Secret Walks #15: Fryman Canyon, 3 miles

Raise your hand if you've hiked Fryman. Today's destination was more Social than Secret or historical. A block west of Laurel Canyon Blvd., and 1/2 mile south of Ventura Blvd. in the heart of Studio City, Fryman is one of the three most popular and populated hiking spots in L.A. Barbara and I arrived before 8 a.m. to a jammed parking lot and a trail loaded with runners, hikers, parents w/kids and fresh babies, and deliriously happy dogs. Instead of the usual counter-clockwise, Fleming sent us clockwise along the wide and dusty Betty B. Dearing Trail. Same stunning view of the Santa Monica Mountains and SF Valley, same lush flora below. At the western end we made a side trip to the Tree People grounds and bumped into one of our gym buddies. Back along the main path we ran into two more gym pals, and my neighbor, and his friend, making today's hike a real treat. There were weeks when our only company was lizards, bunnies, ducks, and/or squirrels.