How I love whimsey–especially when it has its practical side. The Angels Flight funicular railway runs two cars up and down Bunker Hill in downtown Los Angeles. For a mere 50 cents you can ride one whole block–but a very steep block–from Hill Street to Olive.
Initially built in 1901, Angels Flight operated until 1969 when Bunker Hill was “redeveloped”. “Redeveloped” means that the city confiscated the land, tore down old, and somewhat shabby, Victorian homes where over 20,000 people lived, then sold the property to builders who erected high rise towers for the more affluent.
In 1996 Angels Flight reopened, but in 2001 closed again after an accident. New safety features were installed and it reopened a second time in 2010. The same two cars, built back in 1901 and refurbished obviously, still run up and down the tracks. One is named Sinai, the other Olivet. I love the fact that each car has a real name!
I have also included a photo of goats next to Angels Flight. Because the hillside is so steep a couple of years ago the city hired a goat herd to clear the overgrown grass on the slope. Cute–huh? It took the goats one long weekend to mow the grass. They were accompanied by a very nice young goatherder for the duration.
There are dozens of things to see and do nearby. The historic Grand Central Market with food stalls and take-away cafes is right across Hill Street. At the top of Angels Flight you can take an very interesting self-guided walking tour of public art in that area.
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