A Sunday Drive

Pasadena is nestled up against the San Gabriel Mountains, and for the past 2 years we have lived here, Brant has had a yearning to drive up and do some exploring.  Let me be clear from the beginning, because most of my faithful readers hail from the Pacific Northwest.  No, these are not "mountains" in comparison to the Cascade Range, but rather, really grand hills.  However, I have come to terms with the fact that the map indeed has them labeled as mountains, even though they really are not enormous like the mountains I know.  I digress.

Anyway, a few weeks ago, we packed a picnic lunch and made a trip up the Angeles Crest Highway, which starts about 9 miles away from our front door.  We had a wonderful time exploring the backside of these "mountains," which to our delight, truly opened up to a full mountain range that stretched out into the horizon.  We made several stops, including our picnic stop at the bottom of a valley, providing us shade, a little trail to walk along and a creek to enjoy.  The conclusion of our drive brought us to the summit of Mt. Wilson, where all of the radio towers are located, alongside an observatory.  In typical LA fashion, the smog had made its usual appearance that afternoon, limiting what could have been the most spectacular view ever, stretching all the way out to the ocean.  It just means we will have to do it again on a clear day.  Bummer. :)

Ready for lunch, but not before a picture!

Green trees do exist in California!! :)

Happy picnicking!

Someone just woke up from his nap, but was still happy to be with us on a picnic.

Beauty exploring the great outdoors.

Sweetness.

Self-family portrait. :)

Right after this picture was taken, Maddie managed to get her foot wet in the creek.  Fancy that.  Should have seen that coming - I mean, just look at her face!

Hooray for our special day!

 

Pretty up there, isn't it?

That's Pasadena down there, and the 210 Freeway, which is right by our apartment.  Crazy!

Young LA love. :)

Little cutie-pie, so happy to be on top of a really high mountain!

Somebody lives near Hollywood...

She's got personality, that's for sure!

 I love her!

Part of the highway we traveled on.  Definitely a beautiful, fun adventure!