When/Where? Sunday Feb 15, 2015. Meet at the Northeast corner of Lake and California (outside Gary’s Mini Market) at 9AM.

Distance/Time: 4.7 miles, ~2 hrs? (Double that if you plan to walk back down to Lake/California!)

The walk: I think of Lake Avenue as a supporting pillar of the city. There are a lot of great sights to see. We’ll pass through the South Lake district, and head north crossing Del Mar, Colorado, Washington, Orange Grove, Woodbury, Altadena drive – all the way up to where Lake ends at Loma Alta, right at the foot of the San Gabriel mountains. That last stretch is a steep one, and the views from the top of Lake are amazing! You can decide whether you’re up for walking back down again, or if you’d rather take the bus back down again (180/181 bus stop @ Lake & Altadena Dr.) – also feel free to organize car pools or Uber yourself back.

Parking: Be mindful of where you park – most lots are for customers of those businesses only. Not sure if the meters on Lake itself are in effect on Sundays but there is unmetered street parking on California, Hudson, and Catalina. There are signs that say 2 hour limit, but the fine print says “except Sundays”. I called the Pasadena Transportation office to be sure, and was assured that we can park for however long we need to in those zones on Sunday.

Why? Because I’ve never done it before! I’ve walked sections of Lake but never north of Orange Grove. I know from experience that getting out of the car and seeing a street from ground level is always eye-opening. You’ll see businesses you’ve only driven past before, you’ll admire buildings you just never noticed. You’ll enjoy chatting with your fellow walkers! Hope to see you there!