Walking to Runyon, Pt. 2

I made it to the top just in time, and was able to catch a few sunrise shots, including this HUUUUGE panorama view. Make sure you click on it to see it full-sized.



A few more:





If you know me, then you already know that I love photographing things that have gone to ruin, like this tennis court that has been taken over by the landscape.



HDR helps bring out the many colors visible at this time of day:



Another shot of the tennis court, which was supposedly used by Errol Flynn.



I wouldn't quite call it graffiti, but there are quite a few cool artistic creations that I noted near the Fuller Street entrance:



Words to live by:



You can see more of this artist's work on Instagram @calenblake.



The pink globs are a bit disturbing:



This trip, I discovered the Vista entrance gate to Runyon; always good to have alternatives!



More art/graffiti:



Homer Simpson and Runyon Canyon? Hmmmm…a strange combo to say the least.



I could have gone forward from the Vista Street entrance and done more hiking, but by this time, the peppered bacon at the Chateau was calling my name.



See more Daveland Runyon Canyon photos at my main website.

Walking to Runyon, Pt. 1

It doesn't matter if I'm on vacation; I still rise and shine at the crack of dawn. My internal clock doesn't care if it's a weekday or a weekend; it's still ringing at 4am. This particular Sunday at the Chateau I started it off with a swim in the semi-heated pool. Emphasis on semi!

Ping-pong was out since I was solo this weekend.



But I could still enjoy the glow of the Gucci billboard on Sunset Boulevard that spilled over into the pool area of the Chateau.



After my swim, it was time to start walking towards Runyon Canyon. My goal was to view the sunrise from there and capture a few cool shots. Naturally, I had to stop along the way to take pictures, including this light outside the Bar Marmont:



and the Bar Marmont itself. The wind was whipping around like crazy; it was difficult to get a shot where the awning was showing the name of the Bar and not flipping up.



I haven't eaten here, but the sign is cool! Isn't that all that matters?



The Villa Rosa Apartments called to me; my hand was a little unsteady this early in the morning, so I ended up relying on a nearby trashcan to get the low ISO shot I was seeking.



On the way back, I captured the courtyard of this complex:



and the beautiful stained glass window at the back of the building:



St. Thomas the Apostle Hollywood Church also called to me. Not sure what it was calling, but it took me a few exposures to get the shot I wanted.



And then finally, I made it to Runyon Canyon, where the silhouettes of the palm trees made a lovely foreground to the background colors created by the sunrise.



See you tomorrow for more sunrise Runyon Canyon shots!

See more Daveland Sunset Boulevard photos at my main website.

Rejuvenation in Room 11

After one crap-dinger of a month, I decided to go retreat to my favorite zen hideaway: The Chateau Marmont. This time, my sanctuary was Room 11.



Immediately, I felt like I was at home. Fresh flowers in the tiled foyer.



Did I mention tile?



A panoramic view of the living room. Clean. Tasteful. Understated.



An HDR shot gives the room a warm glow:



This is one desk I enjoy sitting at. Yes…a selfie. Can't remember the last time I was this relaxed.



Another panoramic shot of the living room, taken from the other side:



The mirrored french doors lead into the bedroom:



Ah…tranquility. Nothing beats the sheets and pillows at the Chateau. The cashmere blanket at the foot of the bed is yet another luxurious touch.



The tour is not over yet. Down the hallway…



is the kitchen.



Tea anyone?



Just a bit further down the hallway is the bathroom, complete with a movie-star style lit vanity:



I used both the shower AND the claw foot bathtub. Soaking in it removed all my stress, for the time being at least.



The branded amenities awaited my use inside of the mirrored medicine cabinet:



Evening turn-down service meant the heavenly scent of this candle would permeate my room.



No arguments here.



If only the weekend could have lasted a bit longer. Still, I'll take any amount of tranquility I can grab while I can!

See more Daveland Chateau Marmont photos at my main website.

Musso and Frank's: Old School at its Best!

Opening on September 27, 1919, Frank's Café at 6669 Hollywood Boulevard began its story, culminating in it being the oldest restaurant in Hollywood. Owner Frank Toulet partnered with restaurateur Joseph Musso and the current name, Musso & Frank's Grill, was born. My first visit was back in April 2000, shortly after I had moved back to California.



It was an excellent recommendation by my friend Dennis Christopher, who explained the history of this classic Hollywood eatery.



Heading up to LA last weekend for a photo shoot, I made it a point to revisit Musso & Frank's. I hadn't been in years, and was happy to find that the classic look of the interior remained.



Vintage light fixtures.





Comfortable booths.



And let's not forget the main reason one goes to a restaurant: the food. I ordered Chicken à la King, a comfort food classic. The chicken pieces were large and juicy. The triangles of bread that encircled the dish were perfectly toasted. The vegetables and sauce were tasty, too, without being overcooked or watered down. DELICIOUS!



Although I didn't order any alcoholic beverages, I had to get a shot of the bar where so many famous cocktails have been made. Writers Kurt Vonnegut and Charles Bukowski were regulars here, preceded by John Steinbeck, Dorothy Parker, Aldous Huxley, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and T.S. Elliot. Not too shabby company.



A vintage neon sign beckoned me to the back of the restaurant. Cocktails this way, please.



Rather than tell me that no photos were permitted, the Manager instead explained some of the history of the restaurant and made suggestions of things I should shoot. I was in hog heaven. The first pay phone in Hollywood is still there (minus the phone):



Writers loved to sit in this booth, located next to the phone, so that they could phone in a scoop…or perhaps place a bet with their bookie. You can pick your own legend.



The original grill remains. You are eating meals cooked on the same grill that served Greta Garbo, Gary Cooper, and Marilyn Monroe.



Offers to "restore" and clean the aged wallpaper have all been turned down. I agree with the restaurant's decision; the patina of Clark Gable's cigarette smoke is priceless.



A shot of the exterior:



and the sign that marks the 1919 opening of this landmark:



If you want to eat here, don't go on Sunday or Monday; it's closed. Yup. Old school…and I love it!

See more Daveland Musso & Frank Grill photos at my main website.