Escondido Falls in Malibu Canyon

     Escondido Falls is hidden in the gorgeous Malibu Canyon right off Malibu Beach.  In order to reach the Falls one must hike through a neighborhood of million dollar homes.  The view was breathtaking and the homes incredible.  Prior to our arrival, we were stuck in 2-2.5 hours of traffic and had followed some wrong directions on my iPad map app.  The hike was mostly canopied with trees but because the sun was setting fast we just cut short of the first tier of the falls.  At least we now have another reason to go back!

I love how my baby's eyes are just peaking over my shoulder.  Compliments to the unknown passerby who offered to take our pics!

Hike the Heat: Hellman Trail

     A couple of days ago, I met up with a good friend and her girls to hike up Hellman Trail in Whittier, CA.  It was a hot day to be hiking 3 miles, half of which was uphill.  But there were cool breezes from the not-so-distant ocean and eventually, plenty of mature trees giving shade.  So many wild things in bloom from wild squash, prickly pear, wild aster and lavender could be found.  If we had been stranded there, we probably could have lived for a couple days on the food all around us.  

My lovely gazelle.  She typically can hike ahead of us but the initial switchbacks and hills were a challenge for this undaunted girl.

Once we reached the summit at Rattlesnake Trail, we were able to stop and in this case, smell the lavender.  It brightened E's day.

This is the view from the top of the switchbacks.   I found it incredible that wildlife could be found so close to concrete jungle.

One of the last hills before we hit Rattlesnake Trail.

Weeds all dried up.  I wonder what they are...

Prickly pear by the dozen.

Wild Aster. 

Back from the hike:  wild squash and calming lavender.