Palomar Mountain News

Guessing most of you glanced through a recent post about a ‘Grey Bobcat‘? It peeked the interest of one of the subscribers. He didn’t leave his name but left a VM at 7:30 am: “… I thought you’d be up by now doing business. This call isn’t for business, this is monkey business but I’m thinkin’ your gray bobcat is more likely to be a gray lynx. They have been known to be seen around this neck of the woods from time to time over my past 88 years or more …”

I ‘d been up for an hour but hadn’t turned my phone on yet. Well, I just had to call this guy who hadn’t left his name. When he answered, I recognized his voice right off. Arlie Bergman. He said he is going on 89 years old now. The Bergman and Mendenhall families have a lot of history on this mountain and the Lynx, known as ‘King of their Country’ are a part of the back country.

We’ve lived up here since 1998 and in my adventures out and about I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Lynx. When I took that photo, he was making eye contact and we were so close. Bobcats usually keep moving and run off. He seemed a little close for comfort so I started backing up and he turned and went on his way. This cat seemed much bigger than the bobcats we see frequently. I’d never really noticed tails or the tuffs on their ears before so it was interesting to glance at some of these links when I searched Lynx vs. Bobcat difference.

Thank you Arlie, we’re learning something new everyday!

Here is a quick glimpse of the last few minutes of the Harvest Festival. The music was delightful… but who is that bearded guy in the back? Keep reading for the reveal of ‘Buffalo John’ at the bottom of this post.

Who is the face behind the Buffalo Beard? You’ll have to watch the video. The story is told that John road his motorcycle to Sturgis. A vendor at the rally made buffalo hide coats and accumulated scraps so decided to make beards. John just had to have one and sure has a lot of fun with it.

Thanks to all who work to make this event a great time every year on Palomar Mountain.

Mr. Bob stopped by to say hello on State Park Road. I was taking fall photos when I heard something in the leaves behind the rocks. He is a big fella. I’ve seen a lot of bobcats but never one this color. We just checked each other out for a second then he went on his way. Ed Montgomery on the north side of Crestline might have seen the same guy in his neck of the woods, too. Beautiful animal.

If someone doesn’t claim him before then, he is heading that way. You want to adopt him? Just let me know. Bonnie Phelps 760-533-1742 UPDATE: He was adopted bright and early the next morning!

From Cecelia:

The weather looks like it will be OK for a dumpster Saturday, the 8th of November. I will order one and if the forecast changes abruptly I will cancel; for now, you all can plan on a dumpster this weekend. 8 am until full.

No hazmat, no tires, no paint, no electronic waste or large appliances. Thank you Fire Safe Council!

Cecelia 760-594-4688

Directions: From the General Store, take the road to the left which is State Park Road. Travel one mile and turn right on Bailey Meadow Road. You’ll see the big 40 yard dumpster at Robert’s on the right.

Tomorrow is November 1st!?! That was quick but that means there is lots of fun waiting for you at the State Park. I’ve heard that some folks will be in pioneer costumes, great crafts and games are planned, live music and square dancing. Always a delightful time.

The weather report says that the high is to be 71, so under those beautiful trees it might be a little chilly.

Load up the car with family and friends and enjoy the day filled with old-fashioned fun.

They started bright and early! Couple dozen trucks with a very nice crew are re-paving Canfield Road. Fascinating to watch and will be a nice improvement. They said they will finish on Friday – would you like to meet some of the guys? Show up around lunch time at the General Store… maybe bring cookies, they’d love that!

Stan Hill was up today with his crew surveying properties for the Dead and Dying Tree Grant. Yes, there is still time to sign up! The more I travel around, the more I see trees just waiting to be firewood. It is amazing to come upon this shed still standing. It looks like that very tired fir and oak have been pals for many years. Maybe they both grew enough to gently move that oak onto the shed. Stan’s crew will be kept very busy, that’s for sure.

In our 27 years of being back on Palomar, we don’t remember this many acorns on the trees before. Many seem to be much larger, too. I was power-walking on State Park Road a couple days ago and slowed down a second for a photo. I had to really watch where I stepped as they are like stepping on marbles! Today I saw the street sweeper making his rounds and couldn’t help but think he’d have a full load pretty quick.

Pott Belly Shop was up today, too. I’d messaged them a few days ago about another job and they were already booked solid. They will be back Nov. 18 and have some time if you need your chimney swept or wood stove or propane fireplace serviced, just give them a call.

Other heavy equipment was out here on State Park Road including a big water tender and then Superior Ready Mix showed up with a load of concrete. We just had All In Septic servicing a couple places and tomorrow a POD will be delivered for movers to load. Rancho Trees had several trucks up to get started getting dozens of their now-dead trees on the ground. I’ve been buzzing around with guys grooming properties to get chip piles staged and ready for chippers. And the past couple days, I’ve had the pleasure of showing cabins and homes to clients dreaming of joining us here on this beautiful mountain.

This warmer weather is good timing for getting some things done. Before we know it, we’ll be treated to some winter wonderland. Enjoy these beautiful Fall days while we can!

Bonnie Phelps, never too busy to visit and get your questions answered!

760-533-1742

Could you use this brand new, still in the box, white sink vanity?

Winston Porter Panchuri 42 inch single bathroom Vanity Base. Solid wood, 42 inches wide. List price was $1650.00, we got it on sale for $923. Alas, we changed our minds and did something different for our bathroom remodel. So, we have a deal for you – asking $300.00.

It has never been out of the box. There were some things stored on top of the lid so the cardboard is bowed a bit. Peeking inside, everything looks to be in original, perfect condition. It is very easy to pick up as it is being stored on State Park Road on Palomar – level driveway and you can back up right to the box to pick up. If you don’t have a truck, we could perhaps help with delivery.

Call or text please: Sandrine Miller-Montgomery 858-353-7016

It is so amazing to see an eagle in flight. One of our neighbors caught this one on his security camera. The wing span was maybe 6 to 7 feet. After we talked about it this morning, a story about eagles popped up.

… Several different pesky birds are bold enough to sit on the eagles back and peck at its neck. Relentless, annoying, but the eagle stays calm. The eagle doesn’t flap, doesn’t fight, doesn’t waste energy, the eagle just does one thing – it rises. The higher the eagle soars, the thinner the air becomes. The those other birds? They can’t handle the altitude. Eventually, the bird gasps, loses strength, and falls off. Not because the eagle attacked, but because the eagle ascended. Let the annoying birds talk and peck. You don’t have to respond. Just keep going higher! They can’t follow you forever. Your growth will suffocate their noise. You don’t really need to engage, just elevate!

David Marquez filled in for Yesmira and is now the smiling face at the Post Office for a few more weeks. He comes up from Valley Center so lives close by and looking forward to serving your needs here at one of the smallest Post Offices in America! Welcome David.

Check out Union Tribune’s Hike of the Week! Pack a picnic and and come up for our Fall Colors! It’s all waiting for you at the top of your favorite mountain!

Bonnie Phelps, Realtor with my hiking boots on!

760-533-1742