Return to Ferndell

A few years back I did a post on a little-known spot in Griffith Park called Ferndell, which, depending upon where you look, is also referred to as two words, Fern Dell. I usually go with the official signage, seen below from my last journey there in 2014. And yet, the official website calls it “Fern Dell.” These are the things that keep me up at night.

It is a magical somewhat hidden spot near the entrance that provides guests with some shade and a verdant journey that transports you to a tropical paradise. Am I still in L.A.? I love the vintage 1950 image of the happy lady relaxing, yet still decked out in high heels.

From the official website:

More than 50 fern species thrive among select tropical plants and flowers along this shady, winding trail. Located near the Western Canyon entrance.

I really need to go back.

See more photos at my main website.

Back to the Hollywood Sign

This was my third collaboration with Vince Ramos, who wanted to get some shots of his new shades near the Hollywood sign. We began our semi-early morning near the James Dean statue by the late artist Kenneth Kendall.



Just in case we couldn't get close to the sign, I took my "insurance" shot of Vince from semi-far away.



With a 600mm lens, everything looks close.



And then after a bit of a journey, we made it. Backpacks and all.



It was a lot easier back in 2004.



Our next destination was Bronson Cave, where the Batmobile from the 1966 TV series roared out every Wednesday and Thursday night. Along the way we discovered the Giving Tree, which was one of those unexpected treasures along the way.



This park map was zero help. The water fountain a little further down...that was LOTS of help!



Finally made it.



Inside the cave. Unfortunately, neither Batman or Robin were here at the time.



Last one is a composite shot I got of Vince nearby.



More Hollywood photos at my main website.

All Hail the Combine!

I had the pleasure of attending an event at Walt's Barn in Griffith Park on Saturday. Although the focus was on a new display celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the Disneyland Railroad, I was most excited to finally see the Combine in person. For those not familiar with what a combine is, it's a combination (thus the name) passenger and freight coach.



The one on display near the Barn gave many years of faithful service to Disneyland guests.



And it looks brand-spanking new!





It was such a treat to be able to board this historic coach.



The section for freight:



To put things in perspective, here are a few vintage 1950's images showing the Combine in service at Disneyland:







January 1961:



August 1962:



September 1965:



Undated 1960's:



For more information about visiting Walt's Barn and the Carolwood Foundation, be sure to visit their website.

More Walt's Barn photos at my main website.

Ferndell

On my last trip to Hollywood, Willis was in tow. I asked a friend for recommendations of places to go that would be dog-friendly, and he recommended Ferndell at Griffith Park. Huh? What the hell is that? I looked it up and learned that it was a shaded walking path that I had driven by zillions of times without paying it any attention.

This little slice of paradise has been there since 1914 when Griffith Park Superintendent Frank Shearer figured out that the area's micro-climate could support semi-tropical species and began adding ferns to the canyon. To encourage visitors, paths, benches, terraced pools, bridges, and faux bois elements were added. Today's first shot is from a vintage postcard. Dig the heavy message typed on the back!



The entry sign:



It was fairly warm the weekend we visited, so this lush shaded area was an oasis with its verdant plants and abundant water features.





Next time you go to Griffith Park, stop at this beautiful little spot before you jet on up to the Observatory!



See more Daveland Ferndell photos at my main website.