Wrapping Up My Trip In...
Griffith Park!
When my sister asked me if I'd like to visit Griffith Park while I was in California, I very enthusiastically said, "YES!" But, I didn't want to tell her WHY I wanted to visit Griffith Park; she would roll her eyes and be one step closer to convinced I had a screw loose. She guessed I wanted to see it because of the Hollywood sign...well, I did want to see the sign, but "no, that's not the reason." When I finally told her that it just so happens that Griffith Park is an important setting in my favorite book (L.A. Requiem) by one of my favorite authors (well, duh)...she was convinced I had a screw loose! She pointed out that Griffith Park is huge - and huge it is at 4,467 acres! But that doesn't matter, just take me there!
We had a beautiful day to spend in the park. We started off at the dog park because she brought along my nephew...Riley!
Riley made some friends...
And for Alafair, please note the Frenchie, Emma, in this picture who was cracking me up :
I think RC should include this dog park in the next book. Do you think he could take Cat there? From the dog park we drove past the L.A. Zoo and the Autry National Center, drove around the outside of the park where we could see the Disney Studios, NBC Studios, Warner Bros. Studios, and Universal Studios, then back into the park to Lake Hollywood Park where we indeed saw the Hollywood sign:
Here's Lake Hollywood Park looking down from above:
And Lake Hollywood Park while standing IN Lake Hollywood Park:
And Lake Hollywood:
The plant life is magnificent. I just loved all the green. Such a delightful change from all the white I've been experiencing for that last several months! The architecture of the homes is fabulous - how they almost sculpt the house to sit on the jagged hillsides. I see why this makes such a great setting for any book.
Sadly the Merry-Go-Round was closed. We couldn't even see the carousel horses because it was all closed up. We also didn't make it to the Griffith Observatory. Guess we'll have to save those for another trip! However, Mother Nature and Joe Pike were conspiring on my part. A coyote crossed the road in front of our car while we were driving! Too cool!
My sister snagged me a map from the Visitor's Center, so now I can consult it whenever I'm reading and come across a scene from Griffith park.
This was the perfect way to top off my fabulous weekend. Thanks Little Sis!
8 comments:
Glad you got out this way, Jen. Nice pix. And no, you don't have a screw loose. But you are a Craisie ;-).
Yes, some of the hillside homes around that area are spectacularly carved/stilted into the hillsides. I hope you got at least a glimpse of the Griffith Observatory. If you didn't, perhaps in April when you return--my kids love that place.
p.s., IIRC, Karen Garcia's body is found by the Hollywood Reservoir (Lake Hollywood) in L.A. Requiem. The Monkey's Raincoat uses a Griffith Park location for a setup ;-).
What breed of dog is Riley?
Jen, for being such a great place to visit, I've nominated your blog for a Sisterhood Award. You can find details at http://pkmadsen.blogspot.com/2009/03/sisterhood-awardwatchmen.html. BTW, great photos!
Michael - Craisie, and damn proud of it! :) That Hollywood Reservoir picture looks like MY picture! Yay! But, no we didn't make it to the area of the Observatory at all. My sister really wanted to see it, too, so hopefully when I come back we can get a chance.
Steve - Riley is part Rotweiller. His litter was left at the home of a Rot-Rescue worker, so they don't know what he's mixed with. His litter mates all look more like pure Rotty; Riley is unique! :) He's just the sweetest thing!
PK - you are SO sweet! Thank you! That means a ton to me. I'll post about it and nominate some others this weekend. You totally made my day! :)
Park? At 4000+ acres? That is huge. In my town parks are more like 1-2 acres tops.
Isn't there a scene in Two-Minute Rule up near the Hollywood sign? Or am I think of one of Connelly's Bosch books? My head is so full of Dayquil, I can't think straigth.
Corey: yes, Griffith Park is one of the largest urban parks there is in the U.S. The rangers that patrol it have a heck of a job. And, you are correct. The Hollywood Sign plays a key location in The Two Minute Rule.
That Riley is a sweetheart. What a face!
Griffith Park is so beautiful, great pictures, Jen. Someday, I'll get there. Maybe have a screenplay of my own that H'wood is fighting over.
Yeah, right. Sounds like I've been dipping into Corey's meds. And speaking of, whoa, CW, time to back away from the medicine cabinet - slooowwwly.
gorgeous shots and looks like you had a great time.
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