On Sunday we rose bright and early to take a hike in the Angeles National Forrest, just 30 minutes from bustling LA. It appeared overcast at first as we drove up the moutains, but then we suddenly broke through the clouds and were treated to spectacular view. It was breathtakingly beautiful.

We hiked with Andrew’s uncle Eric, aunt Adrienne and their gang of hiking pals. To me it is astonishing that all this exists so close to the city. Feast your eyes:

Our hike started from the Chilao picnic area, which was marked with a wonderfully vintage sign. It kind of reminded me of being back at Disney California Adventure. Except everything was real, including the delicious smell of the giant pine trees.

We did a non strenuous 6 mile hike, which is about 10 kilometres. I still can’t wrap my head around miles… Or ounces, gallons, feet and pounds.

Everyone on the hike was super friendly and imparted a lot of travel wisdom for our road trip.

I also got to break in my brand new (and first ever pair of) hiking boots from REI. They went well, no blisters.

After the hike (about 3 hours) we went to exactly the kind of place you’d want to go to for lunch:

Newcomb’s Ranch was built in 1939 and serves hearty meals for hungry hikers. And bikers too, it seems:

I was absent during ordering, so Andrew got me a burger. So good.

After lunch we wound our way back down the mountains and back home. A perfect way to spend a sunny Sunday.