Lakeside at Echo Park, Fabulous!

Always taking a different route when driving around town, I meandered from my son’s apartment near L.A.’s Carthay Square yesterday afternoon, to meet a high school friend for dinner in Montrose. I drove eastbound on Beverly, veered onto Temple from Silver Lake Blvd, until turning left onto Glendale Blvd. That drive was itself totally fascinating, and very photo-worthy, but I forced myself not to get sidetracked. Then, upon turning onto Glendale Blvd., I saw it. Echo Park Lake with the fountain shooting water sky high. I couldn’t drive past! I circled the lake twice before finding a great parking spot, grabbed my camera and got out. Awesome late afternoon setting sun on a quintessential warm SoCal day was providing superb lighting for pictures. Score! Sidetrack!

I was happy to see the little paddle boats running again, people picnicking, jogging, pushing baby strollers, walking an endless variety of dogs, including a very tall one. What a fabulous atmosphere. You’ll notice in the photo gallery below, I was captivated by two distinct groups of people, martial arts/hiphop guys, and models/photographer.  Let me offer a disclaimer. I’m not generally a people-watcher, at least not to the “professional” degree my 96 year old mom is. She can meet someone, or watch them for a few minutes, and have their entire life story figured out. Most often, they spill the beans to her without her saying a word – she has that sort of approachable warm, friendly face that people feel compelled to tell all. She’s an amazing people-person! She could have rivaled Hedda Hopper, but in a friendly way.

At any rate, the martial arts guys were fabulous and talented, combining some sort of kick boxing martial arts form with what appeared to be hiphop street dancing. It was captivating! Then, as I dragged myself away from that end of the lake, there, under a drooping willow tree, were two gals and a guy, modeling. Such animation they showed, striking poses for their photographer while another guy held the lighting. I became the photographer snapping shots of the photographer. I found the expressions on the faces of both groups to be fun, playful, and completely descriptive of the atmosphere of the lake.  

I should also mention the Good Year Blimp in one of the pictures below, was floating over nearby Dodger Stadium, filming the Dodgers, winning yet another game for their fans. And, one additional note, there’s a great pathway around the entire lake – perfect for jogging or strolling.

I hope you enjoy the photos, and if you live in Southern California, feel compelled to visit and experience the charm for yourself. It’s a beautiful spot. ~SueBee

(note, click on the pictures to enlarge and scroll through)

Lakeside at Echo Park, Fabulous!

Lakeside at Echo Park, Fabulous!

Lakeside at Echo Park, Fabulous!