"Cali's a great place to visit!" Tujunga Canyon hike.

When Jas and I arrived in California on June 19, we made a beeline for Donovan and Maria's place in Tujunga. It's northeast of Pasadena in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. You may remember the Station Fire in late August 2009. That's the area. It reminds me of Topanga Canyon but more desert-like. Noted residents of Tujunga include(d): Dorothy Gish (actress), Paul Walker (actor), The Smothers Brothers, A Martinez (actor), James Horner (composer) and Jaye P. Morgan (retired popular American singer and game show panelist). And, of course, D & M and Grace (3 years) and my goddaughter, Gwyneth (2 years in January).

After a few beers and hugs and kisses, Jas and I set off the next day for a 3-mile hike into one of the canyon trails. I've hiked this route before - but not this far. Click on READ MORE! to follow along on our hike.

One of the nicer homes on this particular canyon road.

Gigantic millipede.

Gigantic snake.

There are a series of these - I forgot what they're called. They help keep the water back should flooding occur. This one was built in 1969.



The wash.