#190: The Wildlife Learning Center

Up the 405 on the outskirts of a sleepy Sylmar suburb are six of the most adorable porcupines you will ever meet. Adorable? Porcupines? You heard me. In my opinion, porcupines have gotten a bad rap. I think it stems from the rumor that they can shoot out their quills (False, by the way). One trip to the Wildlife Learning Center, though, and I guarantee that you will fall head over heels in love with the prickly little critters. Aww, just look at this guy:

wax on, wax off

The WLC is an animal lover's dream come true. Here are some of the things you can do during your visit:

pet a darling fennec fox

feel the cool scales of a snake around your shoulders

come face to face with a sleepy-eyed sloth

feed a porcupine (his name is Walter, and he will melt your heart)

hold a tawny owl

pet a nervous prairie dog

get up close and personal with a serval wildcat

The Wildlife Learning Center offers three tours. We opted for the 1-on-1 Animal Experience, a 1.5 hour tour which was led by a friendly WLC biologist. The tour costs $100 for the whole group and can accommodate up to four people. We brought along our friends Christine and Adam, which made it an even $25 per person.

The center also sells general admission tickets for $6 ($5 for children and seniors, kids under 2 free), but I would highly recommend paying the extra money for a tour, which ranges from $10 to $25 per person. With general admission, you can only admire the animals outside of their cages, whereas on the tours you can go into their enclosures.

The WLC houses over 70 different species of rescued and zoo-born wildlife and provides outreach programs for the public. They are even available for birthday parties!

Have you been to the Wildlife Learning Center? What did you think of it? Leave me a comment below!

Wildlife Learning Center

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#178: The Cascades

I remember the first time I caught a glimpse of the Casacades; it was while I was driving up the 5 Freeway on the way to the Poppy Fields (#120). Roaring down the mountain like a water slide of the gods, this gigantic aqueduct is a sight to behold.

The Cascades is the point where Los Angeles' water supply enters the city after traveling 338 miles from the Sierra Nevada mountains.

not the best place to visit if you have to pee

The building of the aqueduct began in 1908 and was completed in 1913. It was designed by engineer and LADWP director William Mulholland, of Mulholland Drive fame.

Now the Cascades is Los Angeles Historic Landmark #63. While you can't go right up to the aqueduct, you can get a nice view from your choice of fence: chain link or bars.

Directions:

The Cascades is located at 13801 Balboa Blvd just off the 5 Freeway. There is a turn-in along Foothill Blvd where you can view the National Historic Landmark plaque, or you can park on Balboa and walk to the intersection of Balboa and Foothill for another view.

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Have you seen the Cascades? What did you think of it? Leave me a comment below!

The Cascades

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#106: The Nethercutt Museum and Collection

Who would have thought that cosmetics and cars would have something in common? The Nethercutts are owners of Merle Norman Cosmetics and thanks to that company's success, they were able to build the Nethercutt collection and museum in Sylmar. This museum/collection is free and features hundreds of classic vintage cars, antique furniture and mechanical musical instruments.

I came here this past weekend with some friends and we started off at the museum which is across the street from the collection. The museum is one big show room filled with vintage cars from the early to mid 1900's. All the cars have been beautifully restored and are in working condition--the keys are even in the ignitions!

We then went across the street for the tour of the collection. There are two tours during the day and they are free but you must reserve a spot. It took us a month to get our reservations, so be sure to book early. The tour group consisted of about 50 people, mostly an older crowd. The tour lasted for about 90 minutes and the guide gave us plenty of time to wander about on our own. There are four levels to the collection, and it's filled with everything from dolls to more classic cars to nickelodeons and music boxes.

The music room

I felt magically transported back in time in the Nethercutt. I am looking forward to returning for their silent movie screenings in the music room. A big thank you to Renee for telling me about this museum! :)

Nethercutt Collection

The piano playing on its own

The piano on top played Rhapsody in Blue---Gershwin himself played the piece on it, and it is forever recorded in the piano!

wood paneling

1946 Volkswagon

You can't really tell from the pic but it's leather!

An old fire truck.. Wow.

Brad and the RCA dog