Trans – Ashland

A happy group of old familiar faces met at Rite Aid parking Monday. We were wishing Joe Senter Happy Birthday when the APD cruised by to ask if we were some gang. Well yes we are a gang of nature loving hikers who should not be separated.

On this day of normalcy, 15 of us came together to do the Trans Ashland hike from Oredson-Todd Woods to the Plaza.

The weather cooperated when the 9 AM rain failed to materialize. The morning was calm and by lunch time the sun broke through the clouds to warm us. Temps reached the mid 50s and moved our thoughts to early Spring.

This hike which was inspired by Steve & Maria was scouted out by your hike leader some years back. The former Monday leader requested the Trans Ashland hopefully as a way to bring people together and start the year on a harmonious note.

We visited four parks along the way: O-T Woods, Duncan’s Garden at the corner of Paradise & Peachey, Liberty Street Park, and, of course, Lithia.
Along the way, we met Steve Stark in front of his house; and Gary Swanson and Ron and Claudia Little above Lithia Park.

The hike is 6+ miles with 1,000′ gain and 1,500′ descent to the Plaza.

The new Skout walk up restaurant became our lunch choice because of many beers on tap and warm sitting at tables along Ashland Creek.

I thank all who joined us on this fine day.

Hike Leader: Rich Stickle

Photos By: Bob, Randy