We went for a hike/explore at Kenneth Hahn State Recreational Area. I suppose it's about time we visited it, since it's practically in our backyard. The park has a lot of pretty nice picnic areas and other facilities scattered about (Who knew you could fish for trout and catfish? Not I.) and if you delve a bit further, you can escape the city altogether (apart from the hum of the nearby oil refinery.) A bit hazy for good views, but you can check out some photos.

There is a beautiful field that is the site of the former Baldwin Hills Dam and Reservoir, which broke in 1963, killing 5 and destroying hundreds of homes. More Baldwin Hillsyness from LAist.

And there's this mansion thing off in the oilfields. Anyone know what it is? It seems smack in the middle of the off-limits oilfield land, but it also seems to be well-maintained. Here's an overhead pic (I think). See my pics for a more typical view.