Photo by Caroline Pitts
Saturday morning, 43 students filed out of the door of a coach bus at the base of Westshire Drive for the first campus recreation-led Hike of the Month to the Hollywood Sign. The well-integrated group of freshmen through seniors embarked on a 1.5 mile hike that is noted as one of the easier, yet more scenic, hikes that Campus Rec. has to offer. The trail meandered up the side of the mountain, offering breathtaking views of Los Angeles and various views of the Hollywood sign. Junior, Jared Chumsae, one of two student leaders on this hike, said, “I’d like to think that the Hollywood hike (and any other hike) has a twofold purpose. For one these hikes are great for promoting a healthy and active lifestyle that gets you out of the dorm and into amazing, beautiful scenery. Secondly, hiking is just the most direct route that allows us to commune with God, plain and simple.”
The natural landscape gave the hikers a new experience of Los Angeles. When asked about her initial expectations for the hike, freshman Brit Rivera said, “I wasn’t expecting to like it, actually. My suite mates had to convince me to get out of bed and go. But I am so glad I did end up going because it was such a beautiful view, such a great experience, and God’s presence was so evident during the whole excursion.”
While no report of any run-ins with mountain lions, rattle snake attacks or the casual tumble off a cliff, there were a fair amount of sunburned noses and dusty shoes. All in all, the hike to the Hollywood sign was an excellent opportunity to meet new people, see Los Angeles from above and get in touch with nature. But, let’s get real —the real reward was that perfect Instragram picture that is bound to make the folks back home jealous.
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As published in the Sept. 19 issue of the Pepperdine Graphic.