Being the Iowa people we are, my husband and I definitely find ourselves craving the wide-open, solitary spaces in this mad jungle of a city. Last weekend, we ventured into Solstice Canyon in Malibu, and WOW, what an amazing place! The hike was awesome, and it was terribly scenic.

An old windmill greets you at the trailhead.

As well as this funky house.

We hiked to the top of a hill and, on the way back down, came upon this guy just standing in the middle of the trail.

You can see his owners coming up on the left side of the picture. He was patiently waiting for them to catch up, and once they did, he bounded further up the road.

We knew that somewhere in the park was a house that had burned down in a wildfire many years ago. Lo and behold, at the end of the trail were these fabulous ruins, the remnants of Roberts Ranch.

Is it appropriate to call the empty shell of a former home “fabulous”?

Probably not, but you get my point.

This home was designed by famous Southern California architect Paul Revere Williams, and was meant to blend in with the surrounding flora and fauna. Ironically, it was also built with state-of-the-art fire protection systems and fireproof materials. Obviously those measures did not prevent the home from burning down in 1982.

What’s left are some really eerie and surreal ruins.

You can still see the charred beam over the fireplace.

I don’t think this oven has been used for awhile.

Probably the most bizarre part of this site is…

The bathtub.

You can tell it’s in its original location because the plumbing still exists, and it’s sitting on a white tile floor.

It’s also overdue for a good cleaning.

There’s a surprise remnant around every corner… er, tree.

I loved all the details.

Really, this place is STUNNING.

This would’ve been the backyard.

I’d highly recommend hiking in Solstice Canyon if you’re in the area. It’s got both easy and difficult hikes, and it’s worth it when you get to the Robert Ranch ruins. Be sure to leave yourself enough time to explore!

Dogs have given us their absolute all.  We are the center of their universe.  We are the focus of their love and faith and trust.  They serve us in return for scraps.  It is without a doubt the best deal man has ever made.  ~Roger Caras

Or at least deposit a “gift” in my shoe.

I was going through my old props and decided that I really needed to incorporate them into a quick session with Toby.

He was THRILLED.

Please note the drool. Treats are a powerful thing, especially with a dog who seems to be part goat.

Never fear. He was well-compensated for his efforts. Or lack thereof.

Once I relieved him of his burden, he looked up at me one last time with that sweet little beagle face of his…

… and promptly cleared the room with a stink cloud that would kill a moose.

I suppose I deserved it, huh?

“My life is like a stroll on the beach…as near to the edge as I can go.” – Thoreau

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