Smokey LA Skyline

Pasadena, CA -- Spring fever overtook us all as a dry, balmy wind blew through our group and into the valley. This is our weekly Happy Hour hiking group in the foreground. Behind us are the buildings of downtown Los Angeles which, are under a shroud of smoke from the Santa Barbara fire.

On Top of LA

Eighteen of us "Happy Hour Hikers" meet tonight atop Echo Mountain for our weekly Wednesday night hike. With a 3/4 moon and LA's bright lights illuminating the trail, we hardly needed flashlights. Two falling star sightings, great friends, food and drink made for a great start of 2009.

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?

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!

On Top of LA

Friends gather, sharing wine and snacks on the foundation of an old hotel overlooking all of Los Angeles. I love Southern California!