5 people walk 6th street for 7 miles

Blue skies, white puffy clouds, a temperate 70 degrees and 5 passionate people. I couldn't have asked for a better day to set out on a walk of 6th Street.

I was joined by Eric, Phil, Chris and Larry. E&P are pretty much 2 of my best friends. I met Chris on one of my Historic Core tours last fall and scolded him for being a "chatty Cathy"...thankfully he didn't get offended and we've kept in sporadic touch ever since; and Larry is an avid reader of all LAcentric blogs and decided it would be a fun walk to join in on.

We started out at 12:15 and quicky got to know each other. One of my favorite memories from the mile #2 marker was Chris' realization that Eric was the Eric of the "Wilshire book" fame. Chris was so excited he called his wife, "honey, guess who I'm walking with...."

All of us at one point or another shared great stories or personal insights of LA that we've experienced. Chris, being a resident of the Mid-Wilshire area and fellow urban explorer, shared with us the secret access to a rooftop in his neighborhood. We took a minor detour to Wilshire, entered said building, made our way to the 13th floor and were graced with an a-freaking-mazing 360º view of the city. Back on 6th Street we made our way through Koreatown and into the final stretch. Despite 2 detours off the route and a few snack stops we were making incredible time and set to arrive well ahead of 5pm, when The Daily Grill opened. This problem was alleviated when we happened upon Pacific Dining Car, a place I've never been in, and we decided it was time for a proper beverage. One drink later we were back on 6th and arrived in Downtown with 15 minutes to spare. The only natural choice to kill some time? Show Chris and Larry the view from the Standard rooftop.

After stuffing ourselves silly on drinks and appetizers, Chris, Larry and I took the subway and bus back to our respective starting points and E&P walked home.

All in all we all agreed that the day was perfect. Likeminded people setting out to walk a street that holds memories or experiences unique to each of us, yet alike in so many ways. Yes, most people don't understand why someone would want to walk 7 miles of any street in LA and that's OK. I can't really explain it to them and I don't want to try. It's those people that do understand that I resonate with the most.

As per usual, photos can be found here.

x

Comments

[Will Campbell]

Sounds like a fantastic journey -- and you had Eric L onboard!? My wife and I took the Museum of Neon Art's neon cruise a few monts ago and he was our excellent guide! Wish I'd been able to join you but given all the steps I took along Sunset Blvd the day before I know you understand.

[Michelle]

I really wanted to join you on this...(I was on the Franklin Ave. walk) but as Marcia Brady so eloquently put it "something suddenly came up". I hope you organize another walk sometime soon, if so, count me in.

[julius]

Sorry I couldn't make it -- got sick on Saturday. Apparently the two randoms I sent your way didn't go either, bummer! Anyway, just wanted to say that the walk looked like fun and we should hang out sometime. (I only say that because you look like hottie Janeane Garofalo in the pictures).

[shannon]

can holly come with?

[Rick]

How fun! I wish I'd been in town to join you. Big loves! Rick

[Edward Padgett]

Shannon,

I’m so disappointed I missed the 6th Street Stroll, took it for granted it was also raining in Los Angeles like it was in San Dimas Sunday morning. I had a gut feeling to phone you, but allowed that feeling to fade, next time I’ll go with my gut reaction.

[meekorouse]

glad you went! we were up late the night before (well I was anyway.. insomnia) and so by the time I woke it was a little rainy, and I went back to sleep.. not realizing that the sun would come out.. very lazy Sunday for us.. I had 0 energy. =(

[Lisa]

How fun and great photos!! You look hot! I hope I can join you next time! How was the rest of Sat. night? Hope you weren't TOO mad about the bread pudding and very quietly sung "HBTY." xoxo