At the foot of Bailey Canyon in Sierra Madre you'll find Bailey Canyon Park. West of the park is a paved road. Walk north, toward the mountains.
You'll pass alongside the Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center. You can't see much of the Center from this road. On your right is a dry reservoir, which I guess is the Grove Street Reservoir because Bailey Canyon Park is at the end of Grove Street.
When the road ends, if you continue north along the path you'll head up the mountain. But before the path, a little bridge crosses a wash and leads you to a quiet, sun-dappled clearing. The first time I found myself in this clearing, no swing hung from a tree.
I am tempted to remove it.
18 comments:
I am tempted to get on it! :-)
Hee hee, it does seem to be in a good spot.
I love that area, it reminds me of Sherwood Forest. Any moment, Robin Hood and his merry band of men will appear to play on the swing.
The reservoir is further down Grove, just before the park; what you're walking past is a debris basin. Not too long ago, a man and his young son were hiking in the narrow canyon during a storm and died in a flash flood. I think the debris basin may have been installed/enlarged after that, but perhaps some old-time Sierra Madreans can correct me.
PA has a beautiful video on her blog of the Mater Dolorosa grounds, have you seen it?
Before you pull it down, Petrea, check it first. Given the precarious state of our environment, it may be a loose thread that will cause the whole thing to unravel if you pull it loose.
I had to look on Google maps, Bellis, but now I see what you mean. The "reservoir" is covered. The debris basin is an open area. That's a terrible story about the father and son.
I haven't had time to check blogs over the last few days but hope to have some time this evening. I saw the aerial photo PA used, though, and it's beautiful. For those who might like to check, it's http://pasadenaadjacent.com/2012/08/25/lady-of-sorrow/
I will see you there later.
What with branches falling in the hot weather, Speedway, I'm sure you're right.
Great post! This is beautiful - Going to have to go and check it out soon.
I have a photo of an interesting bench that sits outside the reservoir (and thanks, cuz I wasn't sure exactly what to call "the place where the water is."). The bench is built into the wall. Will have to post it.
Also, in Bailey Canyon Park, there's a nice plaque, memorializing the father and son.
Serene and playful.
Adele, I've never been where the water is, but I guess Bellis knows. I'll take you to the clearing if you like. Bellis took me the first time. She knows all the trails.
Desiree, that sounds like you!
The father and son held the last name of Henderson - easy for me to remember. I think there is a nearby plaque adhered to a rock as a dedication.
I like the swing. My dutch grandmother used to make something similar except she would wrap a towel around the stick, then place the stick in a pillow case (knot the end and tie it to a tree limb). A sack swing.
Don't get me wrong, I like tree swings. I just remembered the clearing as pristine, and was disappointed to see it co-opted. It's still a pretty clearing.
I think you're right about being a spot you shouldn't tell us about. On the otherhand, we won't be hanging more swings when we get there.
I am so glad. It seems to me modern teens are deep into computers, now I see they find time for true useful and joyful stuff.
You're right, BD, and you are too, Irina--I was thinking people shouldn't hang stuff in the woods, but at least they go there.
Last time I was there, some teens were in a quiet spot of the woods enjoying a smoke of something aromatic and some beer. That's modern for you...
Is this hike open to canines? I'm guessing yes, because Boz rarely gets left behind ...
Nah, Bellis, I have it on good authority that beer and aromatic smoke are old-fashioned.
Dogs love it, BettyS, although there's a long stretch of un-shaded road you have to traverse before arriving at the fun part. The path up the mountain is a workout.
Maybe I'll have to leave the boys at home - at 13 and 14 their energy levels are half what they
used to be. :(
Betty, I hadn't realized they were oldsters. This hike is not for them! Take them to Hahamongna where it's flat, they'll love it. The west side of the park has plenty of shade, especially late in the day.
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