On Sunday Sam and I went to Solstice Canyon in Malibu to find one of the notorious waterfalls that are rumored to exist in hiking trails in this area.  On our way to the falls we came across two houses that lay now in ruins.  One was merely a cabin, but the other must have been quite a site in its day.  All that remained were concrete and brick bits, of which there were at least three different fireplaces and a mechanical dam to hold what must have at one time been a much more productive stream.  The house was directly adjacent the “waterfall.”  After watching “Paradise Falls” less than 24 hours prior this dribble was a bit lackluster, but it was admittedly more waterfall than I’ve seen at any other hiking trail in Los Angeles (take that Fryman Canyon and your nonexistent waterfalls!).  Please click on the link above for photos and a better description of the house ruins.

On the steps of the house several bearded dragons were sunning themselves. I watched one pounce on a yellow-jacket and gulp it down.

The real winner for this trail though is the sometimes rock, sometimes sand, sometimes dirt and sometimes stone stairway path that leads up from the waterfall on a winding journey up the side of the mountain.  When nearly at the top the trail straightens out for a bit  and one can see off in the distance, through the majestic gates of Corral Canyon the foggy Pacific Ocean.

On the way back down the PCH we decided to swing by main campus.  We were surprised to find a deer walking around in one of the parking lots.  Then I noticed that there was a “deer crossing” sign on the road.  Soon we saw three more join their friend and slowly wander toward a nearby event (which probably had food sitting out).