Pasadena's been crowded. That's okay. Many of my friends and neighbors look forward to Tournament of Roses time. I don't mind it, but I tend to seek a break from the crowds in out-of-the-way places.This place is so out-of-the-way it's private. I had to sneak a peek through branches overhanging the "No Trespassing" sign. Club House Drive, the street that accesses Johnson Lake, is gated. That gate looked locked to me.
I found Johnson Lake on the Thomas Guide map but it wasn't labeled. Google doesn't have it on their maps, though if you select the satellite photo it's there. It's secluded, sedate, serene - the opposite of Old Town at New Year's.
Thanks to WCGB and The Scout for the tip.
For the next 48 hours I'm not sure what my web access will be. I hope I'll have a chance to respond to comments, so go ahead!
24 comments:
This looks peaceful indeed. I too would seek this rather than crowds! Happy New Year to you Petrea xx
I had a friend that lived on Johnson Lake. That was back in the mid 70s. It looks a lot nicer now.
Looks like a nice peaceful place to relax in, wonder who has the keys to the locked gate?
hee hee hee...I sorta have the same problem fences and the no tresspassing signs. Nice pic.
Happy New Year to you!
Tresspassing for a good photo? Gasp. I've heard of Johnson Lake, but never actually seen it.
We used to drive by there just about everyday when I was a kid, on our way to my grandmother's house; I never even knew that lake was there. I remember how I loved all the trees in that area.
A lovely site indeed, this lake was developed by the Annandale Golf Club (now located above the 134 freeway)
The Clubhouse was located on the hill, left, in this beautiful photograph.
A Happy New Year to all and esp. Petrea for enduring my silly comments.
It's in Pasadena?
No, Michael, I didn't trespass! I just thought about it while peeking over the sign.
DR: I'm happy to see you. Happy new year! My best wishes for your safety and happiness.
Southwest Pasadena, Margaret. Near Church of the Angels.
Pascal Jim, your comment makes me wonder: did the freeway split the lake from the golf course? Has the lake been there that long?
Even though I live in Little Lake Valley, there really isn't a nice, reflective body of water here. I'm envious.
I drove up Avenue 64 today and told a friend about it. I only discovered it a few months ago and didn't know it had a name!
Margaret: Go up Burleigh Road from Avenue 64.
Amazing to go from the snow at PDP to this lovely summer-like photo. It was foggy and drizzly and gray for me today, so this was a quick burst of sunshine at the end of the day. Thank you!
I hope you have a fantastic 2009 and find lots more places that Google doesn't know about!
Sunshine Coast Daily - Australia
Petrea,... Annandale Golf Club demolished the Craftsman style Clubhouse in the 1960's that over-looked Johnson Lake and purchased the "new" site near the San Rafael Off-ramp on the 134.
During the Johnson Lake operation which began in the late 1890's the Club enjoyed a single track Pacific Electric trolley line that ran up Avenue 64, past Church of the Angels, track ended just north of La Loma Rd. This line was an off-shoot of the Pasadena Line from Los Angeles.
Always grateful for your info, Pascal Jim. It's a significant addition to the blog.
No need to envy, Elaine. This lake is blocked off from the street view and not easy to see. It's really not there for everyone to enjoy, only a select few. They're the ones to envy I guess, or perhaps they feel that way.
We attended a 9-year old's birthday party there over the weekend and I have got to tell ya .. it is amazing. It was a boy from my son's little league team so we actually did a little scrimmage game on the field by the lake ... Enough to hold a little home run derby. I have been in Pasadena all my life and do not realize such an oasis exists amid the over-crowded city.
Raymond
Hi Raymond,
It's a gem, isn't it? I think Pasadena still has a few secrets. I'm glad you got to go inside. I only peeked inside the fence and would never invade. It's too special.
One of the homes on the lake used to be owned by one of my friends, and was originally a winery....from the late 1800's I think. She showed me some very old photos of the lake when the winery was just about the only building. It's been a hidden gem for quite some time!
MarkG225: Ah! How I would love to see that home and those photos! Hidden gem indeed. Anything in Pasadena from the late 1800s is as early as Pasadena gets. Thanks for sharing that very cool story.
I just saw this lake on TV on Celebrity Rehab and decided it would make a good day trip. I'm glad that I looked at your page first before I went! On that show they were at the lake for the day so it must be privately owned and just rented out. Star
Glad I saved you a trip!
Petrea, Pasadena Adjacent is posting on the Johnston Lake again. You may have seen it already. I've got to scan the old photos I came across, supposedly from the Johnston family. You won't imagine what it looked like. Also, the book available on Amazon.com is all about this:
http://www.amazon.com/Within-vale-Annandale-Pasadena
-vicinity/dp/B00072Z772/ref
=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268440736&sr=8-1
Thanks, Thal. I like PA's post.
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