The Birds

Would you believe there's a rainforest and a waterfall just south of Ventura Blvd. near our apartment? You go to George Clooney's house (how LA) and to the right of his tennis courts is a path. Shortly after you make the turn around the rear of his property, there's actually a city park looking sign that says Rainforest and points to the left. A rainforest in LA? Just past George's Dish satellite and last security camera, the path narrows.

We followed the path for a while - it wasn't well maintained. They attempted to put some wood steps on the steep hills, but they were wobbly and falling apart. It was better to take our chances walking on the scree beside them. Periodically, small lizards startled us as they jetted off the trail ahead. At least we didn't see any snakes. Oh, did I mention no one else was on this so-called rainforest hike...curious.

We were around 3/4 of a mile in when Ryan (who was in front) passed under a large group of trees. Turns out there was a giant flock of birds nesting in those trees and Ryan disrupted them. All the sudden, it was birdie mayhem. We ran past and stopped in a clearing to cope with the bird trauma. Then we looked ahead and saw all these low hanging bushes and trees over the curving path. I think it lead to Freddie Kruger's home. It was nice and shady, a perfect snake home. At that moment, I wished one of those emergency helicopters could come and lower a rope and lift us out of there. Ryan kept asking, "Should we turn around?" I kept saying, "Yes." Repeat this dialogue five more times until I just turned around and started going - I knew Ryan would follow. I wasn't about to hang out in Freddie's bird lair debating for 10 minutes.

We practically jogged the whole way back. I was never so happy to see George's house again. So is there really some Brazilian rainforest or Niagara Falls waterfall? You can go through that freaky hike yourself and let me know.