Palomar Mountain News

What a pleasure to hear tales of Manny and Mary Doria’s early days on Palomar.  What a special time ’round their table at their charming vintage cabin (no, it is not for sale!) looking at a treasure trove of fun times on the Mountain.  I got to see some wonderful photos and Mary promises that she will have even more stories for us.

Manny and Mary both have fond memories of 6 grade camp at Doane Valley in the mid 1940’s.  Mary’s folks, Claude and Ada Ganger, purchased the family cabin in 1948 and this is one cabin that will stay in the family “forever”.  Manny and Mary were married in 1957 and have so many happy memories with their now grown children enjoying the cabin for this past nearly half century! Mary showed me a delightful book named “The Log”.  At the end of their cabin visits, they would journal a bit in The Log.  (I’m thinking that it would be fun to have  more Logs pop up at cabins!)

I’d always wondered when we got power on Palomar.   Judging by some of the fixtures in the older cabins, I’d always guessed the mid 1950’s.  We don’t know for sure at other places, but it was a great discovery to see these posts (double click to enlarge the photos):

August 31,

A great, great change has taken place!  We are no longer primitive or crude -we are civilized!  We have Electricity! 

September 8th 1957

Let There Be Light!

It’s marvelous, it’s terrific, it’s super magnificent, it’s just plain nice – The refrigerator was just what we ordered – a fine time for all!

Isn’t this a great shot of Mary’s dad?  We’re guessing it was taken at the top of the South Grade and that his feet were FREEZING in those rubber boots.  Made me really appreciate the toasty boots, warmer clothing, and all the luxuries we enjoy now.  As friends and neighbors on Palomar we all have something in common in that there is something pretty special about stoking the fire and taking a lot of pleasure in the beauty of the four seasons here on our beloved Palomar Mountain.

Bonnie Phelps

PALOMAR AMATEUR RADIO CLUB

Palomar Amateur Radio Club was formed in 1936 in Escondido by 26 original members. Since then, it has grown to about 300 members.

Early on equipment was built by the operator. In the 1920’s some kits started to become available. Activity grew after World War II when surplus military equipment surged into the market at low prices. It was hard to build your own tube, being able to buy tubes at a price that became affordable helped builders in their projects. Commercially made equipment designed for amateur use started showing up more. Today, as with most products, the transceiver is more compact. What was once a wall of equipment can now be placed on a on a table top with space to spare.

Many operators still build transceivers. There is lots of older equipment for new operators to aquire for a lower entry cost. Newer products are solid state, making the smaller and lighter. One can purchase “fancy” units with controls that will help receive a signal that could not be filtered through as recent as a few yews ago. There are now computer based radios called SDR (software defined radio). These are a “black box” to provide the rf power portion while using the computer for all the frequency operation and modulation processes.

Amateur radio operators, also known as hams, have many facets to use and work with. As in the beginning of radio, there is morse code that can be used in almost all conditions. Morse Code knowledge is no longer a required to achieve a license. Phone (voice) is the most common. There are additional modes of radio teletype, packet, slow scan tv on HF, Amateur Television on UHF high bands, many new digital modes using the computer, and lots more. There is also the ability to talk to the local repeater, then through the internet using echolink (one example) to pass through to another repeater in a distant location in the U. S. or worldwide to talk to another Amateur.

Amateur Radio has a requirement to support emergencies when needed. Many group have working relationships with their local emergency services. Palomar Amateur Radio Club has a premium location to support services in San Diego County.

The Palomar Club had an opportunity in 1984 to purchase property and did so. We are a Palomar Mountain Water Company share holder and support the Volunteer Fire Department. Our property supports only amateur equipment and we try to maintain a low profile while blending in. The Club had a member on the mountain since the observatory was built until recently. Several members have property on the mountain now.

Palomar Amateur Radio Club invites you to learn more about amateur radio, become an amateur, and/or join our Club. The Club meeting is the first Wednesday of the month at the Carlsbad Safety Center, 2560 Orion, Carlsbad at 7:30 PM. Everyone is invited to come. The website is  http://palomararc.org . You can find our newsletters, past meetings, photos and more. Questions may be directed by email to board@palomararc.org or to Dennis at 76O-672-O223.

Dennis KD6TUJ

President

Woke up to a little dusting this morning.  Crestline neighbor, Bill Aanestad shared their view with us.  They got a lot more snow than our little dusting over here on State Park Road.  We have just a little over an inch of rain so far. Lots of wind with this storm too. For those of you with kids or grandkids, you just might be singing along with me from Disney’s Frozen movie:

 Let the storm rage on!  The cold never bothered me anyway!

View building site on “Deer Highway”!  Watch the deer, wild turkeys, and variety of birds from the log shabin while you plan your dream.  Come see what this land has to offer with power, phone underground and a great well waiting for new owners.  See more info at Lots and Land and come on up for a walk in the woods!

Bonnie Phelps

76O 742-1742

Like some great vintage accessories for your cabin or home?  Palomar gals have their ever-changing “Rustic Treasures” booth of fabulous finds at the Bates Brothers this weekend!

Edie Bickler, her daughter, Briana, with their friend Linda will be selling great vintage decor, furniture, and lots of country treasures that would sure look good on the mountain in some of those cabins or anywhere you have a vintage theme!!!

Bates Nut Farm, Antique Flea Market, Craft Fair, Car Show

This  weekend April 26th 

9 am to 4 pm 

About 30 minutes down the mountain in Valley Center.  A very fun field trip!

Lee Baker calls himself “The Mountain Goat” this time of year.  He sure does a great job with that weed whacking and brush clearing.  He has his own equipment and fuel and is ready to go to work. He is booked in advance a bit now, but welcomes your call and is glad to be of service out and about on the mountain.

76O 822-5442