Springtime Beauty at Cheeseboro and Palo Comado Canyons in Agoura Hills

Cheeseboro Canyon Trail (CCT) is a 4.6 mile main artery into Cheeseboro Canyon with long flat sections surrounded by ancient oaks and flowing grasslands. Springtime is a great time to visit for a long walk the family, run with your training partners or cycling adventure with your buddies.

Take CCT past Sulphur Springs to the Shepherds' Flat area.

Once you reach Shepherds' Flat, you can take the Sheep Corral Trail north where it joins up with the Palo Comado Trail up to China Flat. Springtime colors abound after the winter rains.  Learn more about the trails of Cheeseboro and Palo Comado Canyons at THIS LINK.

Cheeseboro Canyon Trail north of Sulphur Springs

Vintage items in the China Flat area

DOZENS OF TRAILS IN AND AROUND VENTURA COUNTY

Spring 2016 Has Arrived in the Conejo Valley

After off an on rains over the last several months, Spring has sprung in the Conejo Valley and wildflowers are beginning to make an appearance. Share them with us on the CVG Facebook Page when you come across some beauties in the Conejo Open Space. Check out some local trails at THIS LINK.

These wildflowers overlooking Ladyface MOuntain in the background were accessed from the hills above the new Westlake Village YMCA. The steep, unmarked trail can be accessed at Canyon Oaks Park, 6200 Hedgehall Drive, Westlake Village.

These mellow yellows were seen in abundance off of the Pentachaeta Trail in Triunfo Creek Park.

This pretty area can be found off the Westlake Village Trail, also in Triunfo Creek Park, adjacent to the Las Virgenes Reservoir.

Hike to Sandstone Peak, the Highest Point in the Santa Monica Mountains

Sunset views from Sandstone Peak toward the Conejo Valley

At an elevation of 3,111 feet, Sandstone Peak is the highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains. It should be on everyone's "bucket list" of local hikes, with its sweeping views to the Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands and inland to the Conejo/Simi Valleys.

There are some steps, then some trekking, to reach the top from this sign. You've made it!

The final ascent involves some rock climbing; not for everyone, but not too bad.

Sandstone Peak is also known at Mount Allen, dedicated by the Boy Scouts of America to W. Herbert Allen, who donated nearby land at Circle X Ranch used for campouts.

Plaque dedicated to W. Herbert Allen, along with logbook, is at the peak of the mountain

The hike itself is a challenge, about a 30 minute to 1 hour, 1 1/2 mile trek from the trailhead at a dirt parking lot off of Yerba Buena Road. For me, an even bigger challenge is the winding drive up Decker Canyon to Little Sycamore Canyon Road, about 14 miles from the heart of Thousand Oaks but about a 30 to 40 minute trip. If your kids get motion sickness, be careful!

After the tight curves of the 23 (Decker Canyon) you turn right on Mulholland Drive West to Little Sycamore Canyon Road, which connects to Yerba Buena. Get ready for some tight twists and turns. Drive carefully!

The trailhead is just west of Circle X Ranch, 12896 Yerba Buena Road, Malibu. More information and photos at this link. There are some other amazing things to see up here, including "Balanced Rock," "Split Rock" and "Echo Cliffs' from the Mishe Mokwa Trail up there.

Views from the peak towards the Channel Islands, floating in cloud cover.

The Rose Parade Post Parade Showcase of Floats is Something You Have to Do at Least Once

Everyone at some point here in the Greater Los Angeles/Ventura County area should try to see the Rose Parade in person, as early and as cold as the parade usually is.  But if that isn't your cup of tea, then you MUST see the post parade showcase of floats at the end of the parade route on Sierra Madre Boulevard in Pasadena.

The Rose Parade Post Parade Showcase of Floats lasts just a few days each year, beginning the afternoon after the Rose Parade. Several streets are sectioned off for several miles as you get to walk around and check out these beautiful floats up close. 

As a reminder, Rose Parade floats are required to be completely covered by flowers or other natural materials, such as leaves, seeds or bark. These floats are spectacular pieces of art!

A couple things to keep in mind is to allow for plenty of time as this is an extremely popular event. There are parking and shuttle options, or you can drive around and attempt to find parking in surrounding neighborhoods. You may have to walk a mile to get to the entrance and there is an admission fee ($10 in 2016).

I told you it gets crowded. See for yourself!

I made the mistake of allowing my youngest to ride his scooter from the car to the event, at which point we were quickly told "no scooters" or other such items. I asked if I could carry it. Nope. So off we went, back to the car, and back we came. It was clear why they don't allow such items here...there were literally throngs of people on hand admiring the floats.

Along with the floats, there were plenty of food and beverage vendors and other activities along the route. Do wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking to be done to see all of the floats!

For more information and parking/shuttle options, visit www.tournamentofroses.com or call 626.449.4100.

Sweet Escapes In and Around Ventura County

"Sweet Escape" by Chuck Trunks

Looking for something to do around Ventura County but also looking for money missing from your wallet? Not to worry, there are plenty of escapes that won't cost you an arm and a leg around town. In fact, our mission in life here is to ensure you have hundreds of inexpensive, fun options in Ventura County and surrounding areas!

Free upcoming local events

Free things to do

Free kids' activities

Kids eat free deals

Get free food and stuff at Ventura County area eateries

That should get you started...but here's some more:

Family events

Upcoming 5K/10K events

Send your kids to a local summer camp

Go on a bike ride

Swimming and water play around Ventura County

Visit a local farmers' market

Go bowling

Throw a birthday party for your kid

Visit a museum

Not enough choices? Continue exploring Conejo Valley Guide and I can guarantee you'll find something fun to do.

Neat Residential Holiday Light Display on Pathfinder Avenue in Westlake Village

Scenes from the pathfinder avenue holiday light show in 2014

The awesome holiday light display at 4903 Pathfinder in Westlake Village is back this 2015 holiday season! Starting December 4th through Christmas from 6-9PM every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night, weather permitting, stop by to see "snow" falling and a light show synchronized to music, with shows running every 15 minutes.

Monday through Thursday the lights will be on. Bring your food donations for the local Manna Conejo Valley Food Bank too!

Also, on December 24 bring your family, friends and kids; there will be Elves and other holiday characters handing out candy!

The Majority of Conejo Valley Guide Facebook Followers Plan to Relax on Black Friday

Happy Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving is celebrated on the 4th Thursday of November, but it hasn't always been that way. In December 1941, Congress passed a law signed by Franklin D. Roosevelt to change it to the 4th Thursday; previously it was the last Thursday of the month (signed into law by Abraham Lincoln in 1863). The change was made in part to distance Thanksgiving a bit from Christmas (which hasn't kept Santa from appearing at most local malls well before today).

Moving on to tomorrow, Black Friday...in a drawing and informal survey on the Conejo Valley Guide Facebook page yesterday, the question was asked, "what are your plans for Black Friday?" 

Based on the responses, I might have to sell short consumer retail stocks, as only 13% of the 188 responding to the survey mentioned they plan to shop on Black Friday! (And that includes one response who said he was "Amazoning.")

In fact, 4% of folks responded with "Not Shopping" I suppose to make a point....although that does not really answer the question as to what they DO plan to do.

Overall, 43% of the responses indicated a plan to "hang out" with family and/or just relax, or just SLEEP (9% indicate that) tomorrow. These folks plan to eat leftovers, relax, watch movies at home, play games and basically enjoy a day with family. Not a bad way to enjoy Black Friday.

Nearly 20% of responses indicates plans to go out and about on Black Friday, not necessarily to shop, but to enjoy the outdoors, take a hike, go to the movies, visit an amusement park, watch Santa fly from the sky at Janss Marketplace, watch kids' sports, etc.

Only 7% of responses indicated they plan to work on Black Friday. Yes, some of us still do have to work. And 5% indicated plans to get moving on holiday decorating around the house.

Other responses included "not sure," chores, travel, packing for move, buying a car, job interview, studying, party, get a facial and so on.