Palomar Mountain News

2010 Explore the Stars – October 8th and 9th

The Explore the Stars program provides visitors an opportunity to see views of the universe rarely seen by the public.

An exciting amateur astronomy project occurs each summer and fall at Palomar Mountain’s Observatory Campground. A group of amateur astronomers from all across Southern California bring the beauty and the awe of the night sky to more than a hundred non-astronomers at a location only two miles from the world renowned Palomar Observatory.

Click for all the details and have a great week!

Our beautiful Palomar fall colors are just around the corner!  Up here on the Mountain top, we’ve needed to get out the down comforters.  Before we know it, we’ll have our first frost to sweeten up those apples hanging on the trees.  Scents of pumpkin pie or a homemade soup simmering on the stove (can’t have too much garlic or onions!) will be coming from the kitchens.  Then, our first snow will be here before we know it….  Oh, how fun it is to be on Palomar!

Happy Fall to All!

Bonnie Phelps

Most of you were mailed a flyer with a post card to return by the local phone book for Palomar Mountain and Valley Center called the “Orange Book”.  I just spoke with them and am passing along the info to you.

They are in the process of compiling their new 2010/2011 edition and are doing everything that can to ensure they have everyone listed the way you want to appear. 

Only using a cell phone?  They get their listings from from AT&T or directly from YOU.  If you are using a cell phone number that you would like to have listed, it is up to you to contact them.

If you want to be listed, they need  your names, street address, mailing address and phone number.

Have a business?  They are glad to talk to you about their advertising options.

Call or email luann@orangebook.com 760 789-4243 for help getting set up, or if you just want to say “hello”.

When the books are printed they are available to pick up at the Post Office.

Bonnie Phelps – gearing up for another great weekend on the Mountain Top!

Click for an interesting UT story with photos and comments by Scott Kardel, the Public Affairs Coordinator of the Palomar Observatory.

– Scott

W. Scott Kardel

Public Affairs Coordinator, Palomar Observatory

Telephone: (760) 742-2111

E-mail: wsk@astro.caltech.edu

WWW:  palomar-observatory.org

Blog: http://palomarskies.blogspot.com/

Office hours: usually 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday

Thanks to Mike Pique for sending the following news our way: 

 The International Space Station will pass over San Diego county Tuesday evening (Sept 14, 2010) about 7:35 PM.  It goes fast (18,000 MPH or so..) and will be long gone by 7:40, so be on time.  It will appear at 7:35 in the northwest, near the Big Dipper, pass nearly overhead in Cygnus the swan at 7:38, and vanish into the earth’s shadow at 7:40 in Aquarius, in the east south east.  Here’s where you can look to get a star chart (not really needed – it will be amazingly bright) and a ground-track map:

http://www.heavens-above.com/PassDetails.asp?Size=600&SatID=25544&lat=33.311&lng=-116.8495&alt=1600&loc=Palomar+Mountain+Lodge&TZ=PST&Date=40436.1095263735 

By the way, the http://www.palomarmountain.com web site has a link near the bottom to every night’s Palomar Mountain satellite predictions, from Heavens Above, and these are good enough for all of San Diego county.

– Mike Pique

 From: Mike Johnson

I was sorry to see that Palomar weekender Jerome Lipetzky passed away.   We have one of his beautiful paintings of the East Grade hanging in our entryway.

Mike and Kelly Johnson

“Jerry and Lynn purchased acreage on the eastern slope of Mt. Palomar and built a small cabin that overlooked Lake Henshaw and the cattle ranch where as a teenager Jerry felt privileged to work for room and board in an environment of oaks, grasslands and small streams. It was uniquely Californian landscapes such as this that he loved so much that became the heart of his later works as an artist.”

Jerry donated some of his beautiful art work to the Palomar Mountain Volunteer Fire Department Auction and it is treasured by quite a few Mountain folks.  Just a few months ago, my husband was on the East Grade on his horse looking for cattle and saw Jerry out enjoying the views on his land.  They had a nice visit.   – Bonnie Phelps

Click for more on Jerry’s life, an on-line Guest Book, and service info for Saturday, October 2nd.

See also http://www.mypalomarmountain.com/tributes/

Many long time Mountain folks knew Ed and Darlene Lewis, and their children Lori and Chad, when they they lived on the Mountain in the 1970’s. They owned a cabin on Bailey Meadow Road. September of 1972, they poured cement for a new basement floor and had their children make their handprints.  The present owners provided the treasured photo for Darlene who still has their family home at the base of the Mountain.  Her son Chad started Kindergarten at the one room Mountain School when there were about 30 kids attending.  In his teens, both he and Lori worked with their dad at the Palomar Outdoor School Camp Kitchen, and served with the Volunteer Fire Department.  Baiting his first hook with Dad at Doane Pond began his love for fishing that he also shared with his sons. Chad had a big kind heart and was always there for his family and friends. 

Here is more from Darlene, including information about Chad’s Memorial Service, this Saturday, September 17 and an online Guest Book:

Read More…

From: editor@valleycenter.com

Subject: PALOMAR BBQ IN PAPER

Bonnie, your readers might be interested in knowing that this week’s Roadrunner (on the stand now) has a front page picture of last weekend’s barbecue plus several photos inside.

Regards,

David Ross

Editor

Valley Roadrunner

760-749-1112

 “I can handle big news and little news. And if there’s no news, I’ll go out and bite a dog.”

  Share your musical talent with mountain friends and professionals from down yonder or come and be the audience. We’ll be playin’ and singin’ some Patriotic songs in remembrance of 9-11 plus your favorite tunes.

Saturday 9-11 at 6 pm

Wine, beer, apple cider etc tasting with favorite appetizer/dessert that compliments your beverage

Location:  Dale and Michele’s

Directions: Go to the end of Crestline, turn right.  Turn left at the four way stop, then right at the next opportunity.  Fourth home down on the left. Carpool if possible.

Bring appetizer or dessert to share, beverage, folding chairs, jacket, musical instrument, voice, and a big smile! 

Questions-Call Dale and Michele at 760 742-2312

Power outages are pretty much promised on the Mountain during the fall.  Plan ahead if you are a weekender – might want to keep your refrigerator/freezer cleaned out.  Full time on the Moountain?  If you don’t already have a generator, you might consider having one of our locals set you up – find their contacts on our Mountain Yellow Pages. 

Thanks to Rosemary Johnston for passing on the new SDG&E website that will post the planned power shut offs.

 http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/sep/01/sdge-unveils-fire-weather-website/