The Old West

Ever since a dinner we had with friends a few months ago during which the "101 in 1001" project was first discussed, James and I have been slooooowly working on lists of 101 things to do in 1001 days. (Since there are 2 of us, does that mean that collectively our lists are 202 in 2002?) I'll take a break from it for several weeks, and then inspiration will hit and I'll jot down a handful of things I'd like to do only to find upon revision of my entire list that I've already written those handful of things down. So far my list consists of things I've never done like "sew a dress" or "watch "The Goonies" (I know, I know, I've heard it before). I think James's list is mostly to do with things he sees on Huell Howser.

We had dinner with those same friends last week, and maybe because of that we decided to dig out the lists to find something to do on the following Sunday. We chose something from James's list, and drove to Agoura Hills to see the Paramount Ranch, a purpose built "movie ranch" in the Santa Monica mountains. The area has been used for filming movies and television shows starting in the late 1920's, and the "western town" is surrounded by hills and trails used to create movie locations from Africa to China. There's even an old racetrack that winds through the grasslands, closed after 18 months and 3 fatal crashes.

The Old West

Strange Facade

Horses!

Medea Creek

More of Medea Creek

The western town was a little smaller than we expected, and there were more trails than we expected, so we weren't really prepared for treks through the woods. I expect we'll go back, this time with backpacks, water and sunblock and explore the trails that surround the "town." I'd love to see Hacienda Trails, Witches' Wood, and explore more of the old racetrack. I'd also love to go on horseback, like some of the visitors were doing that day. Guess that will be going on my 101 in 1001 list!