Who knew they allowed the public to explore 2,700 acres of film sets in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area? I sure didn’t! So when I started reading about Paramount Ranch this morning I decided that I was going to explore it today. Nicci and I packed some sandwiches and drove up the 101 to Agoura Hills. We had no problems finding the park, and the signs to Western Town were clearly marked. We parked outside the Park Ranger’s station and walked over to the ranch. I was expecting a larger set, but to see all the facades was still really impressive.
Dude, they filmed Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman here. Oh, and those last two pictures of the birds? I was playing around with my new(ish) zoom lens.
Unfortunately, every single door to every single building on the lot was padlocked shut. Trust me, I tried every. single. door.
Strangey enough, the building to the left of the “Mining Equiptment” building is a private residence. That was the one door I didn’t try to open on the lot. Because I believe that’s called trespassing, and I’m pretty sure it’s illegal.
What you’re looking at here is pretty much half of the ranch. Like I said, it was a bit smaller than I expected. But then again, everything looks bigger on TV or movie screens (note: I’ve never seen an episode of Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman).
No, I didn’t try to rob the bank. Yes, I would have if I thought there was a chance it could be packed with gold doubloons.
There’s a new sheriff in town. And he wears clown shoes. The fag.
The coolest part of Western Town isn’t the town itself, it’s the surrounding park. Beautiful golden hills pockmarked with trees, various hiking trails, and small creeks and streams create a neat landscape.
On the photographer’s side of the bridge, a small picnic area beneath a great big tree. We sat here eating our sandwiches and cookies, and watching various birds and critters race across the open field surrounding us. It was peaceful. It was relaxing.
Nicci, upon realizing that we were in the Santa Monica Mountains near Malibu, asked if I could please use my phone to find out if we were anywhere near where they film her favorite TV show — “The Biggest Loser”. Much to her surprise, we were but four miles away. So after our mini picnic, we hopped back in the car and drove down Mulholland Parkway into Calabasas. The gym and house where the majority of the show is filmed is in a place called King Gillette Ranch. Nicci got out of the car and walked around to take some photos, and I drove in a loop so as not to arouse suspicion. Who knows whether we were supposed to be driving in the areas in which the show is filmed.
Traffic was shitty all the way home, but we made it in time to watch the Celtics rip the hearts of of Lakers fans with Nicci’s Boston-born roommates. All in all, it was a very full day off from work. Next week, some other adventure with some other people!
Black Breath – Eat The Witch
Voice of The Seven Woods – Silver Morning Branches
