H O L L Y W O O D

My traveling buddy, who was born and raised in L.A., claims he has never seen this American Icon from the road.  I have a hard time believing that, but then again, he points out he is always driving and I'm the one who gets to look. (Do I sense some resentment there?)   He has, of course, seen it in countless movies:  Mighty Joe Young, Earthquake, Superman, Pretty Woman, Escape from L.A., Predator 2, the list goes on and on.  So when I suggested we drive up Beachwood Drive for a good view of it, he jumped at the chance.

There were people from all over the world snapping a picture of these famous 45 foot high letters.  Back in 1923 when the sign was erected it originally read, "Hollywoodland" as an advertisement for a development company.  The last four letters were removed when Hollywood became the movie capital of the world.  It sits on top of Mt. Lee, the tallest peak in Los Angeles.  The view of the city below is worth the drive.  On the drive down, we were surprised to see there is still a realty company called "Hollywoodland".  What a place to buy a piece of property!