Closed Portion of Highway 39, Angeles National Forest, Sept. 18, 2011
These photos were taken on a hike up the portion of Highway 39 in the Angeles that is still closed due to landslides. Some of the locals on both sides have told me they believe it will never open again. From the pace of the work I would say that one more bad winter and they should give up trying. A few ladies on bicycles today are rooting against it ever opening again, and I have to agree after finally hiking it. Had to share.
by Lee Reeder
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One more rainy winter and this construction site at about 6,500 feet will be wiped out for good.
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From my hikes in the high country at the source of the San Gabriel River over the past two years, I have found my new favorite flower--the Blazing Star. It's rare, but common in this area, and about the size of my hand.
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This area is rugged and steep, but beautiful.
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Lots of color up here in the high country, even as fall approaches.
An Acorn woodpecker looks over a 2,000-foot cliff.
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And then hangs upside-down.
This is the third road closed sign, just before the major washouts.
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Most of this debris is recent.
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Closeup of my new favorite flower--the Blazing Star.
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A Western Bluebird hangs over the abyss on a Chaparral Yucca, looking for flying bugs.
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Debris piles are everywhere.
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A rock wren, I believe.