Jogging around the Hollywood Reservoir in 1983


Run with me, and let's go back to 1983, and jog around the Hollywood Reservoir. It's the kind of place that I've found wherever I've lived which makes people think that I'm kidding. There are people who have lived in Los Angeles for a long time and can't even imagine it. But I was there, and I'd like you to go back there with me now, just to kill some time.

Because that's about all I did in 1983, was to find inexpensive ways to kill time while I waited for a response to the various jobs that I'd applied for. I didn't call it "History Adventuring" back then, it was just a way to pass the time in an interesting and inexpensive way.

Although I've always been an athletic and active man, I really haven't done much running, but you gotta admit that it's a cheap form of exercise. I didn't have a bicycle at the time, and I sure couldn't afford a gym membership, so when a neighbor of mine suggested going for a run with him I was glad to go.

This neighbor, whose name I can't recall for the life of me, did a lot of hanging around the apartment complex, too. He was an actor, and that's when I learned that their lives were either terribly busy, or just sitting around waiting for the next call. 1983 was a slow time for him, and also for his girlfriend (also an actor) who was home with a broken leg in a cast.

I wasn't waiting for an acting job, by the way, I had convinced myself that the best place to look for work for a graphic designer was on Wilshire Boulevard at the advertising agencies. I was wrong, but hey, I was young. My degree was from Arizona State, and when I graduated I wanted to see what the Big City was like, and I decided on Los Angeles.

If you imagine that my apartment complex in Hollywood was fancy and glamorous, think again. It was cheap, and the neighborhood was just a little bit scary. I didn't go out at night. But during the day I explored, mostly burning gas in my car that I could ill afford. I would noodle up into the hills, stop at the Beachwood Market for a Coke, and go home.

I wish I could tell you more about the run around Lake Hollywood, but I really can't. It must have been a nice day, but then the weather is almost always nice in Southern California. I don't know if you're still allowed to run around the reservoir, or if it's all closed off now, or if there's anywhere to park. If you do know, please tell me.

Thank you for running with me!

In Hollywood in 1983, with another friend who lived in the apartment complex.

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