King Gillette Ranch ~ Santa Monica Mountains

Back in November, before my little visit to the Paramount Ranch, I headed to the King Gillette Ranch in the Santa Monica Mountains, for a little hike and plein air day! 

It was my first visit to the area and it made me realize (once again) how much there is left to explore, that is so close to where we live our every day lives! It felt good to get out of the bubble!

This short film talks a bit about the old 1920s horse stables, at King Gillette ...

I loved this building, and how they restored the original horse stables to be a great little Santa Monica Mountains visitors' center. It just opened in June of 2012!

There was a 10:00 am guided nature walk with one of the rangers, which was a great little intro to the area. Through the trees you can see the original, early 20th century ranch.

The quieter you become,

the more you can hear.

~Ram Dass

And up we went!

Below, you can see the actual "ranch house" on the left. In the middle, is a dormitory which was built for a buddhist group, who was on the land, at one point. The tennis court and large building on the right are temporary. A bit of the land is leased to the TV show The Biggest Loser. In fact, a lot of TV shows have filmed in the area, including Castle.

On the nature hike was a big Brownie troop, having their father daughter day. So cute!

Brownies enjoying the view!

We are all just

walking each other 

home.

~Ram Dass

Beautiful views of the Santa Monica Mountains!

The universe is an example of love.

Like a tree.

Like the ocean.

Like my body.

Like my wheelchair.

I see the love.

~Ram Dass

After the hike, I found a spot to picnic and do some art ...

Below, little field sketches and the 9 x 12" underpainting, on the lower right. The weather was cool and the clouds came in, so the watercolor wouldn't dry enough for me to start the pastels over the top. I will show you how I resolved the piece in the studio, next time!

I see my life as 

an unfolding set of opportunities to awaken.

~Ram Dass

This following video gives more info about the beautiful area and Santa Monica Mountains ...

Beautiful area, right? On a weekend morning it only took about 45 minutes to get there! (Mind you, it takes 10 minutes for me to get to the freeway.) To think I've been driving right past it for decades, and  had never jumped off the 101, to check it out!

Links:

Anthony C. Beilenson Interagency Visitors Center (the old stables)

Santa Monica Mountains, Things to do!

King Gillette Ranch

Hope you are all enjoying your neck of the woods, wherever that may be!

Many blessings and much light!!!