If you've ever driven past the Trancas (huge fight with autocorrect, which really really wants it to be 'Trances') shopping center, you've driven past Trancas Creek. Spared from development a few years back by a group of activists, it's now the subject of ongoing talks about restoration.

Meanwhile, as with all open spaces here in Malibu, the creek has a rich and somewhat private life. It's a coyote crossing, a hiking trail, a trysting ground and a dumping ground. You'll see ducks and egrets and gulls, dogs and snakes and lizards and hawks.

We've been regulars here lately, the dogs and I, so get ready for more photos than you're likely to want to see.

The overpass:

And the underpass:

Writing on the walls:

Wildlife:

And wild life:

When the El Nino rains come, the creek will rise. It'll be interesting to see what happens next.