Weekend # 3 - Hello Hollywood Sign!

Before, I start typing about my adventure this weekend, I wanted to tell you something that I think is really cool about living here:  Most movies are filmed here and it is really surreal when you can recognize things.  I watched "Valentines Day" the other night on HBO and I started noticing all these places in the film that are near me.  At the end of the film, when Eric Dane, Jessica Biel and Jamie Fox are up on the building overlooking the marina, that is my neighborhood!!!  They were on the roof top of the "Disco" Marriott which is right around the corner from my place. It is just funny that I can actually give directions to my place by pointing out scenes in a movie.

Moving on...

As all of my weekends begin, this was no different.  I was exhausted from the work week and I was not up for doing anything on Friday night.  I had the weekend completely free until the 11th hour when my tennis captain called me and said she needed me to play.  With a 2:00 warm-up and the match starting at 3:00, I knew my Saturday was going to be a loss with trying a new adventure.  Well, this match was the worst! Score: 7-5, 3-6, 6-7 (tie-break 11-13)! UGHHH!

So, on to the adventure.  Since, I am keen on losing some weight, I decided that most of my upcoming explorations will focus on the physical activities that LA has to offer.  With a suggestion from Cinci Jen, I decided to hike up to the HOLLYWOOD sign. Getting to the base was easy. There were many helpful tips and recommendations on-line.  They said it was a strenuous hike.  I was sure that it would be very easy. 

It wasn't. 

It is well worth it and anyone can do it, but it is UPHILL all the way for a VERY VERY VERY long time.

Here is the excursion:

We start out with a cool cactus plant as I am doing the diversion route to a VERY famous Hollywood Cave before starting the climb to the sign.

Duna-nunu-duna-nunu.................Batman!!!
So, from there the hike begins, It takes me about 1 1/2 hours to reach the summit.  I was going slow and stopping for pictures. You can do it in much shorter time (that is if you haven't done Jillian's workout right before you started this adventure).  Pictures of the ascent...

There it is... It is kind of like Vegas - it appears much closer than it actually is....

Horses coming down the mountain.  Very pretty - but the poop is very stinky!

Smoggy view of the City - We are not even 1/2 up yet.

 More horses - but at least I am ahead of them now!

Getting close!!!  Issue is you have to hike all the way around the backside of the mountain to get closest to the sign.  So, I still have a very uphill climb from here.

View away from the city.  Very pretty.

The first glimpse of the sign from her backside!  This fence lets you know you have made it.

HOL - Holla!

The most I could get in from my vantage point.

The WOOD part.

It took about 45 minutes to make it down. It was a nice easy trek after the ascent.  I felt great for doing it!!

Tips if you are going to make the hike:
1) Look online -there are two trails. I took the harder one.  There are some turns you have to take -so make note of when to go left and when to go right.
2) Water - I ran out at the end.  Bring more than enough!
3) It was in the mid to high 70's on my day.  Any hotter would be BRUTAL!
4) Do not do Jillian's workout before you go! - Thks, Renee! :(
5) Reebok EasyTone Shoes - NOT the best Choice!

Well, that is it for this weekend.  BUT...this week is busy.  Monday on MLK Day - I will be taking customers to the Lakers game.  Tuesday, I leave for VEGAS for the World of Concrete!  I wanted to drive there but with the customer event the night before, I couldn't make it happen.  I should have some free-time on Friday in Vegas, so I am looking to see the Hoover Dam.  And, I think there is some new bridge that was built that is supposed to be amazing. I will try to check that out.

Look for my Vegas pix in my next posting.

Upcoming event - Train to Santa Barbara - Jan 30th!