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| At the beginning of the actual trail. |
Hello Everyone!
It's been a while since I've written a blog post, but I have been meaning to share more about what I've got going on in terms of fitness and crafting. I've got some cool new things that I'm planning on discussing in both realms and I'm really looking forward to sharing that with all of ya'll SOON!
Being active and trying to stay physically fit doesn't have to be a pain or a drag. You can make it as fun as you want to. You have the right to explore new things, get out of your comfort zone, and just act like a kid again. This will help you integrate a new healthy outlook on physical activity and help guide you towards understanding the things that truly make you happy and will keep you motivated with your future fitness goals. Just Have Fun.
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One of my favorite outdoor activities is HIKING. Whether you go alone, with one other person or in a group... its always fun. Their are always so many possibilities in which way the day can go. You can choose to make it as hard or as easy as you want. You can walk, run, jog, stroll, whatever; Its just always a good way of escaping the busy world we deal with on a daily bases. It gives us a chance to breath fresh air. It reminds us of the beauty that is nature and can be a mini retreat from the obligations of life and possibly help us gain some clarity along the way (especially without good cell phone reception).
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| Located at: 17300 Sesnon Blvd. Granada Hills, CA 91344 |
O' Melveny Park has been one of the parks I have frequented the most since high school. Its a such a beautiful hidden gem of the San Fernando Valley. It just so happens to be the second largest public park in Los Angeles County after Griffith Park. Pretty neat, huh? It's located in a small neighborhood area of Granada Hills off of Sesnon and Balboa. The park is open from dusk till dawn, parking is free and they have really clean public restrooms.
Entering O'Melveny you first run into a small orchard of citrus trees on the left and what seems to have been a small creek at some point to the right with benches lining the walkway all the way up throughout the park. The park itself is wide open perfect for a game of Frisbee or possibly even a Nerf Gun challenge (both of which I've done there). It has lots of trees for shade and picnic tables in various areas, making it such a cool spot to just sit and kick it no matter how hot it is out.
That's just the park.
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| Flowers and plants at the beginning of the trail. |
Their are several trails that are available to take including the river trail, the nature trail the grotto trail and an equestrian trail. The O'Melveny trail leading up to Mission Point nestled in the Santa Susana Mountains is the most challenging yet the most rewarding. The beginning of this trail is toward the back of the park following the cement path. At the start of the trail are a couple of benches, a water fountain, and a board for announcements and warnings like rattle snakes and poison ivy.
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| Adam and the board of Announcements. |
The beginning of the O'Melveny trail is lush with eucalyptus trees, various plants and flowers and is even shady for a little while, but it gets crazy quick. REAL QUICK. The rest of the trail is a lot of incline with not a whole of shade so I strongly suggest sunblock and a hat. It's a challenging hike that will absolutely require for you to have proper hiking or trail running shoes, water, and snacks for the trip. The hike is about 4.5 miles long with lots of really pretty views of the valley.
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| Working that lower back pack. |
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| Fanny Packin' it! |
Its not crowded and everyone you run into tends to be super friendly. I've seen several people with dogs of all sizes and types so it's definitely doggy friendly. The hike will take anywhere from 3-4 hours depending on the amount of stops you wanna make to rest and take in the view. The highest part of the trail is Mission point, at which you'll see a plaque and a bench that was placed there in memory of a mountain climber named Mario A. DeCampos, that loved that place. On the bottom of the dedicated plaque is a very simple yet captivating sentence that encouraged me to share this little secret treasure of a place. It suggests that we, "Share this peaceful retreat and enjoy the beauty." Reaching the top of that point is a challenge but has one of the most beautiful 360 degree view of the San Fernando Valley I have ever seen. I suggest you take along a camera or your phone to take a few shots of the view once you're up there.
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| The beginning of the trail. |
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| The End of the trail. |
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| Same Hike, Different Day with our Friends Angela and Mike |
I've done this hike on my own, and with friends; it equally enjoyable either way. I strongly encourage everyone to explore as many hikes and trails as you can. No one trial is the same and there is always something new and exciting to see. I hope some of you will visit and let me know what you think and possibly share some pictures of your hike.
Peace Out.
-V
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| I Love this place. |
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