Fields of Gold, Black Mountain Ranch, upper Ojai, California
Driving the windy highway 150 into Ojai is always an adventure. This two-lane road is so familiar to Jim and me after 28 years that even the pungent oily smell from Santa Paula creek near Thomas Aquinas College presents a unique welcome. We curve around windswept ridges, citrus and avocado groves and expansive horse ranches.
In upper Ojai, the Black Mountain Ranch is ablaze with color, shapes and forms. The mustard plants, orchard trees and Coast Live Oak trees form a stunning horticultural canvas.
Only 80 miles from our Glendale home, Ojai, nestled in the Los Padres National Forest, is a retreat from congested city life. Each year, we come in late April and join family and friends to watch “The Ojai” tennis tournament.
Ojai is a haven for artists, musicians and those seeking a healthy lifestyle. But lesser known is the oldest amateur tennis tournament in America (114 years) that’s played in this Mayberry-esque town. Tennis matches include PAC-12, community and independent college, junior competition, and open tennis play.
Tennis legends Billie Jean King, Arthur Ashe, Stan Smith, Tracy Austin and the Bryan brothers have all played here. Libbey Park, shaded by mighty oaks in the middle of town, hosts the major tennis action and dozens of courts all the way to Ventura are also used.
This tournament is so steeped in tradition that the “Tea Tent” opens promptly at 3 p.m. Tea is poured into china cups from an elegant sterling server for all who stop in. One lump or two? A slice of lemon? Women adorned in floral dresses stand ready with platters loaded with Oreos, maple, lemon creme, shortcake, and chocolate chip cookies. Fans reconnect around outside tables and discuss their favorite plays of the day while sipping tea.
We love “The Ojai” and my memories of the years here don’t fade easily. Nor do the back of my white slacks with the green tinge from the freshly painted bleachers at Libbey Park.
We’ll return next year, stay at the Lavender Inn’s cottage, take an early morning hike up Shelf Road Trail with Christy and PJ and then watch the matches, cheering for the winners and the runner-ups as they receive their green and white ribboned medals flanked amidst pots of yellow chrysanthemums. And yes, I’ll wear white slacks again. After all, that’s part of the tradition too.
Sounds wonderful. Maybe we’ll make it next year. We’ve always wanted to go.
This post was such a treat. I could see, smell and taste Ojai. Such a beautiful place! Thank you for this unexpected visit 🙂
Another lovely presentation Susan. Also, beautiful photography from Carl on the Yongfoo Bar.
Nothing like capturing a perfect end of Spring/beginning of Summer point in photography. Love those yellow flowers. Awe meadows:)
This Ojai pic has it all…the bright, up-lifting golden hues of the flowering field backed by the calming, verdant green of the rolling hills….on another typically cloudless, sunny CA day. That is why I love CA! I was unaware of the tennis tradition there…and the tea at three…love it! Great pic too of the tea cup and saucer. Another world, indeed. Thanks for sharing those.
Your dentist is quite the traveler. I understand why you included his pic in your Wondrous Nature offerings. It is mind-expanding to see how other cultures use the groupings of nature, as we do, to quench our thirst for harmony and beauty. Thanks to your dentist.
What a gorgeous view!!! Love Ojai.
Thanks for sharing.
(Green pants are nice, too.)
You did a much better job of planning your Ojai trip than we did. If only we’d gone for the tennis matches and tea. If only we’d known(almost) everything’s closed on Mondays!
As usual, your lyrical prose made me long to be there with you. I’ve been to Ojai but never to “The Ojai.” Maybe next year? Can I wear green slacks?
Thank you for taking me back to Ojai where I have many memories. You certainly enhanced the Ojai I know with your beautiful presentation and descriptions. I have never been to the tennis tournament there, but know that it is something very special.
Thanks for reminding me how great the Ojai area is… Nice picture and enjoyed reading your descriptions. Best Marc
Oh, Ojai! I love the description of coming into Ojai “the back way” as we call it. The photo is wonderful, a reminder of renewal in nature and the rejuvenation we always find in Ojai, one of my favorite places on this planet. And as you say, so close by, really. Thanks for this sharing. I share your love of Ojai!