To Kill a Mockingbird and short relaxing Sunday PM hike with a great view

My kids are starting to read some rather brilliant novels I last read in high school and, in the wake of the election, I feel a desire to connect with some aspect of my culture that involves thought and sensitivity, so I'm reading them too! In case anybody wants to talk about a book and hike I propose a discussion of Harper Lee's classic novel 'To Kill a Mockingbird' on Pearl Harbor Day, 2014 and J.D. Salinger's 'The Catcher in the Rye' perhaps in February. So if you dare, read or reread 'To Kill a Mockingbird' and join us for a kid friendly walk up the Rosewood trail to Angel Vista. This is an uphill hike on a well maintained single track trail to a lovely vista with a panoramic view of Boney Mountain (the backbone of the Santa Monicas), valleys, hills, ocean, islands, and suburban sprawl.

Bring snacks to share as we talk about the book (not the movie!) on top.

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The work: Harper Lee's 1960 Pulitzer Prize winning novel, To Kill a Mockingbird , is on everybody's list of most influential American novels of the 20th century and resonated with me as a youngster and as someone who grew up in the American south and midwest. It deals significantly with issues of racism and loss of innocence and was written by a somewhat reclusive author who did not publish another novel or pursue the kind of celebrity that defines writers subjected to the publishing industry today.

The hike: This is an easy short hike up to a wonderful lookout point called Angel Vista. From the (free) street parking we'll find the somewhat obscured Rosewood Trailhead, follow the trail with a steady climb until we reach a multi-way trail junction taking the right turn at the signed junction another 200 yards or so until we reach Angel Vista, which has a picnic and book club discussion table. If we linger at the top, it might be getting dark by the time we reach the cars, so bring a flashlight and maybe a jacket in your daypack. Rain, snow, ebola curfew, or civil disobedience will cause this to be rescheduled.

Directions: From the 101 take the Ventu Park exit and go South to Lynn Road, turn right on Lynn and then take the nearby left onto Regal Oak Ct to the end and park. This is a suburban neighborhood, so please keep the noise and commotion down. We will meet near the end of the road and head up by 2:10pm.

Distance: 3 miles

Elevation Gain: 750'

Difficulty: Easy to Intermediate

Dogs: Leashed, per State law

Restrooms: No

Water Fountain: No

Parking: Free on the street

Trail: Single track, excellent condition

Sunset: 4:48 pm

Disclaimer / Release of Liability: You must RSVP to attend this event, no exceptions. Hiking and other outdoor events are inherently dangerous and accidents can happen. By participating in any posted event, you're taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. This Meetup Group and its organizers are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions. You are responsible for you. If you choose to sign up for any events, you are releasing the Group and its organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience. You will mention no lawyer other than Atticus Finch during this event. This applies to any guests you may invite and to all your individuated personalities that may or may not emerge under the influence of hiking or literature. Please be respectful and limit the noise and disturbances near the residential area.