Like A Postcard

Multiple Waterfalls

Extra water from a recent rainstorm created a nice scene of multiple waterfalls at the Monrovia Canyon Park waterfall.

Film Crew Trucks At Monrovia Train Depot

They had the building surrounded and blocked off over the weekend.

Sunday Road Trip - Vasquez Rocks

Welcome to another edition of Sunday Road Trip!  This time, we're heading to Agua Dulce and Vasquez Rocks.

Here we are at the entrance.  Vasquez Rocks is a County of Los Angeles park and it's free!
A brand new Nature Center is scheduled to break ground this summer.

At 932 acres, there are lots of great hiking opportunities.  The Geology Trail is just one example.

The Pacific Crest Trail even passes through Vasquez Rocks.  From here, you can take the trail all the way to either Canada or Mexico.

Vasquez Rocks is named after Tiburcio Vasquez.  From the L.A. County Parks and Recreation website:

"In 1874 Tiburcio Vasquez, one of California’s most notorious bandits, used these rocks to elude capture by law enforcement. His name has since been associated with this geologic feature."

Now, enjoy a few photos of  the famous rock formations:

And one last photo.  A panorama in black and white.

The details:

Mileage from Monrovia: Just under 55 miles.
Travel time: About 1 hour, depending on traffic.
Entrance to Vasquez Rocks is free.

La Adelita Mexican Restaurant

One of my favorite restaurants in town.  I've eaten many lunches here over the years.  Nice people, great food and the lunch special (sign on front door) can't be beat.

They've also recently expanded into the space next door as you can see by the tables set up in the window on the left.

St. Luke's Church Tower

The Business End Of A Skunk

Hopefully not something you see every day.

Filming In Monrovia

Filming in downtown Monrovia yesterday.  This is on the 100 block of East Lime Avenue.  I didn't see any signs, but I believe this was for an episode of "The Mentalist".  Not a clue what that thing raised up over the street is for.

Still Raining

It's supposed to be partly cloudy today but right now it's just raining.

New "No Climbing" Sign At Monrovia Canyon Park Waterfall

The natural scenic beauty of this spot has now been diminished thanks to a small handful of  people that didn't pay attention to the sign that is already there.  That do something that is not allowed.  That do something unsafe for which they are one or more of the following:  unprepared, untrained, incapable and lacking in the proper equipment.  That cost the rest of us money for their rescue.

Thanks a bunch.

By the way, experienced hiker and experienced rock climber are two different things.

Splashdown

It's another rainy day today.  A good day for hot chocolate and a book.

Deer - Part 2

Another image to go along with this one from the other day.

Happy St. Patrick's Day 2011

Not exactly a four leaf clover and you won't feel very lucky if you come in contact with it, but at least it's green.  Spotted a little bit o'poison oak (lower center of photo) growing in one of the alleyways in downtown Monrovia.

Both Sides Of The Street

Trying out one of those cell phone camera apps that are all the rage these days.  This was taken using the Polandroid option on FxCamera for Android.

A Little Bit Of History

Part of the old water system along the Ben Overturff trail above Monrovia.

Hungry Deer

Still Waters

Old Town Bistro Patio

Looks like the yet to open Old Town Bistro might have a nice little patio at the rear of the building.  The photo above was taken in the morning as the patio catches the early sunshine.  It also has strings of lights overhead  for the evening.

Monrovia Train Depot After The Rain

I like both versions of this so I decided to just post them both.

Deliveries

At the Pavilions supermarket.

Spotlight

Above The Clouds

Antennas

Pointing the camera towards Mt. Wilson from Monrovia High School.

Wind Creating Ripples On A Puddle Of Water

Taken shortly after the last rainfall.

St. Luke's Episcopal Church Entryway

Here are a couple of things not seen on this site for a while now, a nighttime and a high dynamic range (HDR) image. Since I haven't taken a night shot recently, I went out early one morning before sunrise looking for something interesting to photograph.  I've always liked the way this scene looks at night with the lights and shadows, details and textures.  I didn't intend to use it, but this scene also lends itself very well to using a high dynamic range approach, so I couldn't help myself.  I finished it off by converting to black and white.

Rick Fox To Appear At Monrovia Living Spaces

Actor and former Los Angeles Laker Rick Fox will be at the Monrovia Living Spaces this Saturday (March 5th) from 10am to 12pm (noon).  Here's the link to the details.

Living Spaces is at 407 W. Huntington Dr.  Monrovia.

Zen Buffet Coming Soon

Update:  Now Open!

That didn't take long.  Pioneer Point just closed the end of January.  Zen Buffet is moving into the former Macaroni Grill / Pioneer Point location.

March 2011 City Daily Photo Theme Day: My Favorite Part Of Town

I'm cheating a little bit here because this particular spot is not really in town, but it is a photo from a hiking trail that begins in Monrovia Canyon Park, which is in town.  I couldn't pick a favorite spot in town among all the restaurants, shops, Old Town, the new library, parks, historic buildings, historic homes, the train depot (my favorite place to photograph), etc., etc.

So, I'm going with the Monrovia Canyon Park hiking trails with their beauty, quiet (except maybe on weekends and holidays), fresh air and endless possibilities for learning, exercise and exploration.

Click the link below to see what other City Daily Photobloggers from around the world consider their favorite part of town:

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants