Saturday, February 21, 2009

Altadena "Catacombs"

The Altadena Hiker called this waterway "the catacombs." Your dictionary will tell you a catacomb is a subterranean burial chamber.

So where are the dead bodies? Perhaps the Hiker knows. I'm not going to argue with her. Instead, I tried to make it look scary by messing with the picture. But in truth, it's just more beauty. Even the drainage ditches are pretty. That's Altadena for you.

And that's all for Altadena, at least for now.

25 comments:

Patrizzi Intergarlictica said...

Oh yes, all the dumb boys with their bike helmets and skate wheels attached call this thing The Luge.

That's all I can say. Sworn to secrecy and all that rot.

Cheerio

Vanda said...

Looks interesting. Is this the "kittycombs?"

gundisc

Cheltenhamdailyphoto said...

The top pic is great! Really eerie.

cieldequimper said...

I love the "messed with" photo!

Anonymous said...

me too!

Petrea Burchard said...

Dear Miss H, I would love to know those secrets.

Yes, Vanda, this is the kittycombs.

Merci, Lynn. Karin, too.

Bonjour Cieldequimper, et bienvenue. Versailles Daily Photo! What could be more wonderful? It's a coincidence, too. John and I said the other day that we loved the palace but would have liked to spend more time in the town. I'm going to enjoy your blog.

writerphotodeb said...

Love that part of Altadena, especially the woodsy cabins.

Unknown said...

I was surprised to find out that those are live oaks, not jacarandas flanking the drain. Both photos are beautiful.

Christie said...

Okay, that is the prettiest drainage ditch I have EVER seen!! Lovely, Petrea!

Anonymous said...

The Catacombs of Paris:

"Descend under the Paris streets, and alongside the sewers, the metro tracks and all the basements you’ll find something entirely more unusual - some 300km of ancient tunnels.

Paris’ unusual (and legendary) subterranean network was created as far back as the 12th Century, as Paris’ medieval citizens quarried out gypsum and limestone to help build their new and expanding city. They left behind a true labyrinth of passageways and vaults, some less stable than others - in the eighteenth century the city was plagued with road collapses as the weakest gave way."
--Google (or something)

Desiree said...

Gosh, I love it, how beautiful!

Katie said...

The top photo is very trippy! Looks like a fun place to explore. You have so many interesting hiking locations there and I'm glad you're sharing them with us!

Skrip said...

I like the bottom pic. It reminds me of being a kid and exploring these urban hidden areas.

Petrea Burchard said...

Hi everyone, and thanks. Skrip, you describe what I felt like, exploring these areas as an adult. It's never too late.

Bellis said...

Please give us a clue where this is? I thought I'd explored most of Altadena but I didn't recognize any of your photos this week. You have been in truly mysterious places.

Cafe Pasadena said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Cafe Pasadena said...

We don't have subterranean a burial chamber in Pasadena, just a very new burial road along a part of Colorado Blvd.

Virginia said...

Well aren't you all artsy fartsy on us????I like em both.Can't decide which I like best so there. And there's NO WAY I'll ever do the Catacombs in Paris. You all just go right ahead. I"ll wait at the bistro and sip while you're down there.
V

Maria said...

it looks like you used infrared film - hmmm but you use a digital camera (how is that possible) you are a genius.....it is tres cool.

i have been to the paris catacombs...they are kinda spooky, but very fun.

Petrea Burchard said...

I believe some of our walk was on a private road, Daisy. I'll ask Karin if I can divulge the location.

C.O. ?

Virginia, I'll join you. I'm intrigued and it doesn't spook me, but it appears to be too claustrophobic.

Maria, you're too kind! It's nothing a little desktop program can't do.

John Sandel said...

He's talking about the trees they cut down. I think …

Sorry to bring it up. Hopefully no one will notice, & we can go one complimenting you on your rather negative talents.

USelaine said...

Cool! Until I read your commentary and scrolled down, I was trying to make a painting of it.

Petrea Burchard said...

hee hee J+P.

It was kind of an accident, Elaine. But I like lavender.

john wayne said...

were would these tunnels be by? or a hint would help

Petrea Burchard said...

Hi Brandon,
email me. The link is on the left side of the main page of the blog.