Actually, it’s called the Bridge to Nowhere….:)
Although aptly named the Bridge to Nowhere, we knew exactly where we were headed when we set out for our October walk in the hills above Azuza, we just didn’t know how far it actually was to Nowhere. Another amazing adventure transpired for the Pink Bragade thanks to Paula who planned and pre-scouted the route the week before. We got an early start, which was absolutely necessarily, not only to land a parking spot for this very popular walk, but more importantly due to a forecasted temperature of over 100 degrees. The walk was set to be approximately 4.5 miles in and back out the same distance. There were four to five expected stream crossings, though with the drought and being at the end of a dry summer, that wasn’t too much of a concern.
Ready to go…bright and early on what was to be a very hot day.
The majority of the walk was along the river bed. Mother nature had decorated it beautifully with yuccas dotting the landscape. The crossings weren’t difficult, but required a bit of careful stepping to avoid soaked shoes. (Carol just said to heck with it and walked right through the water. – Enjoying nice cool feet for most of the walk.)
Each stream crossing required some clever stepping.
A little friend along the way. Thankfully, since we moved in close for a picture, he decided not to jump.
Just so we knew where we were. 🙂 But we never seemed to find any of those sheep.
Following the river bed was sometimes a challenge. This way or that way?
The yucca were astoundingly beautiful all along the walk.
Varying colors of greens made the scenery spectacular.
Built in 1939, wonder if they every figured out just where the road was supposed to go
One of the more challenging aspects of the walk was trying to stay on route. Luckily, Paula had done the hike recently and was a good guide. It was amusing however, as we were all expecting a shorter hike, so each time we passed someone on their way back, we’d ask the question…”how much farther to the bridge” often getting dramatically different responses. When we reached our destination, we passed right by it to find a nice spot for a bit of a rest and a good viewing point to watch those who had a bit more courage than we did. There were at least 30 brave souls lined up to take the bungee jump off the bridge. Turns out it took a bit of bravery to reach a good resting spot, as the path got very narrow over a steep grade. But once we ventured through, we had a great view.
On the bridge ready to leave before someone asks if we want to bungee jump.
Lisa, Laurie and Carol spent a few minutes in the very cold, but very refreshing water in the small river that ran under the bridge. Clothes and all got drenched, which turned out to be a cooling factor on the walk home.
Brrr…. 🙂
We thought this was a bear, it was a log..ha!
Someone left a trail marker, but it was a bit too confusing. Or maybe it was a rock city.
Taking a break by the river.
As with every good walk, comes a great lunch. We ate at the City Cafe on Azusa Blvd. Greeted by baskets full of fresh homemade potato chips and nice cool drinks, we were all good! We all had a nice lunch, some delicious soups and sandwiches. After filling up, we filled up Paula’s car to head back to Orange County, Laurie to Calabasas and Karen, for once, had the shortest drive…just back a few miles to Pasadena. Going nowhere…turned out to be quite the adventure.
A potato chip or two for every mile! Well deserved.
The Pink Bra-Gade 