Photo Dump: Murphy's Ranch Nazi Camp

As I mentioned back here, this past weekend a few friends and I went for a little hike in the gorgeous Pacific Palisades. We were in search of Murphy's Ranch. The history of the ranch is a little sketchy and while the best story I could find of what went on there is here, below is what wikipedia has to say about the ranch...

The Murphy Ranch is a ranch built in Rustic Canyon, Los Angeles in the 1930s by Winona and Norman Stephens, who were sympathizers of the Silver Legion of America.The owner of record in 1933 was Jessie M. Murphy. Designed as a base for Nazi activities in the U.S.,it was intended to be capable of being self-sustaining for long periods. The compound had a water storage tank, a fuel tank, a bomb shelter, and various outbuildings and bunkers. The estate's main gate was designed by Paul Williams, a well-known African-American architect in the Southern California area.

On Monday, December 8, 1941, the day after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, local police occupied the compound and detained members of the 50-strong caretaker force.

As of 1990, it was abandoned and in a state of disrepair, and covered in graffiti.The site is currently owned by the city of Los Angeles. As of 2014, the ranch buildings were still standing, despite repeated proposals for their demolition.

Are you hooked?! Further googling encouraged.

The entire place is just fascinating. 

Filled with unlimited amounts of graffiti, a shocking number of appliances-we counted 3 tubs and 1 stove, the rotten framework of a shed or 'tetanus filled playground' as we called it, everywhere you turned there was something to see, climb on and ponder over. Personally, my favorite item was the over turned Volkswagon. I laughed out-loud when I saw it.

In no particular order, here are a few of my photos from that day. 

Hiked and Haunted, 

Kate

P.S. For anyone who wants to do the hike, I highly recommend researching where to start as the entrance was well hidden. There is also an incredibly steep staircase of over 500 steps that drops you from the side of the road to the bottom of the canyon. 

Photo Dump: Joshua Tree

Back in the beginning of January I turned 28. 

A pretty adult age. 

I guess.

I wanted to do something different for this birthday. Not another night out at a bar, or restaurant, or house party. Those birthdays, while always a good time, seem to simply blend together.

This year was going to be different.

With a lot of thinking and a little luck, things and people and dates all fell into place to make for a two day, one night slumber party in Joshua Tree. Right smack on my birthday weekend. 

We fit 10 people in two camper vans, one van named Sherbet and the other Wild Wild West. I'm not even kidding. We had two drivers, one incredible chef, one party planner, one navigator and the rest entertainment. Two additional friends and two additional dogs met us out there. And it was epic.

I can't even express to you how special it was to see so many of my favorite people out there, in the middle of nowhere (kinda), bonding, laughing and eating together.
It just made my heart swell. 

In no particular order, here are a few of my favorite photos from Joshua Tree.

Thank you to all for making this birthday oh-so memorable!

Video to come.

Joshin',

Kate

Photo-Dump: Port Angeles

A few pictures from the Port Angeles wedding that took place back here. 

That town is one of the most photogenic I've ever visited, here are a few extra photos if you'd like to see. 

Enjoy!

Northwested, 

Kate

Photo-dump: Sumo

Way back in January, I made may way to the sumo ring. Though technically women aren't allowed in the ring...ouch, Japan. Ever since arriving in Japan I had wanted to go to a sumo tournament, but they only happen a few times a year, so it takes a bit of pre-planning, but well worth it. 

The sport is rich is culture and history. I was mesmerized all afternoon. After watching for a bit, I started to get curious about all things sumo and fired questions at the people around me. I was going to write out all that I learned, but to be honest that just seems quite silly. I knew I could find a nice site that would spitfire answers to all your burning sumo questions. Little did I know the Missouri Botanical Gardens site would be the place, click here to read up on the ins and outs of sumo. 

Sumo Vid:
*This was the last match of the day, meaning it was the most important. After a few hours, and beers, I had just about lost my patience with these guys and their taking their sweet time getting organized. That and I had 100yen riding on the guy in black.
That's 100yen I'll never see again. 

Ready for s'more sumo,
Kate

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Must Read: Chavez Died...The Guardian.

Google Search: Top 10 things to do in Hong Kong.

Tune: Safe and Sound By Capital Cities. Again.

Accomplishment: Working on a job application all morning.

Obsessions: Instant Pho Soup.

Photo-dump: Snowboarding

Way back in January, I went snowboarding with a lovely little crew. We took an over night bus from Tokyo to Nozawaonsen to enjoy three full days of snowboarding and skiing. I only had my camera for part of the trip, but I thought I'd throw up a couple pictures if you'd like to see.

The onsen town is beautiful and quaint, crawling with Tokyo-ites who want to get away for a weekend, as well as Kiwis and Aussies who have flown up for the fresh powder. 

We happened to be there during Nozawaonsen's annual, extremely intense, Fire Festival. 

Here is a basic description...

"One of Japan’s Top Three Fire Festivals, this intense event is held every year on January 15th. The 42 and 25 year old men of the village take on special roles. A massive tower is erected as a petition for the health and growth of first born sons. At night, villagers rush at the tower with torches. The 25 year olds fight them off at the base and the 42 year olds protect the top. The event climaxes in a massive bonfire as the tower succumbs to the flames. The festival’s power and energy have to be seen to be believed."

-from Go! Nagano

We watched as the 25 year olds chose their wood from the top of the mountain and ran with it (for hours) to the base of the mountain. The men rotated between helping carry the wood, and passing out sake to onlookers.

Fire and Ice,
Kate

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Must Read: 20 Things That Ain't None of Your Business...Danoah.com.

Google Search: Pinterest.

Tune: Little Lion Man By Mumford & Sons. 

Accomplishment: Lots of cooking yesterday.

Obsessions: Koala cookies.