Millpond

September 21, 2014
Destination: Millpond Music Festival
Cost: $35.00 plus gas

Outdoor music festivals are all the rage these days, with events like Coachella and Outside Lands attracting thousands of attendees. Life on the east side of California is a little more low key, but the Millpond Music Festival has been drawing music lovers to Bishop for twenty-three years. Instead of throngs of tattooed twenty-somethings, Millpond draws a gaggle of old hippies who dance and sing like it’s the Age of Aquarius.

What makes Millpond special is its musical variety, laid-back vibe, and unparalleled setting at the base of the Sierra crest. The $35.00 day pass fee is a bargain. Violent electrical storms had shut down the last act on Saturday night, so I was glad the weather calmed for Sunday, with bunched billowing clouds shielding the crowd from Bishop’s sometime scorching heat.

As I arrived, Keale was finishing a set. Had I known they were playing music of Hawaii I would have arrived earlier.  I wandered over to the workshop tent to get a preview of Mary Jane Lamond and Wendy MacIsaac, who had roared into the venue just as I was driving in, shouting “we need to be on stage in twenty minutes!” They had come all the way from Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia and their Gaelic tunes traveled well.

David Jacobs-Strain shared amusing tales between his bluesy folk songs, but I was anxious for the arrival of Chris Hillman and Herb Pederson. Seeing a member of The Byrds in the outback of Inyo County was a treat. Their set was polished, but unfortunately lacked verve. Next up on the main stage, the full set from the Nova Scotians and then the talented Mia Dyson brought the crowd to their feet with her driving guitar and powerful vocals.

Besides wonderful music, Millpond offers a chance for the tight-knit Eastern Sierra community to celebrate, recover from a busy summer season and recharge for the coming winter. Kudos go out to Lynn Cooper and the staff at Inyo Council for the Arts for putting together another magical event. I look forward to returning for the 24^th installment. 

Ship Ahoy

September 11, 2014
Destination: Ventura and Oxnard

Cost: $18.75 plus gas

This time, the DMV decided my getaway. I needed to take care of some business, and I could get an appointment in the Valley in four weeks, Thousand Oaks in two weeks, or Ventura in one week. Heck, I love Ventura! What better excuse to head up the coast.

With only light traffic, I arrived early for my 9:50 a.m. appointment and so had time for a quick side trip to Foster’s Donuts on Main St for a yummy “glazed buttermilk” with just the right crunch on the outside and tenderness within. By 10:15 a.m. my DMV chore was over and the day was free.

I made the short drive over to Channel Islands Marina and sat near the breakwater watching lovely yachts head out to sea on a fresh September morning. I arrived at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum, just after it opened at 11:00 a.m. – and I was the only visitor there, so a friendly volunteer docent gave me a personal tour of the whole (somewhat small) facility.

She provided me with full details on every 17^th century seafaring oil painting in the gallery, as well the history of each ship exquisitely modeled in miniature by Ed Marple. Her eyes lit up as she told the tale of Zheng He (displayed as a life-sized mannequin in rich brocaded robes), an ocean voyager during the Ming Dynasty, who some think may have inspired the tales of Sinbad the Sailor.  Best of all, just outside the large museum windows, a pod of sea lions snuggled on the boat docks, barking when kayakers came too close.

Because of the lavish attention showered on me at the museum, I spent much longer there than anticipated. Finally back out in the sunshine, I strolled along West Channel Park until I reached Marine Emporium Landing. There I discovered Sea Fresh, a casual restaurant with an extensive, reasonably priced menu. I settled on calamari and chips, but opted to switch out the chips for their salad bar (no extra charge). What a treat to sit on the attractive harbor front deck and feast on the generous portion of slightly spicy tempura battered squid. A great find!

There was still time for a stop at San Buenaventura State Beach (undergoing restoration) and a late afternoon stroll along Ventura’s charming Main Street, vanilla bean frappucino in hand. What a fun way to turn a dreaded DMV visit into a vacation day.

Mindfulness

Destination: Mid-Valley Regional Library, North Hills

Cost: Gas only

I’ll commence this post with the clarity and serenity achieved after an hour of zen breathing practice.

(Photo from the web)

I’ve noticed the LA Public Library System offers a variety of events, and was pleased to discover that there’s a free beginning meditation class at the North Hills branch on Wednesday evenings. The library website provides phone and email contacts to register – so I sent an email asking if it was okay to drop in. Jay at Won-Buddhism Valley quickly got back to me and said “Just show up at 5 pm with comfortable clothing.” And so I did.

In our modern world, the gong sound comes from a smart phone – but it worked and in the opening meditation I was able to relax quickly. We then circled the room in a walking meditation for about 15 minutes, noticing the weight of our legs and the pressure of our feet on the floor, alternately. The gentle snores of a few classmates accompanied the next reclining meditation. The balance of the session was in seated mindfulness, as we became aware of our breath and body sensations. How strange to have a hot flash in the middle of this and concentrate fully on every aspect of the flush of heat and subsidence.

I’ve had some experience meditating, but usually commit for twenty minutes or so. This hour of breath-focus was like a mini-vacation and I came away with a clear head. To exit the meeting room into a library full of books with a fully functioning mind was a real treat. I picked up a scholarly tome on David Bowie and read about how Bo Diddly, Keith Richards, and Marc Bolan influenced his work in the 70’s. Relaxation and stretching exercises for the brain.    

  

Food Porn: Episode Three

September 8. 2014

Destination: ArcLight Cinemas, Sherman Oaks

Cost: $13.50 plus gas

I completed the food porn cinema trifecta last night after traveling to Sherman Oaks to see The Hundred-Foot Journey.  In this summer of food films, I've already consumed Chef and The Trip to Italy. Each movie had its own distinct flavor: Chef was peppery, bursting with Latin rhythms, foul language and exuberance, Italy was tart, sun soaked and funny like a kumquat, while Journey blends eastern spice with refined elegance.

I've long been a fan of director Lasse Halstrom, (Who’s Eating Gilbert Grape, Chocolat, My Life as a Dog) and actress Helen Mirren almost always chooses interesting projects, so I knew The Hundred-Foot Journey would not be horrible. It featured breathtaking scenery of the south of France, good acting with fresh faces, and glistening shots of tantalizing food. The smart owner of a food truck featuring Indian cuisine should park his coach near the theater exit.

The story tells of an Indian family relocating to Europe, accidentally landing in a small French village and opening an ethnic restaurant across the street from a Michelin-starred fine dining establishment, owned and operated by the haughty Madame Mallory (Mirren). The immigrant family’s son is a singularly talented cook who learns about haute cuisine, life and love as the story unfolds. The film was almost too beautiful and perfect, which made sense once I learned Oprah Winfrey and Steven Spielberg were producers. I enjoyed all aspects of it – writing, acting, directing, photography, sound – but would have preferred it be a little rougher around the edges.

The Trip to Italy was an astonishing delight but probably not to everyone’s taste.  A mash-up from a BBC sitcom directed by Michael Winterbottom, it tells the tale of two comedian friends road-tripping through Italy, reviewing six restaurants in six days while listening to Alanis Morrissette, reading poems of Byron and getting into all kinds of shenanigans. I’m a big fan of British humor, and this flick made my cheeks hurt from laughing. The goofy impersonations alone were worth the ticket price. 

Speaking of ticket prices, I paid a little extra for the ArcLight experience in Sherman Oaks last evening. I've been curious about the poshness advertised by ArcLight and other luxury cinemas. I really appreciated the lack of pre-show advertising, limited trailers and stylish environment. There was a distinct improvement in the film and sound quality. But the seats weren't very plush: molded and non-reclining with headrests that thrust my noggin forward in an uncomfortable position. Also, if an establishment offers a bar on premises, it would be nice if patrons were allowed to bring a glass of wine into the theater. Just sayin'. Nevertheless, the slight premium I paid made a visit to ArcLight (and the restaurant-heavy Sherman Oaks Galleria) more like a fun night out that just a schlep over to the movieplex.

Happy Trails

Date: September 7, 2014

Destination: Zuma Canyon Loop Trail

Cost: Gas only

The oppressive Valley heat has gotten old, but I yearned for an afternoon on the trail. Simple solution: head over to the coast for a trek with an ocean breeze. I've never been to Zuma Canyon before, which seems strange given the multitude of visits I've made to Zuma Beach. The National Park Service website gave me all the info I needed, including a trail map that I printed out to carry along.

I parked at the trailhead at the end of Bonsall Road, which is on the inland side Pacific Coast Highway at Westward Beach Road. The parking area is large and it’s free. Exiting the car, a blast of hot air made me second guess my decision. It wasn't that much cooler at the coast and I had arrived at the hottest part of the afternoon. Undeterred, I donned my cap and set off up canyon.

The Zuma Canyon Loop trail soon appeared on the left, which seemed like the best option given the temperature – no need to ascend ridges. But the trail soon diverted from the canyon floor and made a moderate ascent up a chaparral covered hillside. Wiping sweat from my brow and everywhere else, I wished the ocean breeze was a bit stronger. After pouring some drinking water over my head, I continued on and the trail soon leveled, providing expansive views of the pristine canyon. The crinkly dry brush could succumb to wildfire in an instant, and most bushes looked dead and brown. In other spots, bay leaves were deep green and glossy and there were a few lushly flowering buckwheat surrounded by appreciative bees.

The trail meanders back downhill to the canyon floor – passing under a wide ancient oak which provides welcome shade. Arriving at the dry stream bed, with a slight dip in temperature thanks to the leafy sycamores – I continued up to the rocky narrows, enjoying the diverse boulders that had lurched down from upper reaches. Hiking in the heat meant I had this beautiful canyon to myself, with chirping birds and scurrying lizards to keep me company.

I came back out via the Scenic Trail side loop and returned to the car – for a total of about three miles. I can’t wait to return after a spring storm, when the perennial creek is gushing and green grasses and wildflowers are abundant. With cooler temps, I’ll tackle the Zuma Ridge Trail or Ocean View Trail – far too ambitious for a hot summer Sunday.

Much Ado about Twelfth Night

September 6, 2014

Destination: Theatricum Botanicum, Topanga Canyon

Cost: $41.00 plus gas

(also:  August 24, 2014, Independent Shakespeare Company, Griffith Park, Cost: gas only)

Summer in SoCal is synonymous with Shakespeare. (Hope that’s enough alliteration for you.) At present, according to the Shakespeare in LA website, there are 25 bard-inspired productions currently playing or about to start.

I made the short trek to Topanga Canyon on a hot summer Saturday to see “Much Ado About Nothing” in the oak-shaded ravine that is home to Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum. I don’t know of a lovelier venue in the Southland and this troupe consistently produces shows of good quality.

“Much Ado” is a favorite of mine due to its feisty heroine, Beatrice – but this is a tricky role to animate with feeling. Susan Angelo was a capable physical comedienne and more than competent at Shakespearean wordplay. Robertson Dean’s Benedict stole my heart. This actor understands how to imbue rich Elizabethan language with feeling and blends a sense of the contemporary with Shakespearean style.

The production had the lightness of a gavotte, and was choreographed to utilize all areas of the expansive stage and chaparral covered hillside. The players were well cast, and only one actor fell in to the fake English accent trap that is so common in American classical performances.

The comedy in the Botanicum’s show was much gentler than that put forth by Independent Shakespeare’s Co.’s production of Twelfth Night in Griffith Park.  I saw this free performance two weeks ago and was delighted by the huge turnout and mix of attendees. This play is very special to me, as it’s the first show I directed when we started Sierra Classic Theatre in Mammoth Lakes fifteen years ago. Like Much Ado, Twelfth Night is driven by a dynamic heroine, Viola, who has a complex, modern personality.

Setting up for the Green Show in Griffith Park

The actresses in Twelfth Night were the weak link, however, with Kalean Ung’s Viola completely missing the mark. Her shouted, metered delivery - with accents in strange places - ruined the subtleties of a finely drawn character. There was no chemistry between the sets of lovers – and while the comedy worked as Countess Olivia falls in love with the young man Viola is impersonating, the feelings felt false.

What was brilliantly effective in this show was the broad vaudevillian comedy. Shakespearean clowns often fall flat, but I eagerly anticipated each of David Melville’s entrances as Feste, with his one-man band musical contraption and “ba-dum-bum” delivery. You don’t go to Twelfth Night expecting Sir Andrew Aguecheek to steal the show, but Andre Martin did just that. His performance was stagey in the the best possible way – hysterically over the top; he preened in his garish yellow morning dress and mugged shamelessly. LA Weekly’s review of the show echoes my sentiments. 

Dollar for dollar, laugh for laugh, Twelfth Night provided more bang for the buck than Much Ado About Nothing. But the Theatricum production left a deeper impression and inspired me to take action. I’m looking into their Shakespeare scene study workshops to better reacquaint myself with the Bard.

Fruits de Mer

August 7, 2014

Destination: Pismo Fish and Chips

Cost: $13.25 plus gas

Before summer slips away, I’ll record another adventure from the August road trip which took me up the California coast to Clear Lake and then back to San Francisco and the Outside Lands festival. “Day One” of vacation always hints of unlimited possibilities, so I decided to beach hop up the coastline. After leaving LA in the early morning, I got coffee and a breakfast burrito to-go in Carpinteria – perhaps my favorite Southern California beach town -  and noshed on the strand.

After exploring the Santa Ynez Valley for a while, I made a late lunch stop in Pismo Beach. While I’ve stayed in motels here, I’ve never actually explored the downtown area. I liked that it was unglamorous and apparently so did the bustle of tourists from all over the world. It didn’t hurt that it was a perfect summer day – sunny with a fresh salty breeze. The restaurants on the main drag were jammed, and I was hoping the spot I’d read about on TripAdvisor, a few blocks away at the corner of Cypress and Stimson, wouldn’t require a long wait.  

No worries – Pismo Fish and Chips had plenty of open tables. Their menu offered a variety of options with reasonable prices. Shunning the obvious choice (fish and chips, duh), I selected the half-size Shrimp Louie which seemed perfect for a summer afternoon.

This restaurant has been owned and operated by the same family for over fifty years and its old school décor was a delight, featuring a hand painted mural of Holland on one long wall.

I’d hate to see what the full sized salad looked like. My large bowl was filled to the brim with crunchy lettuce, eggs, tomatoes, olives and piles of small tender shrimp, served with a thick slice of warm and crispy Sizzler-style garlic bread. The Louis dressing was the de rigueur salmon color and brought back memories of lunches with my grandmother at the Cliff House in San Francisco. It seemed as though I ate and ate and ate – but finally waddled out into the sunshine to continue my northward journey.

The combination of friendly service, reasonable prices and fresh, tasty food made Pismo Fish and Chips a winner, and I look forward to the chance to eat my way through their menu.

Wilderness50

September 2, 2014

Destination: Little Lakes Valley, John Muir Wilderness

Cost: Gas only

It’s hard to imagine that before 1964 the U.S. did not have any designated wilderness areas.  On September 3 of that year, Congress crafted a bill – signed by President Lyndon Johnson - which protected 9.1 million acres of pristine lands across our country. We were the first nation to introduce this kind of legislation, but certainly not the last. In ensuing years, an additional 100 million acres have been protected as wilderness. September 3rd marked the 50th anniversary of the 1964 Wilderness Act and there are myriad celebrations marking this astounding achievement.  

My party was pretty small. It involved me hiking into the John Muir Wilderness (one of the original designated areas) and visiting Little Lakes Valley, one of my favorite spots in the Eastern Sierra, just south of Mammoth Lakes.  The Mosquito Flat trailhead is reached by taking Rock Creek Road west from Highway 395 and following it past Rock Creek Lake to the end of the road. This is a famous fall color corridor on the Eastside, and the aspens were already showing hints of gold after an uncommonly early spring. Since it's a popular hiking spot, finding a parking place can be troublesome in the summertime. Since I went the day after Labor Day, I had no problem – other than delays getting to the trailhead due to road work. 

The trail leads gently, but steadily uphill with Rock Creek on the left.  The path continues through this stunning alpine valley touching upon one lake after another – Mack Lake, Marsh Lake, Heart Lake, Box Lake, Long Lake and Chickenfoot. The main trail continues to Morgan Pass or a side trail leads up to Ruby Lake. There’s astounding scenery in every direction and many more lakes off the main trails. I have hiked this valley at least 10 times and have only scratched the surface.

On this warm and mosquito-free September afternoon, with limited time, I only made it as far as Heart Lake, where I found a spot on the grassy shore and enjoyed an impromptu picnic. I basked in the sunshine for a while, enjoyed the sparkly reflections on the crystal clear water, and in honor of the Wilderness Act, cleaned up a bunch of sunflower seed shells left by an ignorant tourist. 

My time was limited, since I was attending a Sierra Club houseparty celebrating this important anniversary. It featured a Google Hangout with the Club’s Executive Director, Michael Brune, a discussion of ways to encourage our youth to care about these special places, and an advance showing of the Smithsonian Channel’s Aerial America – highlighting wilderness. A fitting day spent marking an important occasion.