Time For A Hike!
For those who have been following along, one of my favorite series of stories involves a great “hike” followed by a classic Alfred Hitchcock film…my wife Alex came up with the idea, which we call:
“Hitch Hiking!”
While some of the hike are traditional, I also included several urban hikes, because 196 blocks in New York City adds up!
Here are the 8 hikes I have posted so far, as well as the classic Hitchcock thrillers highlighted in the story:
Hitch Hiking #1: High Above Malibu! “To Catch A Thief!”
Alex and I hike regularly at Will Rogers State Park, which offers miles and miles of great hiking up hills and into the Santa Monica mountain range – and at times they do indeed go UP:
This is a good workout, and the views make it all worthwhile – see this hike by clicking here, and you’ll also get the trailer for the classic Hitchcock thriller “To Catch A Thief” with Cary Grant and Grace Kelly:
One of the most iconic locations for a Hitchcock movie – Bodega Bay, California was my next destination – oh, you don’t remember what happened in Bodega Bay?
That’s right, the Hitchcock shocker “The Birds” filmed in this area, which sits on the Pacific Ocean and offers miles and miles of beach hiking:
Hitch Hiking #2: California’s Bodega Bay! “The Birds!”
The day we hiked this pacific ocean beach, it was very windy, but we also got to see a lot of windsurfers giving it their all:
Click here to see more windsurfing action and the hilarious trailer of Hitchcock and a bird promoting the film!
Still in Northern California, this time in wine country:
Hitch Hiking #3: Napa Valley! “North By Northwest!”
We love to walk in wine country: hours and hours along the vineyards that hug the road like this:
It’s an invigorating way to start the day and work up a healthy thirst. And what better way to sip a glass of wine than with Cary Grant trying to outrun small planes:
Here’s a look at walking wine country and running from aircraft:
Time to get out of the vineyards and into the naked city – New York City!
Hitch Hiking #4: New York Urban Hike! “Rear Window!”
If you wonder where 196 blocks takes you in New York, this is the post for you – because it includes the idyllic Central Park:
If you are talking New York, then you are talking Hitchcock’s most famous thriller, which involved James Stewart doing a lot of this:
The acclaimed Actor liked to keep an eye on his neighbors, but what he saw as a killer! Check out the hike and the hitch here:
Time to head to the west coast, where Hitchcock took us up these steps:
Hitch Hiking #5: San Francisco’s Coit Tower! “Vertigo!”
Another classic thriller, making use of San Francisco’s legendary landmark:
Want to see just how many steps there are to the top of Coit, and why Hitchcock saw it as a very phallic symbol for the film – click here for the answer:
Time to head overseas and take a hike down London’s famed streets:
Hitch Hiking #6: London Calling! Hitchcock’s Vicious “Frenzy!”
Hitchcock entered the 1970’s trying to be a bit edgier, and sure achieved that with the thriller “Frenzy”, which made great use of London sites – the same ones I walked and walked and walked many times with my production team and son:
“Frenzy” makes great use of London locations, so checkout the trailer here:
I had a blast working in London, and walking the massive city as well, but let’s go back to a more traditional hike halfway around the world again:
Hitch Hiking #7: Point Reyes State Park! “Family Plot!”
Hitchcock ended his career on California’s west coast with a gentler film, but the hiking was just as rigorous:
Point Reyes state park is spectacular – a great way to see wildlife and California’s spectacular coastline as well:
Here’s a closer look at Point Reyes State Park and “Family Plot”:
Finally, I did a great wildlife hike right in the middle of a great city!
Hitch Hiking #8: Arizona’s Papago Park! “Strangers On A Train!”
Phoenix Arizona offers a terrific hike at Papago Park, where you can climb a nice size hill and see the city:
It’s a great workout without leaving town, and afterwards, take a trip and meet a fellow murderer – here is the trailer for “Strangers On A Train”:
There you go, my first eight “hitch hikes”.
What’s next? Well, imagine hiking here:
The magnificent Grand Canyon is up soon, and since I am also a fan of “urban hikes”, I will take you to a place where “hiking” is NOT a solo activity:
Yes, those people are all headed toward me – but it didn’t keep me from walking over TWELVE miles in Tokyo!
Those are the next two “Hitch Hikes” still to come!
Let me know some of your favorite hikes!
