Today was my 2nd day out and man what a day it was. I went hiking with my brother up in Alta Dena to the Mount Lowe Trail. This is when my out-of-shapeness really hit me! I was out of breathe within 1 minute into scaling the small mountain we went up. Somehow, we made it up to the 1 mile post and turned around from there. While there, we met a lady who told us that there used to be a resort or community up at the top. I know this has nothing to do with health but I love history so I’ll share!!
I came home and did a little research to learn more and sure enough, there was. It was a thriving little resort community that a train used to ride up to in the late 1800’s. People would vacation there and the ride up afforded views of the local canyons, nearby valleys to the east and west, and all the way to the ocean. After several years of operation, the Mount Lowe Incline would become known as “Earth’s Grandest Mountain Ride.” People would come from around the world to see the sights and experience a trip that would almost never be rivaled by standards in those days.
Sadly though, the buildings up there burned down in the 30’s and the land reverted back to the US Forest Service. This inspires me to return and go past that 1 mile marker and see what awaits at the top! I was told that the place is a ruins of what once was. As far as my plans for fitness, I’ll be hiking once a week and walking/jogging 3 days a week by a local trail or track.
It’s days like these that remind me that there’s an exciting world out there. I would’ve never learned this had I stayed at home in my laziness! Let’s see what surprises lie in other places!
::UPDATE::
We made it up the mountain a week later. Check out the video here.
-Jacob
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“Making Diet History by Making Diet’s History”
Filed under: Excercise, Health, Jacob's Post's | Tagged: exercise, fitness, hiking, history
Great post and read! Now I want to go look for someplace interesting to get my stomp on!
Ok, so I have to ask it, did those pictures of you happen in that order or was that some Hollywood magic? LOL good post my brotha from anotha motha.
Moose
It was all magic = )
Nah, it was more like: Snap 1-out of breathe, Snap 2- regaining breathe, snap 3-ready to keep going!
Thanks,
Jacob
We moved a little over a year ago from Altadena (just off of Fair Oaks, up the hill) to Portland, OR. While we are really happy with where we live now, I definitely miss the familiar trails and mountaintop views in Altadena – On a clear day you can see Catalina island from up there.
One tip: If you ever get a chance, the Zorthian ranch is up there at the top of Fair Oaks – its a private ranch, and Zorthian and his wife have recently passed away, but it is a really cool place to get a taste of what the bohemian life of Altadena was like for many years. There is an excellent arts organization in Pasadena that were great friends and supporters of the Zorthians, and they would be a great resource if you’re interested. Light Bringer Project is there name, and they really are good people.
Not sure how all of that relates to your health goals, but the history there is really excellent.
Also, if you haven’t walked or run the trails in the Arroyo, it is a must. In fact, in the early 20’s painters prized the light and views in the Arroyo – it was said to rival the light of the French countryside made famous by folks like Monet.
Lots of history there! And great trails!
Best to you –
Metroknow
http://www.almostfit.com
Hey, Metroknow,
Thanks for the tips! I’ll definitely make my way to the Zorithian Ranch. I do love history and art and in some way, this all does relate to health & fitness. Since I started hiking, I’ve learned a lot of history and have been feeling better in my health. I’m going to check out that Arroyo Trail.
-Jacob
[...] we made it back to the Sam Merrill trail on the Mount Lowe Summit in Altadena, Ca this past Monday. We 1st went up last Monday but turned around. I’M HAPPY TO REPORT THAT WE MADE IT!!!!! Remember, I’m still 245 [...]