Goin' places that I've never been
Seein' things that I may never see again
And I can't wait to get on the road again!
This song gets stuck in my head every time I pack up Albatross for a road trip. I wish I have a harmonica to jam with a guitarist or two. Not that I know how to play harmonica, but who cares.
Our Winter Sojourn is taking us wherever the sun may greet us. South of Seattle is the general direction. It is off to a great start.
First stop: Ashland, Oregon. It is a small town about 50 miles north of the California border.
Historically a lumber town, Ashland is now a year round haven for arts and crafts. And the famous Oregon Shakespeare Festival in the summer, of course. Downtown Ashland is glistened with gift shops and boutiques that boast local talents. To top it all off, there is the Dagoba Organic Chocolate and its Tasting Room. It was wicked cold during our visit, in the 20’s to low 30’s everyday with freezing fog in the morning, but beautiful clear blue sky in the afternoon.
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| Downtown Ashland at dusk |
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Boutique-y gift shops line the streets
in downtown Ashland |
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| Another view of downtown Ashland |
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Moroccan oatmeal with lots of nuts, dates, raisins,
and warm spices |
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| Morning Glory, a local favorite cafe |
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| Chocolate never requires any caption |
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| It's a tasting room, and "taste" we did... |
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Waiting for the freezing fog to dissipate
so we can go for a hike |
We found our way to Mt. Ashland, the highest peak in the Siskiyou Mountains, on a clear, blue bird afternoon. The air was crisp, cold, and blowing at high velocity. I lasted all but a minute with all my warmest clothing on, but it sure was gorgeous.
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| Evergreens line the road up the mountain. |
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Panoramic view from Mt. Ashland.
Mt. Shasta is the snow capped mountain directly in front.
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I was forever thankful that we were able to stay with our friend in Ashland. I did not want to lose any fingers to frostbite wild camping. Leah lives in a co-housing community. Co-housing is a type of collaborative housing community in which residents actively participate in the design and operation of their own neighborhood. The physical design of the community encourages social contact, and always has a theme of "shared resources". There are defined characteristics of a co-housing community that are very different from just any "condo living", however.
Imagine a community where all residents know each other, have access to extensive common facilities such as open space, courtyards, a playground and a common house. The common house is the social center with a large dining room and kitchen, lounge, recreational facilities, and frequently a guest room, workshop and laundry room. Communities usually serve optional group meals in the common house at least two or three times a week.
I have long been enamored with the idea of co-housing and the concept of "shared resources" amongst people you know. I look forward to revisiting Leah on the way home, staying at the "guest room", and learning more about her community.
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| The co-housing community |
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| A shared bike-parking area. |
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| Community garden in the co-housing complex |
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Children's playground at the back of the community,
directly in front of the houses |
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Tools garage where shared equipment such as
lawn mowers, edgers, and others are kept |
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| Our friend Leah's complex |
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| The Welcoming Committee at the entrance |
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