Palomar Mountain News

It is always sooooooooo fun to hear the Smith Mountain Boys! They will be off for the summer but playing at Lazy H tonight from 5 to 8. Call Jack for reservations – if you’d like to meet some neighbors, be sure to tell him you’re open to sharing a table. 760-742-3669

• lazyhranchresort.com
• Address: 16787 Hwy 76, Pauma Valley, CA 92061

Load up your family , call your friends and come on out for a great evening.

Our Treasures are in Missouri now, but it was always so fun to hear little Atticus politely ask the waitress, “Please mam, may I have some more potato skins? Oh, and another shrimp cocktail, too?” The last time they were there with us, Judah ordered “that big steak like Grandaddy gets”. Don was at the other end of the table so didn’t realize his grandson wasn’t having hamburgers anymore until the dinners arrived. That kid ate every bit of his steak.

Hope to see you tonight!

BonanDon heading to the H!

Who would like some work beautifying the mountain and getting this spring grass cut? Several folks have asked for weed eater contacts. Would that be YOU?

Some customers need a contact with their own equipment, others have tools you can use.

Thanks for getting back to me as I’m glad to pass your info along,

Bonnie Phelps, Realtor

760-533-1742 DRE#01293655

See also Cozy Crestline Cabin for Sale

Free Oak wood, you cut!

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LOTS of oak and fir are available for cutting. Bring chain saws and a friend or two for FREE wood. Some wood is green so will be ready to burn in a year or two. Some is dry and ready to use this winter. Some wood is suitable to mill. You can drive right up to most huge branches on the ground. Wood needs to have the slash cut and stacked with the cut ends facing the road for a chipper. There really is a LOT of wood available for the first to show up, cut and take and hopefully come back for even more. Perfect time to cut with no bugs out yet!

Just let me know and I will connect you with the property owners for permission with agreement to cut at no liability to the the property owner.

Thank you,

Bonnie Phelps, Realtor pointing you to Free Firewood

Palomar Mountain is really blessed to have a police officer who also calls this mountain ‘Home’.

James works in law enforcement for the San Diego Community College District. He is out there investigating and doing his best to keep the students safe. You are much appreciated James!

When I asked him why he just had to have a home on Palomar he explained that he remembers such good times being on the mountain. His family camped in the State Park many times and he and his brother have such great memories of their times on Palomar. James also admitted that he was “one of the crazy blokes that drove my motorcycle up the mountain every weekend”. He loves everything about Palomar with the fresh air, dark skies, tall trees and his dream of fixing up his cabin to eventually be his retirement home.

Welcome James, we mountain folks Back the Blue and are so glad to have you!

Programs and Activities, May 2022

Palomar Mountain State Park

** All programs are free to attend, but parking fee costs $10. Park at Doane Pond parking lot for closest access to programs taking place at the Campfire Center of Doane Valley Campground. **

“Interpretation is a special form of communication that helps people understand, appreciate, and emotionally connect with the rich natural and cultural heritage preserved in parks. It is the mission of interpretation in California State Parks to convey messages that initially will help visitors value their experience, and that ultimately will foster a conservation ethic and promote a dedicated park constituency.”

Friday, May 6 – Talk: Palomar’s Geology and The Watershed                     

When: 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM

Palomar Mountain has a unique geologic history that greatly affects the way water flows off, around, and through it. It may surprise you just how much one affects the other!

Where: Campfire Center, Doane Valley Campground

Saturday, May 7 – Hike: Weir Trail

When: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Hike streamside along Pauma Creek and discover the odd secret at the end of this scenic and diverse trail. 2 miles out & back, 200 ft. ascent coming back. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water!

Where: Meet @ Doane Pond Parking Lot

Saturday, May 7 – Jr Rangers: Reptiles & Amphibians         

When: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Special program for kids ages 7-12. Learn about our park’s scaly and slimy friends! Second session available for kids ages 6 and under upon request. 

Where: Meet @ Campfire Center of Doane Valley Campground

Saturday, May 7 – Campfire Program: Sing-Along Songs        

When: 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Join us for a night of singing classic campfire songs! You’re sure to leave this program with a spring in your step and a song in your heart!

Where: Campfire Center, Doane Valley Campground 

Friday, May 13 – Talk: Jurassic Origins               

When: 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM

Did you know that some of the rocks on Palomar Mountain were formed when dinosaurs roamed the earth? Join us to learn how shallow seas became mountain peaks. 

Where: Campfire Center, Doane Valley Campground

Saturday, May 14 – Hike: Doane Valley Nature Trail                    

When: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Join us for a hike on the park’s quintessential trail. 1 mile in length. Moderate difficulty with 2 creek crossings. Diverse habitats await!

Where: Meet @ Doane Pond Parking Lot

Saturday, May 14 – Jr Rangers: Birds      

When: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Special program for kids ages 7-12. Learn about our park’s feathered friends! Second session available for kids ages 6 and under upon request. 

Where: Meet @ Campfire Center of Doane Valley Campground

Saturday, May 14 – Meet & Greet      

When: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Meet our interpreter and other staff, and come with questions and curiosities. Props, games, brochures, and good times abound! 

Where: Doane Valley Family Campground, near the campground entrance

Friday, May 20 – Talk: Soil Ecology                  

When: 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM

There is an entire world beneath our feet. Join us for an interpretive presentation to illuminate the fascinating ecology happening on a microscopic scale. 

Where: Campfire Center, Doane Valley Campground

Saturday, May 21 – Hike: Thunder Springs to Upper Doane Valley Trail       

When: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM

The Upper Doane Valley is one of Palomar’s most pristine meadows and a vital component of the mountain’s delicate ecosystem. Join us for a 2-mile hike around the meadow.

Where: Meet @ Doane Pond Parking Lot

Saturday, May 21 – Jr Rangers: Geology      

When: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Special program for kids ages 7-12. Learn about our park’s rocky past! Second session available for kids ages 6 and under upon request. 

Where: Meet @ Campfire Center, Doane Valley Campground

Saturday, May 21 – Campfire Program: Geology of Palomar Mountain            

When: 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Palomar Mountain has a decorated and unique geologic history that affects life on the mountain for plants, animals, and humans alike. 

Where: Campfire Center, Doane Valley Campground

Saturday, May 28 – Hike: Boucher Trail            

When: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Boucher Trail traverses through the densest area of Black Oak in the park. Gorgeous spring colors and fantastic views await! 2 miles out & back, 330 ft. ascent.

Where: Meet @ Silvercrest Picnic Area Parking Lot

Saturday, May 28 – Jr Rangers: Plants    

When: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Special program for kids ages 7-12. Learn about our park’s diverse plant life! Second session available for kids ages 6 and under upon request. 

Where: Meet @ Campfire Center, Doane Valley Campground

Palomar Mountain State Park has openings available for Park Aides (Entrance Station Personnel) and Maintenance Aides during the summer months. 

Positions available at Palomar Mountain State Park!

Seasonal Park Aide

Park Aides perform routine public contact work, staff park entrance stations, provide information to the public, keep facilities clean, and drive light vehicles.

Park Aide positions are limited to 189 days per calendar year. The position accrues vacation leave credits, sick leave credits, and has a deferred compensation savings plan. 

Nights, weekends, and holiday shifts should be expected, as this is when the parks are at their busiest.

Experience is not necessary; however, cash handling and customer service skills are desirable – and of course you’ll need to love the outdoors! Pay ranges from $15.68 to $17.95 an hour.

Rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage, Palomar Mountain State Park is a living legacy that’s been preserved and passed down for all Californians to enjoy. Why not consider being a part of this legacy, and help people discover it, enjoy it, and make it a part of their lives? Apply today! For more information and to apply visit:

http://www.parks.ca.gov/jobs

Contact Ranger Supervisor at John.Deluca@parks.ca.gov or (619) 985-4449

Seasonal Maintenance Aide

Maintenance Aide positions are entry level positions with potential for advancement. Maintenance experience is preferred. Housing may be available.

Earn while you learn about exciting career opportunities with California State Parks. Minimum qualifications include: willingness to accept and benefit from training, follow simple directions and work cooperatively with others, perform sustained physical work, and use appropriate tools, supplies, and equipment. Possession of a valid driver’s license is required. Safe driving record and the willingness to conform to departmental uniform requirements are essential. 

Please inquire at our Kiosk (Entrance Station)

or call Shay McGhee at (760) 574-6539

Resumes or State of California Employment Application (STD 678) may be submitted by mail to: California State Parks, 200 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, Ca. 92004. For additional information please contact (760) 767-4037. Applications may also be acquired from the State Personnel website at: https://jobs.ca.gov/pdf/std678.pdf or at any State Park office.

From: Rosemary Johnston Subject: County Fire upgrades Palomar Mountain Fire Station – Valley Roadrunner Read all about it: https://www.valleycenter.com/articles/county-fire-upgrades-palomar-mountain-fire-station/

Brian McBrayer <brian@palomar.camp>

Who is looking for work? We have some great jobs available at Palomar Christian Conference Center. Experienced with horses? Come to camp and be a wrangler for our summer camps.

Like to work in the kitchen? Learn from our great chef and staff that do such a fabulous job feeding sometimes 350+ campers three times a day.

With 320 acres and all our buildings, we sure need more on our maintenance crew. Normally we have 5 to 7 guys working with me but down to only one. You don’t have to have a trade skill but be handy and willing to learn. We would love to teach you electrical, drywall, plumbing and so much more life skills.

Check out our Main Page, see what could work for you and please share with your friends:

https://www.palomar.camp/employment

Horse Camp

Click to access b739f6_6470b306427547aa955c5da0c1726b67.pdf

Maintenance 

Click to access b739f6_86ec3ad1cd64445b8db232052105e3c3.pdf

Food Services

Click to access b739f6_2c7bfafc357f4a1fa8207e65c8952ca0.pdf

Thanks,

Brian McBrayer

Well, I just happen to have the keys to this newest Palomar listing and can slip you in a little early to Moose Lodge. Cleaning gals will finish up tomorrow. We had some tree work done with a little more to do. But I just couldn’t keep this one to myself a minute longer!

This oh-so-charming cabin will be celebrating 70 happy years of memories with folks enjoying their time at Moose Lodge. A very welcoming great room has original paned windows, a cozy wood stove, surrounded by knotty pine walls and flooring.

It is open to the cherry kitchen where a side door leads to the original stone stove/barbecue that only a few cabins still have from days gone by. I’m told you’ll never have better pancakes then the ones made outside in front of the fire. Yum, that pan of hot maple syrup is simmering along side the kettle of hot chocolate.

When the stars come out, it’s also a great place for s’mores. After the story-telling has wound down, and your pillow is calling, stairs take you up to two sleeping rooms. When morning comes, you’ll enjoy sitting in the rocking chair in front of the wood stove with your steaming cup of coffee. Guessing you won’t be sitting too long as there are some things you might want to do to restore and preserve this fixer cabin for years to come. Meanwhile, you have water, power, phone and internet is available. Septic will be certified next week. It’s a delightful cabin to come spend the night while you decide on updates and your decorating touches.

A screened in porch for those lazy summer afternoons is also waiting for you. A shed milled from wood on the land can store these sleds when we’re a winter wonderland. 1173 sf including 30×10 enclosed porch on .78 acre. Front on public road with great access and parking on your land.

Click for lots of photos and MLS info.

Click also to see some amazing tree work done last week.

Who wants to be the next owner of Moose Lodge?

Is it YOU? Come up for a tour!

Bonnie Phelps, Realtor with the Keys to make your Dreams come true!

The much-loved Spotted Owl closed escrow and I thought some might enjoy this post by the now-prior owner, Teresa. Just so you know, Jim and Teresa aren’t moving. They are keeping their ‘Grey Fox’ cabin but couldn’t resist another near family out of state. Fun times ahead for all!

She and Jim have so many fun memories and family came up to help get it ready for the new owners:

From: Teresa McCarthy

“We sold the Spotted Owl and today was move out day. Seems like yesterday that I decided to drive up while Jim was at work and take a peek at some real estate. I brought my girlfriend with me to navigate up the windy mountain road. Bonnie Phelps drove me here and there looking at at least a half dozen cabins within the budget Jim had set for me. They all intrigued me. In one cabin, Bonnie picked up a little dead mousy and tossed it into the toilet…

At the end of the tour of cabin listings, Bonnie said…. “Well, there is one more that isn’t listed yet but it’s over your budget.” I said, “show it to me”. Oh man it was love at first sight. It was August and the meadow was waist high with Bracken fern. I stood there on the deck and watched a couple of woodpeckers swoop down from the tall cedar tree. I needed this cabin and when she told me the price I wasn’t sure it would fly with Jim. I told Bonnie, let me go home and pick up Jim and we will be back in a few hours. I told her, “please show him the cabins in the same order and end with that dilapidated Happy Holler cabin just before you show him the A-Frame. The next day we made an offer and closed escrow on our magical 20th wedding anniversary. It was October 9th, 2013 and we even had snow. Well here we are almost 9 years later and we have so many wonderful memories in the Spotted Owl. We are sad that this place won’t be ours anymore, but so happy for the new owners. We decided to take one last snapshot today.”