Palomar Mountain News

   Most of you know our Fire Safe Council has secured a free chipping grant.  Read More…

Good morning from the mountain top!

Just got a message that there is dog looking for a ride on the South Grade. White and gold pit bull mix, just above the water truck station with the green gate. He looked well cared for and had a red collar.

Sunday Eve, Thanksgiving Weekend 2016

Thank you for sending that out about the theft on Nate Harrison, we do need to look out for each other and be aware of what is going on. On that note, we the Cleveland National Forest or more specifically the ‘€œPalomar Ranger District’€ are going to see if we can get some good Prescribed Fire burning done above Observatory Camp Ground. Smoke should be visible from Canfield if we are successful with our test fire tomorrow starting around 0900. We will be burning piles to reduce the amount of biomass available for burning during a wildfire. If anyone has any questions or concerns they may call me on my cell 619-209-1414.

-Tim
Tim Gray, ADFMO
BC-33
Fuels, Prevention
& Suppression

Forest Service
R5/CNF/PRD

p: 619-209-1414
tgray01@fs.fed.us

1634 Black Canyon Rd
Ramona, CA 92065
www.fs.fed.us
[http://wwwstatic.fs.usda.gov/images/email/usda-logo.png]

Caring for the land and serving people

Very sad to have Nate Harrison Grade neighbors report that they had some thieves hit at the top of the grade.  Someone used a blow torch on their lock at their container and cleaned it out.

If you saw anyone suspicious the past couple days, the input would be welcomed. If you have anyone approach you trying to sell chain saws or a like new wood splitter, that info would be appreciated, too.

Palomar is a community that really watches out for each other.  Keep a eye out and get those license plates to let the bad guys know they aren’t welcome up here.

Some of you know Jerry and Alicelynn Cockrill, the sellers of Woodlynn.  Their sweet cabin will be passed on next week to another couple who are so happy to be the new owners.  This note came today and thought I’d share – it is also a nudge to winterize as SNOW is promised Sunday:

” …  Our family tradition for many years was to have Thanksgiving on the mountain (and then winterize the cabin) so I have good memories.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving with your family and loved ones.”     

Alicelynn

Here is the Forecast: http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?site=SGX&textField1=33.3148&textField2=-116.844#.WDcfGrIrLox

Snow Tips – Be sure to turn off your water, drain your pipes and put antifreeze in all toilets, sinks and shower drains:  http://www.mypalomarmountain.com/snow/

A Turkey Trot to Boucher Lookout is guaranteed to work up your appetite for all that yummy food heading your way.  Scott McClintock, chairman of the Forest Fire Lookout Association, confirmed the tower will be manned through the weekend, weather permitting. So, that means you can climb the stairs to the very top to hear all about the Fire Lookout while taking in that million dollar view.

For those more avid hikers, you might park at Silvercrest Picnic Area and walk the loop, up along the road.  For your hike down, you’ll find a dirt path in the back corner of the Boucher Lookout parking area. Of course, a certain granddaddy I know, might be convinced to shuttle the wee ones up to Boucher for their “Tower Field Trip”  and let them run down the path and meet at the entrance to the loop.

The $8.00 day fee to the park applies, so you might also end up with a walk around Doane Pond.

Here is a video telling about the low tech way the volunteers spot wildfires: http://www.cw6sandiego.com/fire-lookouts-decidedly-low-tech-way-spot-wildfires/

Last chance for a tower tour, since it is closing for the season the end of the month: https://palomarmountainnews.wordpress.com/2016/11/19/lookout-towers-closing-for-the-season/

Lots to be thankful for, above the clouds on Palomar Mountain!

Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

Bonnie and Don

Time to batten down the hatches!  “Heavy Rain” promised tomorrow night.  I’m off on a little adventure, gathering up some things that have been fine outside for a while.  Since it would probably be better to not have them rained on, I have a fun after-dark adventure planned while looking forward to this promise of rain…  Enjoy every drop!

http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?site=SGX&textField1=33.3148&textField2=-116.844#.WDEkz7IrLox

From: Scott McClintock

Lookout Towers Closing for the Season

The Forest Fire Lookout Association is the group that staffs the two fire lookout towers on the mountain.  High Point tower is 2 miles northeast of the observatory, and Boucher Hill tower is on the west side of the State Park.  The volunteers have been on duty virtually every day since May 1^st, and will be shuttering the towers for the winter on November 30.  This season they have provided over 11,000 hours of vigilance, reporting smokes so that firefighters get early warning of young wildfires.  They also report weather readings that help the National Weather Service and the Cleveland National Forest in predicting wildfire behavior.  At Boucher Hill tower, they also serve as docents and provide free tours of the historic structure.

This Thanksgiving, take your mind off of the post-election turmoil for a while and give thanks to those quiet, unsung volunteers who help keep our mountain safe.

The owners of this charming O’Chalet gave me keys a while back.  They were going to do some painting and then I would take pix for marketing.  We’ll this is the most recent pic!  We just had the chimney swept and septic certified – inspections are done.  I finally got the cabin on my website … tonight!  I couldn’t resist slipping a client in a few weeks ago and he couldn’t resist being the next owner of this cabin looking out to the 575 acre Jeff Valley.  It is already spoken for!

I do have the keys to the cabin next door… now is your chance to have even more to be thankful for with a cabin in your name on Palomar!

Just realized we have eight escrows rolling up here and several closed this week.  Buyers have been calling and emailing, looking for some new options.  Just let me know what questions I may answer for you to be the next ‘In Escrow’ sign on Palomar.

Looking for a mountain property?  Let’s take off with my keys!!!

Bonnie enjoying Fall on the Mountain