USA – Hiking in the LA National Forest – 23rd August

Joe kindly offered to take us walking in the LA National Forest for the day, so after breakfast we packed some day-packs and headed north for an hour in the car. After the forest fires a couple of years ago the landscape is rejuvenating itself, however the scars from the intensity of the fire are still very apparent.

We parked the car and set off for a four/five hour hike along part of the Pacific Crest Trail; with plenty of water, lunch, snacks, sun-screen and hats we headed off along the trails. It was around 95F with low humidity and a slight breeze so it was ok for walking, nice to find some shade every so often though as we were at 5000ft.

Heading back after the hike we stopped for an ice cold drink in a roadside cafe. Joe drove us up to Mount Wilson Observatory (6000ft) for some great, smoggy views of LA and the surrounding area, as well as a little tour of the telescopes.

Upon returning to Jill and Joe’s we jumped in the pool to cool down and then our lovely hosts put on the BBQ and a fine spread. Tomorrow we pack our bags once again and fly to Seattle for some Washington State action, in preparation for our trip into Canada.

(Leica M9, Summicron-M 50mm f/2.0, Leica 90mm f/2.8, Zeiss 18mm f/4 ZM processed in Lightroom 3)

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