An Impromptu River Ramble

"I have never been here." How rare it is for me to say that these days in LA.



And it's even better when it's on an impromptu excursion...



...with some new friends...



...some kindred spirits...

...who feel equally as comfortable among the chainlink and above the freeway as I do.

This morning's ringleader was former Councilmember Tom LaBonge [Update 1/8/21: RIP]—someone who, in summers past, has led me on a bike through Hollywood and Toluca Lake and Griffith Park and Silverlake.



He had us jumping up and down on the Sunnynook Pedestrian Bridge while trucks passed underneath us—to their delight or dismay, I'm not sure, but they honked nonetheless.



The love locks haven't brought the bridge down yet...



...but if many more join them, they just might.



Once we began to cross the river, I realized I had been there before, riding my bike along the path, exploring the Red Car River Park on the East Bank, kayaking the rapids of Glendale Narrows.



But I'd gotten to this spot a different way back then. I couldn't remember ever having actually crossed that bridge before (though my photos tell me I have).

Photo: Lily Holleman

But I certainly hadn't before with my fellow bright-eyed and bushy-tailed Breakfast Clubbers—until this morning, that is.



The river looked good this morning, a snowy egret alighting the wild-growing tree branches and two great blue herons perching on their respective rocks.

And it felt good to find myself there—somewhat by surprise—just a short walk away from the Friendship Auditorium.

Related Posts:
Los Angeles River's Ugly Beauty
Photo Essay: The Ghostly Shadow of the Red Car