This past weekend was the last Saturday morning Griffith Park ranger hike until September. Ranger Ernie Ybarra led a small group of eager Angelenos on a 5-mile trek up to a shady hilltop oasis known as Amir's Garden.
Amir's Garden was lovingly created by Amir Dialameh, an Iranian immigrant and nature enthusiast. For more than three decades, he's hiked up the steep hillside with his pick and axe with plants, trees, flowers and succulents in tow, transforming a swath of scorched earth above the Mineral Wells area into a lush, shady grove. (Info at amirsgarden.org.)
Although a couple friends came along for the hike, we all spent time talking with various members of the hiking group. This was my third time out, and already there are familiar faces. It's a fun and interesting group of people who seek out free and active opportunities to explore the outdoor offerings in our city. (BTW, now I know where to find a tasty peach tree in the park, not too far from the old zoo -- the peaches were crunch but sweet!)
The next hike isn't scheduled until September 29 (we usually meet at 9 a.m. at the Visitor's Center/ranger station), but Ranger Ernie is planning to lead some nighttime hikes before then, which should be amazing. Email him for info at: ernie.ybarra@lacity.org.
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