Photo taken in August 2008

This is pretty much the same view as this one. The difference is that the one above was taken five months later.

August 30th, 2008 | Tags: clouds, home, mountains | Category: nature | Comments Off on Clouds over Ashland, Oregon

Photo taken in August of 2008

August 29th, 2008 | Tags: lithia park, people, trees | Category: lithia park, people | Comments Off on Lithia Park Playground

Photo taken in August 2008

The above view is from Hillcrest Street near the three-way corner that also intersects with Glenview and Vista. Ashland Springs Hotel can be clearly seen to the right. On the left is part of a Monkey Puzzle Tree (Araucaria araucana). The stone sculpture of sorts is something you don’t see everyday. The sky is smoky from California wildfires.

August 28th, 2008 | Tags: mountains, trees, valley | Category: nature, places | Comments (3)

Photo taken in August 2008

Which trail do you want to walk along?

August 27th, 2008 | Tags: hike, lithia park | Category: lithia park | Comments (1)

Photo taken in September of 2007

Pilot Rock isn’t technically in Ashland. It is on the California/Oregon border just south of Ashland and can be seen from many vantage points in Ashland. The landmark can also be climbed. The views from the top are spectacular on a clear day. One can see Mt. Ashland (in the background above), Mt. Shasta, and much more.

Getting there can be tricky and climbing it can be even worse. I don’t recommend the climb for kids or for those not in decent shape. To get there get off at the Mt. Ashland Exit on I-5 (Exit 6). Get on the east side of the freeway heading south on Old Highway 99 (which doesn’t resemble a highway anymore and may even turn into dirt and rocks if memory serves). Make a left just beyond the crest onto a likely unmarked Pilot Rock Road 40-2E-33. The road immediately splits. Take the left. Drive about 2 miles before turning left. Turn right onto Road 41-2E-3 (again, probably not marked) where there is a large plateau area. After another half mile you will keep right when the road splits. Another .2 miles later you will cross the Pacific Crest Trail. There is a small parking area on the right.

After parking you begin your Pilot Rock ascent by walking across the road and getting on the Pacific Crest Trail for about 900 feet. Stay right and you’ll eventually see Pilot Rock and be able to take it from there. When you get to the rock itself, stay left against the wall.

Make sure to bring water and wear high tops or your shoes will fill up with small rocks. Bug repellent is also a good thing to bring along in certain seasons. The above lizard lives off of the little guys.

August 26th, 2008 | Tags: hike, mountains, pilot rock, wildlife | Category: nature, places | Comments (1)

Photo taken in SOU parking lot in August 2008

Everyone in town seems to know Orville. He took a class or two from me way back in 2001. You can see some of his work in the local newspaper.

Grizzly Peak can barely be seen in the background through the smoke from California wildfires. My old boss’s car can be seen in front of O’s.

August 25th, 2008 | Tags: grizzly peak, people, signs, Southern Oregon University | Category: people | Comments Off on The O-Zone

Photo taken in August 2008

I love Ashland’s homes. Each is so unique. The settings can be wonderful too.

August 24th, 2008 | Tags: houses, lithia park | Category: lithia park | Comments Off on Lithia Park house

Now you know what this sign is for.

Photo taken in Lithia Park in August 2008.

August 23rd, 2008 | Tags: deer, lithia park, wildlife | Category: lithia park, nature | Comments Off on Oh deer

Photo taken in September of 2007

A pilot over Pilot Rock–get it? 😉

August 22nd, 2008 | Tags: hike, mountains, pilot rock | Category: nature, places | Comments (1)