Twenty-one of us gathered at the Lithia Water Fountains on the Ashland Plaza, a few in masks and costumes along with several others donning orange jackets and hats for the season. We headed into Lithia Park via the east entrance following the path up to the end, then turn left for the climb up to a higher trail. We hiked on to and around the water tank to the pond or reservoir.
The large maple leaves adorned the trail on the trees and throughout the bush and trail. Having enjoyed the Enchanted Forest a week ago, we found Lithia Park to be every bit it’s equal for the vibrant yellows and golds and huge leaves. Seeing the reflections of vibrant colors in the pond added depth to the fall season experience. Andre wore his Guy Fawke mask for the whole hike; once holding huge maple leaves for show, we dubbed him our “Fall Guy.”
We headed back along the lake and around the old water tank and took a lower trail to the gigantic new house being built on Lithia Creek, learning that the son-in-law of one of our hikers is the general manager for the builder. We reentered the park following the trail to the duck pond and on past the courts to reach the steps and walk to the Japanese Garden. And, what a heavenly visit we had there, walking in the Garden amidst many varieties of trees and shrubs in their full fall glory. The range of yellow, gold, orange, red, and pink leaves created a showcase in real life usually seen only in paintings. The beauty is truly beyond words. As our large group assembled for our group picture, squeezing to fit 21 into the scene, Penny stepped back and her foot went down into the pond. Given no injury, we enjoyed a good laugh as she poured water out of her shoe and wrung out her sock.
After leaving the Garden, we completed our route back to the Plaza at Guanajuato Way to await the opening of Skout Taproom for lunch. While waiting, the group enjoyed holiday chocolates and retrieved from their cars nonperishable food brought for our group to donate to the Ashland Community Food Bank. Elisabeth delivered the collection to the Bank after our group enjoyed Halloween lunch at Skout Taproom.
Distance: About 4.5 miles RT and 200’ elevation gain.
Elisabeth
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8.Shaggy Mane fungus
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