Ojai, about an hour north of L.A. has long been one of my favorite getaways.
I was saddened to see the flames of the
Thomas Fire, said to be the largest fire in California history, scorching the
mountains surrounding the idyllic valley. I was delighted to see that the ring
of fire threatening to swallow the town just snarled at the edges of the
village.
Artists of all stripes who have
hideaways tucked in the hills and shady glens gathered refuse from the fire and
created mobiles and other objects de art that are on display in the galleries
that line Ojai Avenue.
Sadly, heading north on Hwy 33 did not fare so well. The
Wheeler Gorge was singed and a rock slide has generated road work that will
last for at least a year.
The Cozy Dell
Trail which was my favorite was badly damaged. What was a shady, flower
infested walk is now lined with the spiky blackened limbs of dead trees.
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| Cozy Dell Trail Before Thomas Fire |
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| Cozy Dell Trail June 2018 |
I decided to explore the Oso Trail that takes you into the
through sage-littered meadows lining the rocky river
bottom. I was delighted to discover an inviting swimming hole I had no idea
existed. If only I had brought my baby suit, I could have taken a swim with the
local family enjoying a picnic there.
Ventura River Preserve
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| Swimming Hole Ventura River Preserve |
The scenic drive from Carpentaria to Ojai on Hwy 150 was
spared.
The curvaceous road past avocado
farms through lush green tree tunnels remains the same. However, when you crest
the summit overlooking Castaic Lake you see the mountains framing the valley
for miles around are nude.
Splotches of
orange witches dodder are all that decorate the barren scene.
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| View from Second Floor Oakridge Inn |
Ojai is still a joyous place known for its meditative and
restful qualities. The
Oakridge Inn is a comfortable, clean economical place to
stay. If you get a room on the second floor you will enjoy a view of the
mountains a sweet breeze wafting up canyon. It is conveniently located walking
distance to the Bocalli’s Italian satellite cafe, famous for farm to table fresh
produce.
Linda Ballou is an adventure
travel writer with a host of travel articles on her site, along with
information about her travel memoir, Lost
Angel Walkabout-One Traveler’s Tales; historical novel Wai-nani, A Voice from Old Hawai’i; as well as her latest novel The Cowgirl Jumped over the Moon at-www.LindaBallouAuthor.com.
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www.LindaBallouTalkingtoyou.com to receive updates on books, and travel
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