success and failure in the river

After two days of adventuring in the Sepulveda basin section of the Los Angeles River, a sense of familiarity and accomplishment is lingering. After a rocky (no pun intended) start, I got to know the access points, portage sections, shallow areas, wildlife hangouts and rapids along the 1.6 mile stretch of natural bottom river that runs through the Sepulveda flood control basin and wildlife habitat. Very few people are aware of, or take advantage of this little oasis in the San Fernando Valley for two primary reasons, one; there is no visible, direct and convenient access point, two; it is now illegal to enter the river and those who do, while highly unlikely, face the possible citation of trespassing, a $500 wager with the LAPD and park rangers. Today temperatures in this area are exceeding 100 degrees F. There are chlorine filled pools that cost $2,50 per day for swimming, or a trip down the trash infested river that costs nothing. Here are some snapshots of the video project to come from yesterday's excursion.

NPR Story of Urban Rangers in the LA River

NPR LA RANGERS

Biking down Broadway. LA, CA.

Suburban Dog Sledding. LA, CA

In a effort to continue with the exploration of Los Angeles via transportation that excludes the use of internal combustion engines and other motors, I have gotten around in some novel ways, however, I must acknowledge that none of it would be easy (or even possible in some cases) without the use of said motors. It is a way of life, THE way of life here. People would starve if trucks didn't bring in food from far away places. The supply of food in America would last about 3 days without diesel trucks and railroads to transport it in fresh form, ships and planes are needed to get it to our continent before it spoils. Refrigeration I just would not have enough time in the day to go from where I live to where I work using any other method besides a car. It has been done, it is possible, but realistic, no. There is the possibility of working from home or working closer, but not everyone has that luxury. I have friends that I have met over the years all over southern California, and there is no way to get to all of them by bicycle or make them all come to me (as nice as that sounds it would only happen if I were severely injured). And many would not appreciate me arriving all sweaty out of breath.  

In the meantime, it is still fun, healthy, relaxing (sometimes) and economical to ride a bike. It is the perfect utilitarian invention of the 20th century (although some bikes clearly predate the 20th century). My hope is that it will reach it's critical mass in the 21st century.