The GeekHiker

It doesn’t happen often, or at least not so clearly.

But sometimes, I manage to be completely in touch with both my geeky side, and my outdoorsy side, in a single weekend.

Saturday

I spent most of the day Saturday watching the Dr. Who Marathon on BBC America.  Oh, sure, I putzed around the house, did some filing, etc.  But, mostly, I just sat my arse on the couch and vegetated.

Funnily enough, I had friends in high school who were really, really into Dr. Who, but I wasn’t.  Maybe I just had to get older, or get to a point where I could appreciate the “Britishness” of the show, or something.

And while I enjoy the show, I don’t think I’m a die-hard fan.  I won’t freak out if I miss an episode (which is good, since my ancient VCR won’t see any channel above 99 and there just isn’t enough decent television on to warrant Tivo).

On the other hand, it had all the geeky stuff I love: from crazy plots to cool special effects to guys in rubber masks.  What a great way to completely and totally waste a Saturday.

Sunday

Maybe as a consequence of spending all of Saturday at home, I really, really needed to get out of the house, and out of inside spaces altogether, come Sunday morning.

With my foot still sore, I decided to head somewhere I hadn’t been in all of my time in L.A.:

Although I’m not the biggest fan of “formal” gardens, I figured the terrain would be flat and the vegetation interesting.  It was not a disappointment.

One thing I have to say I like about the Arboretum, vs. other formal gardens I’ve been to, is that it practically begs you to leave the marked path.  Everything in the garden is well-labeled, and the place is blissfully free of “Stay on Path!” sings, encouraging exploration.  That tree over there, the really cool looking one that makes you wonder “where does THAT grow”?  Just head over and take a look!

The Arboretum is huge, at 127 acres, so I’m sure I racked up a few miles during the day.  Still, it wasn’t exactly roughing it (hence the “Sorta” in the title): mostly flat walking on clear paths.  Not exactly a “wilderness” experience.

But from the good (and reasonably priced) meal at the Peacock Café, to wandering under the tall Australian Eucalyptus trees, to sitting on a bench catching up on some reading, to just general slow-paced meandering, it made for a pleasant outdoorsy day.

Photos:

Greens, yellows, reds… Spring at the Arboretum

One of the many peacocks on the Arboretum grounds

Flowers of the Sweetshade tree, native to Australia

The historic Santa Anita Train Depot, relocated from it’s original location (now the 210 freeway) to the Arboretum grounds, brick-by-brick

One of my favorite shots of the day: a California Poppy, so clear you can see the pollen on the petals

Looking from Tallac Knoll north to the San Gabriels

“De Plane, De Plane!” – Okay, not really. It’s actually the 1885-built Queen Anne Cottage, used as the location for “Fantasy Island” back in the 70’s

Looking across the Bauer Lawn and fountains towards the San Gabriels