John Elliott and the Old Highway 38 Trail by Karen Hill

This story first ran in the Mountain Times December 2020 issue, written by Karen Hill. At that time, John Elliott of Mountain Home Village had recently been named Steward of the Mountain Bike Patrol by the Forest Service. We’re glad to share it again here in the Weekly Mountain Newsletter / 38 Bulletin as a reminder of his dedication to the Loch Leven Trail and the care he continues to give our mountain community.

Old Highway 38 and John Elliott:

Superhero of Loch Leven Trail

If you have hiked or biked the old Highway 38 trail in the past 30 years, from Mountain Home Village at Loch Leven up to Angelus Oaks, you can thank John Elliott.

John moved to Mountain Home Village many years ago while teaching physics at Riverside City College, where he spent 33 years. A longtime runner, he turned to mountain biking when his knees began to give out. Living at the base of the San Bernardino Mountains, biking was the natural thing to do. In the early mornings, neighbors often saw John riding from Mountain Home Village with his dog Woofie close behind.

John’s contributions went far beyond recreation. He and his wife, Donna, started a goat-head weed eradication program along the road to Loch Leven. They walked the edges of the road to pull these invasive plants that are known for causing flat tires. For more than 50 years, John also served as president of the Mountain Home Village water board.

When storms washed out the old road or when mudslides, rocks, and overgrowth blocked the path, John stepped in. He dug more than 100 drainage trenches, built berms to redirect water, moved boulders, and trimmed back sharp yucca and overhanging branches so the trail would remain open. In 1987, when the Forest Service removed the old bridge,

John built the “hike-a-bike” bypass so hikers and riders could continue through. He never did this work for recognition. He simply saw what needed to be done and made sure it happened.

In recent years, John was named Steward of the Mountain Bike Patrol by the U.S. Forest Service. In this role he monitors the trail, reports problems, and turns in the hours he and his volunteers spend working to keep the path clear.

Our mountain communities continue to owe John Elliott heartfelt thanks. His steady care and dedication have kept the old highway alive for everyone who walks or rides it, and his example still inspires many today.

Surprising Ways to Ease Stress at Home

Being home for long stretches—whether you’re working, recovering, or just stuck indoors—can take a toll. Most of us already know the basics: exercise, eat well, get rest. But here are a few lesser-known ways to calm your nerves and clear your head without leaving the house:

• Look at fractals. Natural patterns in leaves, shells, or even artwork can lower stress by up to 60%. Keep a photo handy or step outside and notice the shapes in trees and clouds.

• Try box breathing. Used by Navy SEALs to stay calm, this method is simple: inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4. Repeat a few times.

• Hum to yourself. It might feel silly, but humming stimulates the vagus nerve, which helps regulate stress and digestion, and can even improve airflow in your sinuses.

• Do a micro-clean. Ten minutes of tidying can lower cortisol and give you a sense of control, even if the house isn’t spotless.

• Touch something cold. Splash water on your face or hold an ice cube. The sudden chill resets your nervous system.

• Move across the midline. Try marching in place while tapping opposite knees or swinging your arms. This engages both sides of your brain and helps settle racing thoughts.

• Write a 2-minute brain dump. Jot down every worry or task without editing. Getting it on paper frees up mental space and lowers intrusive thoughts.

Stress at home doesn’t have to run the day. Keep a few of these ideas in your back pocket and try one the next time you feel tension building.

A Reflection on Getting

Ready for the Holidays

Mountain Home Village - Forest Falls - Angelus Oaks

Caring for the Canyon We Share:

How We Come Together Each Year

"Every spring, neighbors roll up their sleeves for the annual Canyon Cleanup. It's not just about trash bags, it's about showing up for the place we all share. When the community comes together, the canyon shines brighter."  – Terry Hamilton, Mountain C.A.R.E. 

 

Countdown to May 9th, 2026 

 

Terry 626.399.6283

terrywhamilton@gmail.com 

Every sponsor helps strengthen the connection we share.