Climbing Los Angeles One Step at a Time

Monday, February 7, 2011

Walk #21: Silver Lake Terraces West

Distance: 2.5 miles
Steps: 190
Difficulty: 2.5
"This is a fairly easy walk on the western-facing slopes of Silver Lake's Hyperion gulch, crisscrossing a series of "terrace" streets dotted with architectural delights. It doesn't have a lot of steps, but it's a bracing short stroll." Taken from Secret Stairs by Charles Fleming.

From left: Enrique, Charles, Michael, his wife Lalanya, their daughter Geneva, and Michael's brother (Mark).


Although this walk marked the 34th of 42 walks in the book there are only SIX walks left as I'm a bit behind on the posts. So, if you are considering joining us and being part of this blog no more excuses!! When we did this walk I thought it might rain later in the day but it poured halfway through and there was no turning back. As the US Postal Service slogan says, "neither rain, nor sleet, nor gloom of night..", nothing could keep these stair walkers from their appointed rounds.

Mark has joined us for the past several walks and actually walked to this walk. He was accompanied by his brother Michael, his wife Lalanya, and their beautiful little precious daughter Geneva who also walked to the meeting point. She wins the title as the youngest participant and she was quite the trooper. By the end of the walk it was really coming down and not a peep from her! We began this walk on Hyperion Boulevard and Tracy Street (landmarks are Baller Hadware and Tomato Pie Pizza).

'The Boat' - Beck recorded here. Originally home to the Haven of Rest radio ministry.

Our first stairway at Griffith Park Drive and Tracy Street - an easy 23 steps.

Silver Lake is one of my favorite LA neighborhoods and I'd live here in a heartbeat. As you'll notice in many previous posts, we like this area! What stood out for me on this one was the diversity of the hosues and the way they seemed to blend harmoniously. Whether, mid-Century, Colonial, Mediterranean or modern, it worked.

I love gates- makes me wonder what's behind them.



So East coast and simple - love this style.

Our 2nd stairway- 8 steps, a long walkway and then 43 more.

The Tierman house, dates to 1940 and one of several local ones designed by Gregory Ain.

Mother and daughter.

This is sooo LA. 1950s?




As I said earlier, I really enjoyed the various styles blending together into an attractive, eclectic neighborhood.
93 steps heading down; my fave.

Don'tcha just love this intersection?


I so could live here. So simple and elegant.





By the time the picture above (showing our last staircase) was taken, it was coming down like nobody's business.

Me, with proof that it really does rain in SoCal..
Rain and a brisk walk stimulate the appetite so we grabbed breakfast at a local favorite hangout - The Coffee Table on Rowena, in Silver Lake.
Feel free to join me as I discover hidden parts of Los Angeles and tackle the remaining 8 stair walks.
Steps walked to date: 17,641

Follow me on Twitter: @ClimbingLA

2 comments:

  1. Sniff! Are they really almost over? Wow. It went by so fast but then again we started them last May so almost a year. This was different because of the rain -- it made it a bit moody which was nice. Loved this neighborhood.

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  2. One of the things I love most about these posts has been the varied list of 'guest walkers.' Charles is a constant, of course. Good man.

    Just like the last walk, the architecture this time was brilliant. And whoever thinks it doesn't rain in California needs to meet my pal El NiƱo.

    Keep em coming, while they last!

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