Detecting Missiles!

Nike Missile Site, Wayne New Jersey

Last Sunday was a v-v-v-v-Valley day.  After visiting nearby murals in Van Nuys, Larry took me to Encino. We climbed up Mulholland Drive to San Vicente Mountain. All the way up there were interesting signs and strange-looking metal contraptions.  

View from The Tower, San Vicente Mountain

Here's a description  of the area from LAMountains.com:   The park provides a glimpse into United States military history. Numerous self-guided interpretive displays explain how from 1956-1968, San Vicente Mountain was one of sixteen Los Angeles area Nike-Ajax supersonic anti-aircraft missile launch sites. During the Cold War, Nike sites were located in defensive rings surrounding key urban and industrial areas throughout the United States. This site contained ground-based radar and computer systems designed to detect and track hostile aircraft, and to guide the anti-aircraft missiles that would be launched from nearby Sepulveda Basin to their targets.

Wow! I didn't realize that our Santa Monica Mountains held so many secrets. It was a beautiful day. There were hikers and mountain bikers on the trails. Some people dragged up their camp chairs just to sit, relax and look out over the Encino Reservoir and the vastness that is the San Fernando Valley. 

Hikers, San Vicente Mountain

The sky was hazy on Sunday and the light was rather strange.  My photos have not been retouched. They have a yellow-ish glow, making them look like faded photos from the 1960s. Perfect! During better weather conditions, like after a windy, rainy day, I'm sure you would be able to see for miles from San Vicente Mountain. Pray for rain.

Looks like Larry is wearing his radar fascinator!