HIGH POINT
November 25, 1938: “Outdoor oddities interest even the most disinterested persons. Being associated with the out-of-doors so constantly, we see many things that may be out of the ordinary for most folks, but even old-timer Lookoutman Ben Moore on Palomar Mountain saw something the other night that was unusual to him.
Ben was restless one night and deciding he would take some exercise, started down the trail towards Sourdough Springs. Just as he rounded the last bend of the rough trail to the spring he came into view of a full-fledged Bobcat “pussy-footin” around a 3 1/2 foot rattler. The indignant buzzing of the rattler’s war drums had caused Ben to slow down almost to a standstill, thereby not detracting the cat’s attention at the moment. He was audience for about one minute to a “Nature Play” that may never be seen again by that individual. The Bobcat was staying about one foot away from the snake and tantalizing it by hissing and spitting at it and feigning occasionally with his left or right paw, thus causing the maddened reptile to strike with lightning-like moves. As fast as the snake was, the cat was faster and would seemingly make clearance by the skin of his teeth. After about one minute, the cat’s intuition told him to look around, so backing away from the snake he looked in Ben’s direction and then hit for the brush.
Ben is elated upon being given a chance to observe this unusual occurence among Nature’s children. – Fred Varney – Cleveland -” (California Ranger)
HOT SPRINGS MOUNTAIN
August 13, 1937: “Early in June, 1937, Ranger Hayward of the Cleveland Forest found it necessary to have a crew of carpenters packed into Hot Springs, which, incidentally, is the only lookout on the Cleveland Forest that cannot be reached in an automobile. Packing was done by an outside outfit of packers at Warner Hot Springs, near Lake Henshaw. In checking over Ranger Hayward’s diary for the month of June, we note the following information:
“Went to Warner Springs to pack carpenters and material to Hot Springs Lookout. First, taught the packer how to pack.”
I wonder if this brings back any memories to the Forest Officers of ten or fifteen years ago who had to do their own packing, but didn’t find it necessary to teach the men who hired out as packers how to pack their mules before they could start. -A.G.B. – Cleveland -” (California Ranger)
LYONS PEAK
November 4, 1938: “On Sunday morning, October 23, 25 members of the San Diego Sunset Hikers Club journeyed to Lyons Peak Lookout on the Cleveland National Forest. They were met at the foot of Lyons Peak grade by Bill Clark and “Jo” Johannsen, and conveyed to the peak in a truck. Needless to say, all were glad to hike around again after the short but arduous ride. Bill stayed on the ground to answer questions and point out landmarks, while Lookout Howard Hover and “Jo” explained the use of the weird instruments to that brave and agile 50 per cent who climbed the tower. All of the club members enjoyed the trip very much, and thanked us for the chance to find out what went on in our lofty lookout towers. -Cleveland-” (California Ranger)
August 30, 1940: “During July, Howard Hover, Cleveland Forest Lookout, was talking over his Forest Service “T” set on official business. A short wave listener in Scranton, Pennsylvania heard the transmission and sent one of the radio ham “SWL” cards to Hover, with address “Lyons Peak Lookout, Forest Service, California.” By some queer quirk the card ended up at Ydalpom Post Office, on the Shasta, where it was included in mail for an old Clevelandite — Marvin Shock. “Marv”, of course, sent it on to us. We think the short wave transmission quite a record, and we also think it coincidence that a card so indefinately addressed should get in the mail of one of Hover’s friends way out in the “Styx” at the other end of the state. –Longacre – Cleveland -” (California Ranger)
October 14, 1938: “Lookout Charlton on Santa Margarita Peak on the Cleveland is anxious to know whether the Forest Service measures maturity by birthdays. He has had only five birthdays, but claims that he has reached maturity. He was a leap year baby.” (California Ranger)
November 4, 1938: “The State Division of Forestry dedicated its new lookout at Tecate Mountain, northwest of Tecate on the U.S. Baja-California border, before approximately 150 people on October 23.
It can be safely said that everyone enjoyed himself and came home with a better understanding of the fire control work that is being done today by various governmental agencies–County, State and Federal, and the Civilian Conservation Corps.
State Ranger Ed Miller was Master of Ceremonies, and T. LeRoy Richards, chairman of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, introduced the guests and speakers of the day.
State Forester Pratt made a very fitting dedicatory speech. He stressed the fact that the Lookout belonged to the people and that many should feel free to visit it at any time. He also spoke of the mention made in the Bible of men going up on high places–not only for purposes of defending themselves against invaders, but also for the soul satisfaction that reflection and solitude might bring them.
C.R. Tillotson of the Division of State and Private Forestry, Forest Service emphasized the invaluable work that has been done by the CCC during the past five years. He accorded special recognition to the work which the boys from Minnewawa CCC Camp, under the supervision of the San Diego County branch of the State Division of Forestry, have done over a period of 2 1/2 years in building a seven mile stretch of road from the town of Tecate to the top of the mountain, as well as constructing the lookout building itself.
It was impossible for the Mexican Forestry officials to be present; however, the city fathers of Tecate were there en masse. That they sincerely appreciated and fully understood the significance of the Lookout to the welfare of their country was evident. Other officers present were: Assistant Supervisor Farrell, Executive Assistant Settles, Forest Engineer Ewing and Ranger Stephenson from the Cleveland. Supervisor Jones, San Bernardino; Guy Fleming, State Park Service. The State did an excellent job of feeding the crowd. A very appetizing luncheon was served, buffet style. -Cleveland -” (California Ranger)
Brad Ells
Palomar Mountain News 
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