Toad Lake Road has to be my all-time favorite road around here. Impassable in winter (it’s a seasonal road — not plowed) and a muddy quagmire in the spring. But it has the best views, including the “famous” Toad Lake. I headed out this morning to see if I could find something interesting to paint. This first painting was in a nice, cool spot, but had some wicked-hungry mosquitoes. Note to self: bring bug spray! It’s just a one-lane, dirt road back there and hardly gets any traffic, but I pulled off onto the shoulder as far as I dared. Good thing. 2 cars of tourists drove by.
Here’s my setup:
Then I continued down this road another couple miles to where it splits off, the south fork becoming Mitchell Road. Toad Lake careens north at this point, still very much a “seasonal” road. Very rough rocks and gravel. Not for little sports cars! I stopped at another favorite spot, overlooking a small path that heads towards King Creek. Yes, there is a gate there, but I think it’s butt-ugly, so I left it out. Sue me.
I love this view! I’d forgotten exactly where this was, but this summer I managed to find it again. I’m going back there later this fall when the colors are turned. Winter? Impossible.
Here’s my setup:
Margie Guyot Art 