Palomar Mountain News

Today is a special day for everyone who has a dad! That is how my dad always looked at it, so I do, too. We all have our stories and thought I’d share a bit about the fathers in my life with ties to Palomar Mountain.

My grandfather is the first photo I slipped in ‘just because’. I came across it today looking for one with him on a horse. Decided to use this one. Those of you who know our sons, Brandon and Nathan, might see a strong resemblance. Grandpa’s parents and friends, immigrated from Sweden. They homesteaded land they built into farms, across the road from each other in South Dakota. Both families had children and Conrad married Ruth, the little girl next door.

My dad and mom lived in Vista and ‘Popo’ loved horses. He looked forward to saddling up each year for the week-long Vista Palomar Ride. From what I understand, they rode through Vista, Bonsall, Pala, Pauma Valley then up the Nate Harrison Grade and camped in the State Park. Folks didn’t take many photos back when I was seven. So, I do remember mom taking a couple that day in the meadow down and to the left of the group campground.

Don, my husband and father to our two sons, has volunteered the past few decades with the cattle for all the local ranchers. The guys have been to brandings and helped out occasionally. The ‘Treasures’ (our grandkids) all took riding lessons from the wrangler at the State Park and loved their five years growing up free range and usually barefoot on Palomar.

Brandon, Heidi and the Treasures moved to Missouri last year and it is so much fun to visit them. Horses may be in their future. Meanwhile events like their Boots to Bows Homeschool Dance where I snapped this pic, is keeping them up with the western flair.

I’ll be back on the mountain this week. Thankful for my mountain men, Don and Nate, keeping the Real Estate business rolling so smooth on the mountain.

Hope you are all enjoying your holiday remembering and celebrating the fathers in your lives.

Bonnie Phelps