Visiting a Story Book Town

- Ashland, Oregon

Maybe you remember the TV series, Storybrooke, Once Upon a Time (2011-2018)… for some reason, this is what Ashland, Oregon reminded me of.

When transport doesn’t align…

I have to admit that Australia, especially Melbourne, has a good transport route that aligns with places of interest; it’s not always reliable, but you can get to where you want to go. I have experienced this in Paris, and Canada too, though, not in America.

The only way I was going to reach Mt. Shasta was to reach out further afield and meet new people. I am so glad I did because Natalie, as mentioned in my previous post, not only introduced me to Sand Flat, she generously offered me a space to sleep for two nights, after I had finished housesitting, and drove us to Ashland, Oregon to explore and have dinner.

So, while my return flight would leave Monday, August 5, the bus either departed before my housesit finished or arrived at the Redding Airport after my flight had left—quite the dilemma!

The drive to Ashland opened into a vast landscape of golden hillsides and valleys that morphed into the horizon as far as the eyes could see. We cruised on the highway for an hour and twenty or so minutes, before arriving in the Jackson County City of Ashland.

Natalie introduced me to most likely the best Co-op I’d seen, to date… loaded with plenty of organic produce, cooked and cold foods ready to go, meeting most needs. And we arrived just in time to walk through the local craft market. I loved the flower planters filled with pansies… they were so strikingly beautiful… imagine the love and care these would take to maintain their flourishing blooms! I had to stand next to one so you could appreciate the size!

Ashland is known for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. It’s been an ongoing presence in the township since 1935 and was founded by Angus L. Bowmer, producing all 37 of William Shakespeare's plays and performing 32 Shakespearean roles in 43 separate stagings. Next year the event will celebrate its 90th year!

While we didn’t opt for an evening of Shakespeare, we did wander through Lithia Park and saw a gorgeous Japanese garden. Ashland Creek features peaceful trails, duck ponds and a rose garden.

Interestingly, Lithia is named after the lithium oxide deposits in the spring water. Since the 1880s it has been deemed a health tonic (although it wasn’t until 1949 that the scientific community acknowledged the wellness benefit of lithium salts). As lithium is said to help you feel calmer and happier, it’s no wonder the township feels like a story book place of dreaming.

At the Heart of Mt. Shasta City…

The following day, Natalie introduced me to the natural springs in Mt. Shasta City ~ previously known as Strawberry Valley! And while many people filled their bottles with fresh water she showed me a secret spot where the water gushed down through the stream. I’m so glad I didn’t miss this gorgeous gem of a place.

One final drive up the mountain…

Toward evening before the sun set we picked up a wood-fired pizza from The Garden Tap and drove to Panther Meadows where we sat on an old tree limb to watch the horizon change its hues… The pizza along with the view was the perfect way to bring my visit to a close. In once sense, I will miss this place, and in another, I now know the mountain is behind me wherever I go.

At 4am Monday, Natalie kindly drove me to Redding Airport where I would later board my flight back to LA and my son’s for a few days before journeying on to Canada.

I have been so fortunate to meet many beautiful people on my travels who have been there just when I needed them. These friends have stayed with me since. I’m sure you have friendships like that too.

Thank you sincerely for journeying with me. My heart overflows with gratitude to the new paid subscribers… thank you! And I look forward to sharing snapshots of Canada’s beauty and pristine areas along with the every day, as I work, rest and play.

Love’s harmony,

Leanda Michelle ✍🏻