Ferndell Trail- Griffith Park

I love hiking. It’s free, can be as easy or hard as you make it, and you can get great pictures out of it!

My favorite place to hike is at Griffith Park’s Ferndell Trail.  Ferndell is a part of Griffith Park and can be found off of Los Feliz Blvd. The reason I like this trail is because it is very diverse. It starts off pretty narrow in a lush area with a stream and a few bridges. This area is full of ferns (hence, the name Ferndell!) and is so cute and charming. It then winds around and opens up to a large dry area where you can really pick up the pace and start your hike.

The great thing about Ferndell is that you can hike all the way up to the Griffith Observatory.  This part of the walk can get a bit steep, especially if you are tired. Many people turn around before they get to the Observatory so if you want to walk up to it, be prepared. Once I make my way up, I like to get lunch in the Observatory’s cafe, named The Cafe at the End of the World and sit outside to enjoy the view. The cafe is a Wolfgang Puck cafe and has yummy salads, sandwiches, and soups.

Do you see the Hollywood sign off in the distance?

If you don’t feel like eating at the Observatory you can eat at the Trails Cafe closer to the entrance of the trail.

I like to carry a little bag/backpack with me so I can have a water, some snacks, a small towel, cell phone, and of course a camera with me! A good portion of the trail is unshaded so bring a hat and some sunscreen. There is a bathroom at the beginning of the trail but I don’t think there are any other ones along the trail! If you gotta go, you’re going to have to hold it until the Observatory!

Also, as with any nature hike, you may run into wild animals on your hike. I have seen skunks, lizards, and coyotes on this trail.

Trapeze School? YES!

Excitement, fear, and nervousness all rolled into one! As I climbed the ladder heading up to the trapeze I thought to myself- why again am I doing this? Then I remembered. This was to fulfill my childhood fantasy of joining the circus and being a performer! Hanging upside down on the monkey bars was not all in vain!

                                     Can you tell how excited I am?

I registered online for the NY Trapeze School which is on the Santa Monica Pier.  After paying $57 (and a one time $22 registration fee) I was all set and ready to go. I registered for the flying trapeze beginners class and was one of ten people in the class. The class is only two hours long but that was plenty! My hands, shoulders, and back all got sore. Even if I could have flown more I don’t think I would have wanted to.  In addition to waiting in line for my turn, it takes a while to get harnessed and secure. The staff has it all down to a science and they kept the line organized and moving. I think I flew only 5 times but that was good enough for me!

                                  Heading up that dreadful ladder.

You have to tuck your legs in quickly!

My friend and I took turns taking pictures of each other but the photographer they have got even better shots! Their staff member can get in places you cannot- like laying on the net below snapping shots of every flight.

Keep those toes pointed!

Thank goodness for that net!

Besides solo flights, most of the group (including me!) were able to advance to a catch and release trick with one of the trainers. If you were not cutting it on the basic flying techniques you were not allowed to do the catch and release. I was able to fly two more times and got the timing down so I was caught both times by the trainer! Being caught basically means your timing is spot on and you and your trainer meet up at the exact same time to link arms and fly together! If your timing is off it won’t work! If you listen to what the instructors on the ground are saying to you, you should be fine.

Can you see the instructor on the left side waiting for me?

Swinging back and tucking my legs!

Perfect timing!

Flying together!

This mis-adventure was definately one of my more pricier adventures but it was well worth it. My registration fee also went to good use because I went back two other times and took a trampoline and lyra (aerial ring) class. I highly recommend everyone flying through the air on a trapeze at least once in your life!

I must say this is by far one of the most exciting and exhilarating things I have ever done. Barnum and Bailey’s Circus- eat your heart out!

Hello world!

It’s pretty simple. Life is short. There is a ton to do. Let’s start now.

I have always been active and healthy. I like the gym, go to classes, and have even made friends there. BUT, it’s the activities or mis-adventures if you will that keep me going. I am spontaneous and willing to try anything at least once; That coupled with the fact that the Internet makes it so easy to find new and exciting things to do makes it all the more easier for me.

No matter where you live, or where you are on the “adventure-meter” of life I encourage you to get to out there and try something new. You will get to see parts of your city you didn’t even know existed, make new friends, stay active, and most importantly learn something new about yourself.

Go on…what are you waiting for?