On Saturday morning, more than 20 LA Times subscribers traveled from near and far to join me on our first subscriber walk.
We met at San Pascual Stables in South Pasadena, with the misty June gloom offering perfect hiking weather. Although our hike was only 3.2 miles, we covered a lot of ground in the two and a half hours we were together. As we wandered along the concrete basin of the Arroyo Seco River, which was flanked by fields of yellow mustard, stems of showy purple penstemon, and feathery clusters of flowering matilija poppies, I offered a bit of history of the area as well as architectural tidbits. about the three. Great bridges under which we passed.
We took a break at the launch pond, on the Lower Arroyo Seco trail, for a group photo.
(Christopher Reynolds/Los Angeles Times)
We talked about the Times hiking guide and compared notes on some of the trails it covers. When we arrived at the Lower Arroyo Seco Habitat Restoration Project, senior ecologist Richard Lewis, from environmental consultancy Psomas, gave a brief talk about the flora and fauna of the site.
Many furry companions joined our walk.
(Deborah Vankin / Los Angeles Times)
I had the opportunity to get to know our subscribers better and was encouraged to see our participants making connections as well. Our group of about 30 people relaxed in smaller groups and pairs, discussing their jobs and families. Others chatted about the role of hiking in their lives. One participant told me that her partner had died and that hiking helped fill the void of that loss. Another woman confided in me how scared she was to walk alone, and she asked me for safety tips. Some people walked alone, contemplatively.
Psomas ecologist Richard Lewis, far left, gave a talk on the local flora and fauna.
(Deborah Vankin / Los Angeles Times)
I learned as much from our participants as they learned from me during the event. I left with several story ideas. And, according to my iPhone, we took about 8,700 steps. Nothing bad.
If the Arroyo Seco was the star of this particular hike, then an unexpected supporting player emerged: my hiking vest. It's actually a dog trainer vest that has lots of pockets and carabiners, and I made a video about it a few weeks ago.
I was also happy to share some of the hiking accessories I have, including a waterproof reporter's notebook with a retractable cord, a lanyard to attach my iPhone to my pocket, and my collapsible water bottle.
But the most frequently asked question I got from almost everyone who joined us was: Will The Times do this again?
We hope that. Stay tuned for details on upcoming subscriber increases. Until then, check out our hiking guide. Or sign up for our outdoor newsletter, The Wild.
Stay safe out there. And don't forget to hydrate.
