Palomar Mountain News

Some of you might remember Bill and Grace Leibold, who built the ‘Ship House’ out on Birch Hill. I just had a lovely conversation with Bill who shared a bit if his day at Pearl Harbor 75 years ago.

Bill was 18 years old when he was assigned to the USS Pruitt, in the Navy yard undergoing overhall. It was in dry-dock with two other destroyers that were a total loss that fateful day.

He and a group from the ship had just finished breakfast. “It was a rather busy morning. I heard a noise and went to look outside the window. I saw the ‘big red meatball’ on the side of a plane, so I yelled out, “It’s the Japs!”. We headed for the stairwell to get out and back through the ship yard. We went back to our ship but were told that the USS Pennsylvania needed help. The young officer knew we weren’t part of the ships company. He asked our duty and battle stations on our ships. I said I was a gun pointer on the Pruitt so he assigned me to a gun on the Pennsylvania. I provided assistance to keep a steady flow of ammunition.  My two shipmates on the gun next to mine, unfortunately lost their lives that day. I picked up a little bit of shrapnel. When it was removed, it was given to me in a jar as a good luck souvenir. Two years later it went down in my locker when the USS Tang sunk. In my days as a diver I always thought it would be a good idea to go down in there and get my good luck charm back. But, it is in the bottom of the ocean. ”

Bill still has his 50 year commendatory medal that Congress awarded 25 years ago. This was given in honor of the 50^th year anniversary since Pearl Harbor. 1941 is now 75 years ago. At 93 years of age, Bill is one of the last survivors of Pearl Harbor and the last survivor of the USS Tang.

Read some of Bill Leibold’s story on Palomar and his time on the USS Tang, here: https://palomarmountainnews.wordpress.com/2014/05/23/memorial-day-and-bill-leibold/

Presumed Lost from USS Tang WWII: https://palomarmountainnews.wordpress.com/2010/11/11/presumed-lost-from-wwii/

Snow Plow Idea from Bill: https://palomarmountainnews.wordpress.com/2013/01/09/snow-plow-idea-from-bill-leibold/

Like to really get in the Christmas Spirit and take in a play this weekend?  You are invited by some pretty fun mountain kids (and Frosty) to see their show.  All the details are here: http://clcfamily.org/theatre/ Tickets available on line or at the door.

I’m  thinking we should have some theatre up here again!  Meanwhile, the show is at this end of Escondido but worth the drive because they are serving homemade cookies and hot cider after!  Some of those cookies were mountain made and a certain Cowboy even made fudge!

Hope some of you can join in the fun!  We wish you a Merry Christmas, we wish you a Merry Christmas, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

When you need a notary, we just met a great gal that came up for a late signing tonight.  She is glad to serve your notary needs on the Mountain or anywhere in San Diego County.  Jessica was told it was in the 30’s up here with a tiny bit of snow left so she arrived dressed for the occasion.

Call or Text Jessica Johnson 619-873-7745

Notary Info also stored on our Mountain Yellow Pages:

http://www.palomarproperties.com/yellowpages/page4

   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