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Ojai Journey Notes

I promised the group who signed on for my recent June retreat an easy weekend in the country near Ojai, a spiritually inclined artistic community that derives it's name from the Chumash Indian word A'hwai, meaning "nest" or "moon." When we arrived at the spacious, elegantly renovated Guest Barns at Matilija Ranch I knew I'd kept my promise. (Tour the ranch at www.thedenthouse.com.) Even though this property is a mere ten-minutes from town, it's down right remote. Come night, the moon and stars have no city light competition what so ever, and the stars do shine. Daytime, peacock croons and a braying burro cause the only ruckus. And Hallelujah, not one of our cell phones worked in the canyon. Enforced down time for a bunch of stressed out city slickers. Now that's good medicine.

The 550-acre sanctuary in Matilija canyon rests on the edge of Los Padres National Forest, which is home to the rare California condor, and ubiquitous coyotes, bob cats, deer, bears and rattlers (Visit www.npca.org and click on Los Padres National Forest for more in-depth info on the park and the wild life.) A burro named Bumper, free roaming peacocks, peahens and a gaggle of geese and ducks make this place home. Fruit laden orchards scent the air. Seductive yard swings yawn in the breeze, hummingbirds sip nectar from morning glories, holy hocks, and Matilija Poppies that grow wild in Ojai's valley. The serene valley's canyons and the surrounding Topa Topa Mountains, famous for the pink glow they give off at sunset, boast hidden treasures right out the barns' backdoor. We hiked toward a landmark known by locals as Old Man Mountain, because the distinct visage of a wise old man peers out from the distant mountainside. We cooled off at a swimming hole, fed by a nearby waterfall. When you're on the trail listening to seeds crackle and pop open on mulberry bushes it's hard to fathom that L.A. rages only a 90-minute drive away. Ojai has a kinship with storybook places like Shangri-la and Brigadoon, dreamy places untouched by time. In fact, Ojai's Dennison Grade was used to depict mythical Shangri-La in the film classic:"Lost Horizons."

It's easy to understand why sages like J. Krishnamurti, and founders of alternative spiritual practices like theosophy, made Ojai their American home base in the 20th century. Krishnamurti, who said, "Truth is a pathless landscape," first came to the valley in 1922. He returned throughout his life. A retreat center and library of his books and archived lectures remain, enabling continued study of his life work. For those interested in learning more visit www.kfa.org. Other legendary characters found haven in Ojai's backcountry. California's Gold Rush era Robin Hood, Joaquin Murietta, purportedly buried $20,000 in gold in the canyon that now bears his name. But healing waters, tranquility and beautiful vistas are the true gold of the area.

Famous for its natural mineral springs, Ojai now overflows with quality spas and retreat centers that draw visitors from all over the world, and all forms of art are celebrated through the four seasons. Learn about the many festivals at www.ojaifestival.org and www.visitojai.com My group attended the annual June music festival at Libbey Park, an open air theater with it's canopy of long established live oaks. August 2005 I'll return for the Bowl Full of Blues concert, and will eventually make it to the early October art studio events. One of my retreat participants hit the nail on the head when she compared our weekend in the country to the movie "Enchanted April." With Ojai so close to L.A. there's no reason not to visit often, maybe even make it a monthly excursion and fall under the valley's soothing enchantment on a regular basis.