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Photo taken in August 2008
Ever heard of Lithia Motors? Probably not unless you live in the Western part of the USA where there are over 100 Lithia auto dealerships. The first one started right here. The CEO lives down the hill from me. The “Lithia” in Lithia Motors comes from guess where? That’s right, Lithia Park.
Photo taken in September 2008
This past Monday morning we dropped the kids off at school and headed up Tolman Creek Road to Four Corners. From there we hopped on our bikes and road for about 20 miles on most of Ashland Loop Road (Forest Road 2060 or Horn Creek Road on Google Maps). The above picture is from about four miles in from Four Corners at one of the two Ashland Creek forks one passes on the road. Both of the creek’s forks eventually drop into Reeder Reservoir. I’ll have a picture or two that actually include water on a later date.
After about 10-12 miles from Four Corners there is a fun bit of single track on your right called Horn Gap Trail if you like real mountain biking. At the end of the single-track portion of Horn Gap be sure to turn left even though it seems like you should be turning right. When you end up at a T in the road (with a Horn Gap sign behind you) turn right to ride the last few miles downhill into Lithia Park.
I’ve done this loop before from my driveway and have to say that it is much more enjoyable from Four Corners. From my driveway to Four Corners is about 6 miles of all uphill. In just 6 miles you gain 3,000 feet of elevation. Needless to say, the next 20+ miles isn’t so enjoyable after such a climb. You feel like you’ve accomplished something but you are in agony most of the way. If you start from Four Corners it’s fun the whole time.
Another great thing about this ride is the lack of people. In my 50 or so miles doing it on two occasions I’ve yet to see another human being. I have seen a couple of bears and other wildlife but no humans.
Photo taken in September 2008
Didn’t go camping this year for the first time in probably 20 years, but we did set up the tent in the backyard for a few nights.
Photo taken in August 2008
Summer isn’t the best time to visit Lithia Park’s Japanese Gardens (Fall or Spring have more color), but if it’s shape you’re looking for, instead of variety of colors, then Summer is OK too.
Photo taken in August of 2008
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.