Metro D Line walk #3 from the Wilshire / La Brea Station includes St. Elmo Village

5 ¼ miles from Wilshire/La Brea that travels through the LA neighborhoods of Sycamore Square, Brookside, Vineyard, and Victoria Park. At our furthest point south, we’ll visit St. Elmo Village.

Why do this one? Unless you have been in a media blackout, you know that Metro has extended the D Line Subway west with 3 new stations. My purpose is to lead groups on one new loop walk from each of these new stations in a 22-day span. The idea is to discover or revisit parts of mid-town LA on a walk-about of about 5 ¼ miles. Each of these walks is essentially flat, each concentrate on residential streets, each has one short break for a restroom, each encompasses mostly new blocks from the mosaic of walks I have already led nearby in the past decade. Each is done Sunday or Memorial Day to make it easier for people to drive and park. Yes, the ideal is for you to take Metro to get to these 3 events but I understand that people want options. Maybe drive to my walk and when done with me, go underground and learn about the system by riding at least a stop or two.

What is the nature of the walking? This is a sidewalk walk. While it is mostly flat, there are some aberrations of grade that includes going up one public stairway. It is process of crossing very busy boulevards (Olympic, San Vicente, Pico, Venice) and following La Brea while finding tranquil streets between them.

What is the effort level: less than 5.5 miles done in more than 3 hours of moving. Mostly level. This is a "1" on my Inman scale where 4 is the most difficult.

Is this a new route or a repeat? This is new except that I repeat ¾ miles from our January Victoria Park walk so that we can include St. Elmo Village.

About the start point? We begin at the Metro Wilshire / La Brea Station. Above ground is a lively area for food including République (a block away) if you allow plenty of time to stand in line for pastries and coffee. Or have a waffle breakfast at Met Her at a Bar. Street parking is difficult around here but looks like you could try Olympic and walk a half mile to meet us.

What about the restroom and sit-down breaks during the walk? We will take one break for at least half an hour at St. Elmo Village. This comes after 35% of the walking. They have restrooms here. And you can pack some munchies to enjoy while we are here. Besides the $5 to register, coming on this particular activity carries an expectation that you will donate at least $4-5. They have a collection point and you can do it on-line. Don’t register for this walk if you are not going to support St. Elmo Village. This of course means that we do 65% of the walking afterwards without any restroom stops.

Is there a long food break? No

Any featured architects? Interesting residential stuff but no major architects once we leave Wilshire Blvd.

Any restrictions or cautions? Just because this is a level #1 walk, don’t lose sight of the notion that we do this for brisk exercise – not to slowly tour. Without stairways and steep hills and frequent places for me to stop and narrate, we will generally keep moving. If you have struggled to keep up recently or are new to my walks, just doublecheck with yourself if 5 miles plus is something you have done recently. This walk is posted as part of a group of 5 walks taking place between May 17 and June 7. Don’t sign up for more than 3 of 5 before May 24. After that, come back to the “box office”; see what spots remain another if you want.

Attendance is limited. You must register first come first served for one of the 20 available spots. There is a $5 fee to register, $10 if you register for yourself and a plus one. You may not reserve more than 2 spots per booking. There is also a provision to grab a standby without charge and I will let you know in the last few days before the event if an opening has popped up for you.

I use this platform to send emails to booked participants about two days before any walk. That includes the exact meeting location. If you have a reservation, always look for that additional communication because there will always be last-minute tips and there might be a last-minute consideration. Check your spam. If you don’t see that email, please reach out to me 24 hours before the start.

Event Waiver information:

By registering for this event you are releasing Robert Inman from any liability for damages from illness, injury and/or death that arises out of, or is connect with, or in any manner relates to, your participation with organized hikes or walks organized and guided by Robert Inman.

By registering for the event you understand and agree that it is your responsibility to assess the hazards presented by your participation in organized hikes or walks and further agree that you are the ultimate judge as to whether you can perform the organized hike or walk without risk of harm to yourself.

You understand and EXPRESSLY ASSUME all the dangers incident to the organized hike or walk and hereby RELEASE ALL CLAIMS, including but not limited to, personal injury, property damage or destruction, and death, whether caused by NEGLIGENCE, breach of contract or otherwise, and whether for bodily injury, property damage or loss otherwise, which you may ever have against Robert Inman.