torrance, I decided to stop by Pasadena City Hall. The air was cold, windy and clear. As I parked the car, I noticed three other photographers shooting City Hall as well. What a beautiful view of our city's icon.

Traffic

Since gas prices began soaring, I've noticed a little less traffic. Now that the cost for a fill-up is dropping...

Tijuana

Not far from the wealth of LA County reeks the poverty of TJ, only 2-1/2 hours south of Los Angeles. Yet, just as there is a stark contrast in living environment, many of the people are noticeably warmer, more hospitable and happier.

Green Transportation

Downtown LA -- Anyone know what this bike runs on? Must be electric. In any even, it looks interesting.

Vintage Cars

Proper Disposal of a TV

Ever wonder how to get rid of an old TV in Pasadena? Set it on the front lawn at 8:00 a.m. and by 10:00 a.m. it's in the hands of a new owner.

Downtown Graffiti

Downtown LA -- Most of the time, when I see graffiti, it makes me angry. Sometimes, as in this case, it could help the value of a building.

Alone on the Bench

High School Football

Maranatha High varsity game in Pasadena. Costs only five bucks to get in but it's worth $50. Sitting in the stands, listening to the families and the seven-piece band is like a taste of Mayberry.

Happy Hour at 3,000 Feet

Most Wednesdays I join of a group of anywhere from 15 to 30 adventurers for a 3-mile hike up the Sam Merrell Trail in Altadena to the top of Echo Mountain.

Our destination is the cement foundation of a 100-year-old hotel that burned down in the early 1900s. The top overlooks all of the San Gabriel Valley and most of Los Angeles--sometimes 75-miles out to Catalina Island. The views at night are spectacular.

We are called the "Happy Hour Backpackers" group and always welcome new adventurers to our clan. Check us out!