By CARLA SANDERS
DAVID SCHROEDER is a true man of nature. Neither fire nor floods can sway him from the delight of living in a cabin in the mountains.
Schroeder is a water conservation specialist with the Chino Basin Water Conservation District. He helps manage the Water Conservation Garden in Montclair, so he actually communes with nature nearly round the clock.
But it’s his after-hours life that tops his list of favorites. His home in Lytle Creek offers a refreshing respite, despite the occasional flooded roads and wash.
"It’s very natural, with mature trees," he said. "It’s peaceful and tranquil.
I can get away from the hustle and bustle of city life." Schroeder has lived in Lytle Creek for five years, moving to the secluded community after his home in San Dimas Canyon was destroyed by fire.
His companions are a couple of beloved dogs: Bleu, an 11-year-old, blue-eyed St. Bernard-Australian shepherd mix that he got at a garage sale, and Marcus, an adopted shepherd-malamute mix.
For relaxation away from the cabin, he hikes throughout the area and drives the back roads to explore and study native plants and rock formations. He favors excursions to Wrightwood (for pizza and beer) and enjoys the occasional foray to Claremont Village.
Schroeder also is president of the Lytle Creek Community Car Club and is the proud owner of a ’53 Studebaker, which he’s had for more than 30 years.
Like Henry David Thoreau, who found his bucolic days on the shores of Walden Pond to be a sweet salve from the bruising outside world, Schroeder is no less enthusiastic about his life in the woods.
"I love going home."
