It is often referred to as Church, and on a clear day the view is astounding. There is a restroom, viewing areas, picnic benches, and a nature trail. It is the land of Desert Bighorn sheep, mountain lions and bears, chipmunks and ravens.
The real name of the place is Jarvi, and a memorial plaque resides there. It is more or less the half-way point between La Canada and Wrightwood, and it is more or less the end of the road during the winter months, when the gate just beyond it is closed.
I was delighted to find my friend Fred there, relaxing after a grueling day of working from home as his company practices social distancing. You can find people who love the forest and the highway at places like Jarvi pretty much any time of the day or night. If the road can be driven, they will drive it. It's their solace, their meditation, their church.
Find out what's happening in La Cañada Flintridgefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The snow is melting quickly and as we stood and watched the dogs play in the snow it was 36 degrees at 6 PM. This round of snow won't last long in those kinds of temperatures. It does get down to freezing overnight, so if you are thinking a road trip sounds good, know that the mornings come with ice. You must also be alert for rocks. For some reason, the rocks above 6,000 feet are more likely to damage your tires.
We headed down through occasionally thick banks of clouds, hoping to catch a spectacular sunset near a turn known as the Carousel, but the sun was swallowed in a thick bank of clouds, and the wind came sweeping in to send the day's visitors home. Wednesday's forecast is for much clearer skies and a greatly improved chance of seeing that sunset. The clear skies and warmer temperatures will also spell the beginning of the end for the snow. There is a slight chance we could get more on Thursday.
Find out what's happening in La Cañada Flintridgefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
These images come to you from the Forest Recovery Project and Redbird, a local non profit foundation with a land base in the Angeles National Forest. We'll keep bringing glimpses of beauty from the forest, and we hope those who enjoy them, and who shop Amazon, will help us during this challenging times by registering with Amazon Smile and choosing to support Redbird when they shop. There is no cost to you; Amazon donates on your behalf when you use Amazon Smile. It's easy! Just click on the link: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/77-0374732
If you'd like to learn more about Redbird, please visit us at www.RedbirdsVision.org