A couple of weeks ago, I went on a hike with Ojai Valley Land Conservancy preserve manager, Rick Bisaccia, and 20 other trekkers. He took us up to the 80-acre Ilvento Preserve, the first property the OVLC acquired in 1997. I last went on this 2-mile hike with the OVLC in the spring of 2006 to write a story for the Sierra Club’s local paper, and although the wildflower sightings were abundant, so, too, were the ticks. This time, the dry weather kept the ticks away, but Rick took the time to give his now famous Tick Talk, which served to give us all the willies. About a mile into the hike are some of the most spectacular views in the valley. I snapped this photo of Rick with my cell phone at the preserve’s highest point, 2024 feet, offering views of Lake Casitas and, on clear days, the Pacific. The Ilvento Preserve is open year-round to the public. For more information on the OVLC, to become a member (it’s cheap!) or to find out about their guided hikes, check-out their Web site for dates, times and reservation information.
More after the jump, including evan on Radio Ojai, and cheap eats in the valley...
Radio Ojai has had some great guests recently. Matt and I talked to Sergeant Joe Evans (just call him Joe) about keeping an eye out for trouble and staying informed through his Ojai City Watch program. And this morning, the sixth day of Chalica, Ojai Post author evan austin played his song celebrating the UU holiday and talked with me about the seven principled nights, his attention-getting car and his work with Ojai Peace Coalition.
I’ve noticed that many of the eateries I like to frequent here in Ojai have raised their prices, and since my income hasn’t increased proportionately, I’m looking for a deal. What I’ve settled on is splitting a pizza and a salad at Movino (rumored to be under new ownership) with my husband (but he’s got to order his own drink – girl’s gotta have her dry gin martini), or mid-week if we're not cooking at home we’ll grab something to go from Rainbow Bridge. Where do you go for cheap date night?
Comments (1)
Off to Giorgio's for the UCLA-USC game. Been cooking at home a LOT, though...
...and it appears the Inn is closing Maravilla? I heard about this a couple days ago, and noted they took the restaurant off their website.
Comment #1 Posted by: Tyler | December 6, 2008 12:55 PM