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

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Walk #38 :Universal City - Happy Trails

Distance: 2.2 miles
Steps: 229
Difficulty: 2.5
"This is a curious hillside walk, in the shadows of Mullholland Drive, which overlooks Universal Studios and the San Fernando Valley. It features two staircases, some architectural wonders, and a network of paved, interlacing 'trails.'" Taken from Secret Stairs by Charles Fleming.
From left: Willie, Enrique, Jessica, Mark, Ines, and Charles

The end is near.... The end of my blog that is. This walk marked our 33rd walk leaving only 9 to check off the list. We started in May, 2009 and it's really exciting to see that our goal is within reach. Many have asked what I'm going to do after we complete the 42 walks and I know that we will repeat our favorite ones and find other ways to enjoy the city. Lately we have had several new walkers and as I've said before, all are welcome! This week our friend Mark joined us for the first time. Mark is a costume designer and you can see his creations in numerous Hollywood productions. We are glad he came along. Of course there was our standby (Willie) and the Intrepid Interpreters (Ines, Jessica, Enrique, myself). We began this walk at Cahuenga Boulevard and Barham Boulevard. The 101 Freeway runs through here and Barham is a busy thoroughfare to get to/from Burbank to Hollywood. It is also right next to Universal Studios. At the same time, within minutes you can lose yourself as we did on this peaceful Sunday stroll in the Hollywood Hills.
We quickly left the bustle of the city and found ourselves in a hilly, green, and quiet hillside neighborhood. Just minutes away is the famous Hollywood Bowl. After a brief uphill stroll we found our first staircase, only 146 steps.
While this is an upscale neighborhood it does not come across as one as would Beverly Hills, or Bel Air with gated front yards. We saw a few huge homes but most of them seemed to fit in well and it did feel like a real neighborhood.

If you look closely you can see the corner of the Hollywood sign.
The 'Wings' house.

Wilie, Charles, and Mark.

A view of the San Fernando Valley with Universal Studios in the foreground.
It's not me; the mirror makes me look big!
This 1927 mosaic wonder was quite a feast for the eyes.

The Interpreters: Ines, Enrique, Jessica, me.
Cantilevered homes are not rare in these hills but these do stand out!

Our second and final staircase - 83 steps took us down to Oakcrest Drive.
Mark & Charles, long-time friends.

Enrique in front of the Firehouse.
We found ourselves back on busy Cahuenga for a short block before heading up into the hills for the last part of the walk.




We ended our walk with a satisfying breakfast a the Break Room Cafe on Ventura Blvd.
Feel free to join me as I discover hidden parts of Los Angeles and tackle the remaining 9 stair walks.
Steps walked to date: 17,451
Follow me on Twitter: @ClimbingLA