Mount Wilson Expedition

Mount Wilson Observatory 100 inch scope

I found myself feeling quite thankful this Thanksgiving. Thankful for our time together as a family. Thankful for friends. Thankful for where we live.

Los Angeles is a complex city that draws many people. The weather is typically mild. Gardening is a year round possibility. The city is close to the ocean, mountains, desert and snow. One might spend the morning in the snow, trek down the mountain and head towards the sea to watch the sun slip behind the Pacific. And, of course, the film/television/entertainment industry and tastemakers that shape and curate media imagery also hold a stake in this town.

Although the latter group might skew the perception of the city, Los Angeles offers much more.

150 foot Solar Scope

The clear skies and exceptional viewing caught the interest of George Ellery Hale, who founded the Mount Wilson Observatory in 1904. Mount Wilson stands 5,710 feet above the Los Angeles Basin in the Angeles National Forest with views to the sea and Channel Islands. For over 40 years, Mount Wilson housed the biggest scopes in the world. The eyes of Albert Einstein, Harlow Shapely and Edwin Hubble peered through the eye piece to discover the earth's location in the Milky Way, other galaxies and more.

Over the weekend, we headed up to Mount Wilson Observatory for the last docent lead tour of the season to literally walk in the footsteps of Albert Einstein and other preeminent astronomers and scientists.

In the 150 foot solar scope, scientists continue to gather information about solar sun spots on antiquated equipment. The scientist hired by the man in the picture above let us into the "Computer Museum" to see the Raytheon computer still in operation.

Although the data is still culled using the Hal-esque computer, the scientists transfer the information to an online database.

Inside the 100 inch scope where Hubble worked.

The 100 inch scope is open to tours but no longer in use. Light pollution from the growing city, and the creation of larger scopes elsewhere, have diminished the relevance of the scope for scientific research. Although the 60 inch scope is open for rental to private groups. We are already discussing the possibilities.

Imagine being able to look through the eye piece that so many great scientists have peered through: a small window to the limitlessness of space, light traveling millions and in some cases billions of years, right to your eyeball.

The sun tracked west. We headed down the mountain while sailing through the galaxy.

Thankful.

Ramshackle Runs Amok in Portland, OR: Part I

In the midst of a bit of online/blog house-keeping, I mentioned I would write about our trip to OR. To start the new year off right and be true to my word, I share the story here. (If I mentioned writing or sharing some other story/tidbit that I have not addressed and you really want to know/hear, please either leave a message in the comments or send an email or messenger pigeon to my attention. Otherwise, all unfulfilled promises will lay dormant until beckoned.)

In early November, the Ramshackle crew took to the skies and landed in Portland, Oregon for a few days. What pulled us to Portland? Good food? The enticement of a bike-centric city? Friends and family? Powell's Books? All those things were alluring, but the big draw for us rested in a hanger just under 40 miles south west of Portland. The Spruce Goose.

After our summer trips to Catalina Island (Two Harbors & Avalon), Eric and I pulled the kids down Windsor Way in Long Beach next to the permanently docked Queen Mary ocean liner (turned hotel) to get a glimpse of the Spruce Goose. While walking to the hanger known as the Dome where I visited Howard Hughes' gigantic aquatic plane in my youth, I was struck by the amount of people wearing big floppy hats, pulling enormous suitcases on wheels. I thought, "We are weird people who go to see the Spruce Goose." As we approached the hanger, the people got stranger and stranger. I looked up and saw a giant sign welcoming us to the Carnival Cruise Line portal. Much to my oldest son's disappointment, the Spruce Goose was no longer housed there (and hadn't been since 1992 when the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum was awarded the custody of the Spruce Goose by the Walt Disney Co. that purchased the plane from Jack Wrather who bought the plane after Hughes death in 1976).

We found out that the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum outside of Portland, OR, was now home of the Spruce Goose. We came home from our ill-fated expedition and began planning our trip to visit the Spruce Goose.

The not-so-new home to the SG, the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum did not disappoint. We were able to walk all around and under the Spruce Goose and enter inside. We even were able to touch a bit of moon rock.

LACMA Visit, Hockney Viewing

My oldest son is an avid drawer. He is incredible moved by colors and will quickly answer the what's-your-favorite-color question with "magenta". His artwork at home is quite prolific and well-loved by our family. I've been amazed on this journey of parenthood watching his artistic expression grow. Although his content and draftsmanship has evolved, his color palette has remained fairly steady. He is moved by bright vibrant colors...oranges, bright pinks, yellows with saturated purples and bright blues.

We have been to LACMA many times with our NexGen memberships, but this was the first time we ventured to the third floor in the Ahmanson building to view Mulholland Drive by David Hockney. I have been sharing the idea of David Hockney's Mulholland Drive with my son for a long time. To watch him see this picture for the first time was awesome. His eyes widened, his mouth opened, he gasped.

We spent at least twenty minutes exploring the painting. That's a lot for anyone especially a two and five year old.

Our adventure began with a wonderful picnic and errant soccer ball on the grounds between the Page Museum and LACMA.

After meeting Mulholland Drive, my oldest son decided to listen to the lecture on Paul Cadmus' Coney Island. My two year old lasted through the introduction but lost interest when the historian delved into Cadmus' education. He curled onto my lap and announced, "Mommy, I'm done."

A great day was had by all.

Northern & Central CA Trip Photo Essay

Natural Bridges beach in Santa Cruz.

Quesadillas from Tacos Moreno.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium "water tent".

Jellyfish at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Pedestrian foot bridge at Pfieffer State Park.

Lord of the Flies camping.

Two crows and a Stellar's Jay.

River lounge options. Waded the waters and enjoyed.

A view from the back seat through the lens taken by our oldest son.



Home again and already thinking about our next adventure.

Trip Preparations

Yellow Seahorse photo from Monterey Bay Aquarium

We are preparing for a trip to northern California for an end of the summer camping trip. While we are there, we plan to visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium. When I think of aquariums, I think of this one. I'm excited about sharing this wonderful place with my sons.

Manhattan Beach Pier

Manhattan Beach Pier

A few weeks ago, the lens on my camera broke. I took it to the local camera shop. The diagnosis: fee for the service and four to six weeks for the repair. The reason for the delay? The camera would have to sent to Nikon for service in El Segundo just a few miles away from Manhattan Beach. My camera shop said I might get a speedier repair if I went directly to the factory. I decided to make a beach day of it. I dropped off the camera then the boys and I headed to Manhattan Beach for the day. It was surprisingly easy. When we went to pick up the camera, we invited friends.


The Roundhouse Marine Studies Lab and Aquarium sits at the end of the pier. It is a small aquarium with a few tanks and a couple of starfish and anemone touch pools. On our first visit to beach, it was open. When we brought our friends, with promises of an aquarium visit, it was closed. Broken hearts were consoled with ice cream.

Roundhouse Marine Studies Lab and Aquarium hours of operation:
Monday-Friday 3PM to sunset
Saturday & Sunday 10AM-sunset

As for the camera, it was repaired within a week and under a surprise warranty. All fees were waived.

Tyrannasaurus Rex Puppet at Los Angeles County NHM

I have written many times about my affection for the LA County NHM in the past. After seeing Dinosaur Encounters, I'm here to profess my love yet again.

From the NHM website:

To create Dinosaur Encounters, Museum paleontologists collaborated with puppet fabricators and performers to bring the dinosaurs to “life,” while still ensuring authentic detail and movement. These amazingly realistic creatures help us better understand dinosaur behavior, anatomy and survival tactics.

Bring to life indeed. When my sons and I saw the presentation, a fourteen foot T-Rex (seven months old according to the T-Rex wrangler) growled, blinked, played and enthralled the audience--kid, teen and adult alike. I can't recommend Dinosaur Encounters enough.

Previously:

NHM Member Loan Program: Crow Skeleton
The Modern LA County Natural History Museum
Natural History Museum Members' Loan Service

NHM Member Loan Program: Crow Skeleton

I caught this unexpected still life with crow skeleton when I peeked my head into the boys room the other day. It is further complimented by the wonderful gifted book The Giant Golden Book of Birds propped open to the two page spread entitled "Fishermen by Trade"

Did you know that the white pelican found in Europe and Asia is 65 inches long? I imagine that that would be stretched out from tip of beak to toe but still that's a good three feet standing height.

The things you learn.

Previously borrowed from the NHM Members' Loan Service:
Hawksbill Turtle
Big Horn Sheep Horn
Phainopepla
Black-throated Mango Hummingbird

NHM Member Loan Program: Hawksbill Turtle

The Hawksbill Turtle display was chosen by my son for display at Camp Ramshackle.

Previously borrowed from the NHM Members' Loan Service:
Big Horn Sheep Horn
Phainopepla
Black-throated Mango Hummingbird

NHM Member Loan Program: Big Horn Sheep Horn

From the Los Angeles County Natural History Museum--Big Horn Sheep Horn...


investigated, observed, and worn at Camp Ramshackle.

Previously borrowed from the NHM Members' Loan Service:
Phainopepla
Black-throated Mango Hummingbird

NHM Member Loan Program: Phainopepla

This phainopepla exhibit from the LA County Natural History Museum is currently on display in our living room. My son asked me, "Why is it called phainopepla?"


Thanks to the placard below the exhibit, I was able to answer him. The name means "shiny robe".

See our first post about the LA County NHM's Member Loan Service for more details.

The Modern LA County Natural History Museum

The Los Angeles County Natural History Museum of my youth was a sad place, full of gracelessly aging dioramas with stuffed animals in desperate need of attention. Despite the ragged exhibits, I was captivated by the dark halls, the drama of the taxidermy exhibits--preditors with their teeth barred, ready to pounce on an unsuspecting rodent.


Thanks to thoughtful restoration, the dioramas of today are beautiful. My oldest son walks through the halls holding my hand. Pointing his free hand to the ground he tells me, "Mom, we should make our living room look like this."


Personally, I can't get enough of the bird exhibits on the second floor. And I'm partial to the "LA Backyard" diorama depicting the intersection of man/woman and wildlife, an exhibit I don't remember from my youth. By the glow of pool light, a coyote has captured a pet cat. Above the kill, a parrot eats from a bird feeder. In the distance, the moon rises and LA's downtown skyline crops up between mountains of scrub chaparral.


It seems so honest.

The Page Museum at La Brea Tar Pits

The Page Museum at La Brea Tar Pits intrigues my oldest son. Sure, the ancient bison bones are awesome, but I think it's the ten minute historic movie that captivates him most. The film shows what Los Angeles might have looked like 10,000-40,000 years ago. And has a dramatic enactment of a sabertooth cat attacking an animal trapped in the tar.


Plus, the empty theater is a great place for jumps.

Noah's Ark Exhibit at the Skirball Cultural Center

I have tried to explain this exhibit many times, but I have failed to share how wonderful the experience is--the hands-on games, the whimsical sculptures, the storytellers, the crafts.

Let me try this way:

• an almost four-year old, a ten month old, a mom, a grandmother
• two hours playing at the Ark
• absolutely. no. crying. Not one peep.
  

Reservations must be made in advance. Learn more about the Noah's Ark at the Skirball and make reservations. We will definitely return.

Free Youth LACMA Membership

Mulholland Drive: The Road to the Studio David Hockney 1980, LACMA collection

While we are on the subject of museum membership benefits, the Los Angeles County Museum of Contemporary Art offers a fantastic free membership to youth 17 and under. I am a big fan of early exposure to art and nature to children. Start now in hopes that a life time of curiosity and respect ensues.

NexGen LACMA is the nation's only free youth membership program. If you are a parent with a child under 17, join. If you know someone under 17, sign them up. Youth membership includes admission for one adult.

Natural History Museum Members' Loan Service

One of the greatest benefits of membership to the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is the Members' Loan Service. Downstairs across from the Discovery Center, the museum offers a lending library from their collection, ranging from plexiglas encased stuffed bobcats to a canine tooth of a saber-toothed cat.


If I had run across the Black-throated Mango hummingbird at the museum, I might have walked right past in my haste to see the giant T-Rex skeleton. But at home, on my bookshelf, the exhibit receives the attention and respect it deserves.

The loan period is two weeks and costs $5 for up to three exhibits. Memberships to the museum start at $60. Learn more about the Members' Loan Service and lending hours.