Ojai and Ventura


Ojai is a retreat situated in a valley of fruit trees and surrounded by high mountains. The picturesque old sixty-five foot edifice is the Ojai Post Office tower, built in 1917. Many artists find this little city to be a respite from the noise of Los Angeles. At the east end of Ojai is the Meditation Mount, a spiritual enclave having great views across the valley.

Not far from the artist's colony of Ojai is one of the oldest towns in the state. Ventura was once an Indian settlement. In 1847, Chumash Indians worked to construct the Olivas Adobe, a fine example of a rancho era house, on a 4,700 acre land grant. Nearby is the old Mission San Buenventura, founded in 1782. This is one of the most beautiful of the California Missions. Unfortunately, there has been theft and vandalism within the restored church of the mission resulting in restrictions that limit access to the interior.

Fall color heightens the pleasure of an autumn visit..
Fall color in a mobile-home park.
A high viewpoint keeps it level.
The view of the Ojai Valley from the Meditation Mount is a spectacular sight.
Not Shangri-La, but nice just the same.
Downtown Ojai features Mission Revival style architecture.
Early California charm.
18 pumps...courtesy of Faulkner Farm?


Fall color but no trespassing.
Fall foliage is where you find it. Following a glimpse of color is usually rewarding.

Continue to the Ventura Mission and Olivas Adobe.



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