me at parker mesa overlook, the end point of my tough uphill hike!

isn’t the view gorgeous? this is the parker mesa overlook, reached by hiking the tough, mostly uphill (on the way to the overlook) paseo miramar trail in pacific palisades. the steady incline got me huffing and puffing, but the overlook was worth it. there are a couple of benches at the overlook where you can sit, catch your breath, and take in the panoramic view of the coastline and ocean.

to get to the trail, follow paseo miramar (located just off sunset blvd. and PCH) ’til you reach the dead end. find street parking and hit the trail, which is technically part of the east topanga fire road. keep in mind that most of the way up is uphill with sporadic shade, so don’t forget to bring a hat/sunglasses if it’s a warm day, and water to keep you hydrated. during a lot of the hike, you’ll also be able to see the coast and ocean. enjoy the views!

taking in the views at parker mesa overlook

]]> http://www.boxybear.com/my-super-adventures/hiking-the-paseo-mirarmar-trail/feed/ 1 http://www.boxybear.com/my-super-adventures/a-visit-to-lake-shrine-in-pacific-palisades/ http://www.boxybear.com/my-super-adventures/a-visit-to-lake-shrine-in-pacific-palisades/#comments Thu, 08 Oct 2009 04:03:16 +0000 boxy http://www.boxybear.com/?p=259

enjoying the serenity of the gardens and lake!

The Lake Shrine Temple off PCH and Sunset Blvd in Pacific Palisades is my newest discovery…it’s a beautiful 10 acre garden complete with a lake, swans, ducks, turtles, and koi fish. Many people come here to meditate, so you gotta remember to keep your voice low. There are plenty of benches to sit and enjoy the quietness and serenity of the gardens, and they even provide pellets you can use to feed the animals!

one of two pretty swans in the lake. if you look closer, you can see turtles and koi fish

cute lil turtle

so after feeding the duckies and fishies, i strolled through the rest of the gardens. here is a bench tiled with a swan design…soo purty!

relaxing on a bench with a tiled swan design

i even came across a nice black kitty who i played with and agreed to take a picture with me

me and cute black kitty

and there are lots and lots of flowers and shady trees! if you’re ever in the area, you should stop by…great place to enjoy some alone time, read, or just take a walk.