Hiking in Altadena: Rubio Canyon, In Search of a Waterfall

Recently we checked out Rubio Canyon in search of a waterfall... and although it was a nice hike, and we found some water, we never did find the waterfall. But we did find nature (and an old, collapsing log cabin!)

 

 

 

Great L.A. Family Hikes: The Eaton Canyon Waterfall (One in a series)

Eaton Canyon is a wildly popular location for a hike, located just north of Pasadena in Altadena. But it's also a big draw because of the year-round waterfall (amazingly, still active even in this drought) and the relative ease for family members of all ages. It's about a 2-hour round trip, but the reward (the 44-foot waterfall and wading pool) is worth it. There's also plenty of parking and a Nature Center at the base. We took the Blogger Kids on a Sunday hike last month, and it was perfect for both the 10- and 5-year-old. Some pics:































Eaton Canyon Hike 1750 N Altadena Dr, Altadena, CA 91001

Your Favorite Southern California Holiday Traditions, Part III: Hastings Ranch and Christmas Tree Lane

Hastings Ranch Christmas Lights
Originally uploaded by Manitoba Museum of Finds Art

Our contest to find some great Southern California holiday traditions -- and reward the best ones with a $25 eBay gift card -- continues.

Today, reader Nancy takes us to Pasadena and Altadena, where the Christmas lights shine bright:

Even when I was very young, my parents would drive me and my brother into Pasadena's Hastings Ranch neighborhood to see the decorations. We used to go in our pajamas and coats as small children, then as giddy middle-schoolers. I even took friends when I got my license so they could see the elaborate individual decorations on each home and every block's parkway theme. I loved seeing my favorite Peanuts characters on one particular block. Other parkway themes included gingerbread men, lighted stars and shining bells. It was a completely magical experience.

Next we would head over to Christmas Tree Lane, also known as Santa Rosa Avenue in Altadena. We dimmed our headlights and drove slowly down the street, flanked by immense lighted deodar trees. When I was in high school, I volunteered with the St. Elizabeth's Youth Group at the Lane each year, spending endless hours screwing lightbulbs into sockets so that the annual spectacle could go on. Neighbors, Scouts, teens and children worked together - and still do - to bring the lighted Lane to life each year.

We traditionally finished up the drive in Altadena at the famous Balian Mansion. The glow from hundreds and hundreds of Christmas lights gave off heat, enough so we could walk around the mansion's fence and look carefully at each part of the display. In one corner we could see Rudolph with his famous glowing nose. In another, a Nativity scene. And everywhere, up, down, right and left, there were lights and more lights.

I've lived in several states and two foreign countries, and nothing I've seen at Christmas has ever matched the Christmas brilliance of the holiday light traditions in Pasadena and Altadena.

Balian Christmas House welcome
Originally uploaded by okarol

Thanks Nancy! We'll be checking out those very light displays in the coming days.

Meanwhile, we have room for one more winner, who we'll choose tomorrow. Last chance to enter your tradition now -- email franklin_avenue(at)yahoo(dot)com.

Maria's Thursday Three

1. Altadena's Christmas Tree Lane: It's not that impressive in the photo but it sure is pretty darn neat driving down an approximately two-blocks-length of huge trees lit up. I found a driving tip here to exit at Fair Oaks off the 134 freeway and head north to Woodbury. Turn right on Woodbury and then left on Santa Rosa Avenue.

2. Post Office Girl is Scary: I've been to the post office a few times this week and each and every time, the standee of the girl promoting their Priority Mail line scares the living daylights out of me. Each. And. Every. Time. She has crazy eyes. I wish I had my camera with me to show you guys if you don't know what I'm talking about.

3. FIDM Scholarship Store: My friend Jamile told me about this store and I stumbled into it on a recent downtown adventure. They have some good deals; of course, you have to do a lot of digging. But their accessories are good, they sell fabric for a buck or two a yard, and I scored a skirt for 50 cents.