We have more very happy new neighbors for Palomar, and more on the way! Last week the 68 acres on Canfield closed after two, complicated and very long escrows. That is all behind us now as the new owners are thrilled with their getaway. Today we got confirmation on another little cabin that just closed. That owner is so excited with a fun list of things that are in the works to make it extra special.
Tomorrow are inspections at the charming cabin at the top of the grade. It was such a pleasure to meet the buyer when he was up a couple times. Wednesday we’ll have inspections for another Crestline cabin on 4 acres.
One of the toughest things for me is declining the multiple offers! It is a little different in the city because there are so many more places to choose from than we have available on Palomar. Most of you know my broker is my son, Nathan. I work together with him as his transaction coordinator handing the paperwork. He had a listing recently in Escondido with 20 offers in just a couple days. Of course the sellers read all the letters from the folks with nice photos and the buyers saying ‘pick us, pick us!”
That happened with these newest mountain listings, too. It broke my heart to have to let the buyers and/or their agents know that the seller went with someone else.
So, today was a great call from a gal who was a backup offer for one of the cabins. Her agent showed her the home out on Birch Hill and they opened escrow. She asked for help with insurance options. I also pointed her to PMNews and let her know the photo of the dogwood flowers was taken in what will soon be her front yard!
With my listings, I always invite the agents and their clients to meet at our home office. It makes it real nice to get to help themselves to Starstrucks coffee, tea or hot chocolate while we go over some maps. Then we take off and see the properties available and have a little tour. Getting their questions answered about living or being part-time on Palomar is always a pleasure since I am sold myself. The hard part is meeting all these nice people that really would like to have a piece of paradise up here, knowing only one will get it.
In one week I had 22 showings, opened escrow for two, plus the dogwood house slipped into pending :). That means there are 18 different singles, couples or families that missed out. They are pre-approved, very qualified and most are wanting to live here full time.
Thinking of selling? Let’s connect!
Bonnie Phelps, Realtor, looking for listings for anxious buyers!
The flowers are out!!! Coming up the mountain yesterday, I thought of you subscribers on PMNews. You might enjoy packing a picnic, bringing your camera and take in our beautiful variety of spring flowers. We had our first burst of color when the daffodils and tulips bloomed a month or so ago. Now, the lupin and the wide variety of wildflowers coming up the grades are just amazing You might consider a trek up Nate Harrison Grade to see the variety of flowers there. The Nate can be quite different than what is waiting for you to discover on the South Grade, especially. Cruise through the State Park where the dogwoods are in bloom. Some of the wildflowers are very small – little treasures to discover!
Maybe picnic in the Park at Silvercrest or around Doane Pond? Stop for an ice cream bar or fresh coffee at the General Store?
These dogwoods do happen to be tucked away at a home for sale off Crestline, so we can do that, too. Always glad to open the doors and help you find the perfect property on our favorite mountain.
Many of you have seen surveyors out along State Park Road and South Grade. I was curious what project they were working on. Had a nice visit with this surveyor (where did I put his card?!?). He explained that he was identifying all survey pins in the asphalt and using GPS to record precise locations. The plan is to repave the roads over the next couple years. Instead of digging up the old pins to reposition, new pins will be inserted into the fresh asphalt, right over the original pins. Someone was using their thinking cap on this idea! Meanwhile all the road pins are clearly identified for the numerous surveys in progress now.
Bonnie Phelps, Realtor on the Highway to the Stars – old pins, new pins, we like them all!
Its time for some great music from Dutch Bergman, Bruce Druliner and Steve Berry! Who would like to join in the fun and great food at Lazy H? This Wednesday night May 19,2021, 5:00 to 8:00 pm. Order what you’d like from the menu, burgers, fish, steak and yummy desserts. Enjoy listening and singing along to old favorites.
Lazy H Restaurant, Pauma Valley, call to reserve your table 760-742-3669
What is there to do on Palomar Mountain? For those of us who live up here, we often share that our wonderful life on Palomar is a delightful step back in time. There is so much waiting to explore on the mountain and close by. Here is just a quick peek:
General Store – Gifts from around the world, ice cream, s’mores supplies and all things camping.
Mother’s Kitchen Restaurant – Remodeling now to open again soon!
Post Office – One of the smallest post offices in the US. No line to mail a package or buy stamps. Also a lending library, bring a book and leave a book.
BAILEYS RESORT
Ceramic Classes Relax and enjoy learning how to paint ceramics with family and friends. Meet some of the locals learning a new craft in the wonderful old dance hall. Reservations only. Terri 619-244-2242 Book your very fun class now!
‘FIELD TRIPS’ to visit:
Cecelia’s Farm – Delightful farm to visit with eggs, goat cheese, milk, and a loom room with yarn in many colors. So fun for all ages!
Palomar Mountain Woodworks – Bears, snowmen, pumpkins, chainsaw carving, hand crafted furniture, and commissions.
Glenn’s Organic Coffee – Organic coffee from around the world, mountain roasted and available as beans or freshly ground for your sipping pleasure.
Lake Henshaw Resort and Cafe – Fishing, boat rentals, camping and great restaurant 22 minutes from the top of the mountain
Water Park – 20 minutes down the road at La Jolla Reservation
Christian Conference Center – Sign your kids up for Adventure Camp, Horse Camp, Science Camp or retreats for Scouts, Trail Life, Peace Officers Associations, Church Group or School.
Explore the Stars – Monthly, April through October at Observatory Campground. Visitors welcomed.
Flowers of the Mountain – Daffodils, tulips, dogwoods plus delightful wildflowers to discover all along the the way.
Forest Fire Lookouts – Boucher Lookout is staffed May – Oct in the State Park. Take the stairs to the top and go out on the cat-walk with a tour by the volunteers. Amazing Views! It’s Free!
Nate Harrison – Born a Slave, died a Pioneer. Hours of reading and archeology digs to observe occasionally.
Nate Harrison Grade – 9 miles of adventure from the State Park all the way down to Hwy 76.
Observatory – Visit the largest Observatory in the World for 45 years. Weekend Guided Tours for $5.00 per person book ahead and bring a jacket – even on warm days – it’s cold in there for the mirror!
Observatory Trail Moderate hike. 4.4 miles round trip with beautiful views
Palomar Mountain News – Scroll the archives as there might be a concert or fun event to get in on. Simply subscribe for all the news of our favorite mountain right to your inbox.
Palomar Mountain Park – Go up Crestline Road to Mile Marker 4, turn left. Open 9:30 to 7:00 day use.
Snow Info and Pix – Chains usually required and mid-week is best. Be sure to see all the photo links.
State Park Trails – In addition to the trails shown on the link, another easy trail to take is by parking just before the large Palomar Mountain State Park sign, in the parking area to your right. Directly across from the sign is an almost hidden entrance to the easy trail that takes you along the rim, about a mile and a half, for fabulous off mountain views. Pack a picnic lunch as it ends in the Silvercrest picnic area where you’ll also find bathrooms. Be sure to walk to the area off to your left. It burned in a fire years ago so find the little trails in and discover hundreds of Indian grinding holes. Be sure to have your camera!
Vacation Rentals – Book your favorite for your next escape on Palomar Mountain!
Water Park – Cool off just 20 minutes down the road at newly remodeled La Jolla Water Park
Wildlife – Animals and birds you may encounter out and about.
RESTAURANTS CLOSE BY
Lake Henshaw Cafe – Great breakfasts, ribs, burgers, pizza, Mexican food, best fries and onion rings. Twenty two minutes from the top of the mountain. (760) 782-9180
Lazy H Ranch – Steak, seafood, burgers. 25 minutes down the South Grade. Call for hours (760) 742-3669
Jilberto’s Mexican Food at the Round-About at the South Grade and Hwy 78. (760) 742-1896
Agrusa’s Restaurant at the Travel Center and Gas Station at Rincon Casino – Sandwiches, Banana Bowls and Ice Cream Sandwiches. (So yummy!)
Boar’s Head Deli in the Rincon Market – Fabulous sandwiches 34323 Valley Center Rd, Valley Center, CA
The mountain locals cheered when Rincon Market recently opened for many essentials. 30 minutes away. Great produce, deli, sparkling clean. Major markets are in Escondido or Temecula and an hour one way.
JULIAN and SANTA YSABEL
Julian – Many restaurants and so much to see and do in the historic town of Julian
It was so fun to have Peter and Kathy Bruggeman come up. Years ago they owned a cabin up here. Peter started a website posting and archiving wonderful books, stories, photos with history of the mountain. When they sold their cabin, he continued to source out and preserve as much as he can find and have it there for us to enjoy, too.
Curt and Barb Waite dropped of a big box of some gems that date back to the late 1950s. It was from her folks, Chuck and Katie Beishline. They were a part of the Palomar Mountain Club. From what I could see just peeking at a few things on top, I knew Peter would have fun with this.
The very last thing to move from a property that just sold was a car. It had been there a while and it was thought that it just needed a new battery and fuel. That wasn’t quite enough.
The next day a mechanic showed up. One look under the hood and he discovered it had been a mouse hotel. Time to call Triple A. The first driver was a little late, finally arriving at 10:15 pm. He wasn’t too enamored with it being so dark up here. (That’s what happens at that time of night.) He went home as fast as he could.
The second guy came the next day and wasn’t comfortable with it being on a dirt road. He asked to have it towed to the paved road. Since we know this John Deere tractor driver, we were going to see what we could do about that request. Meanwhile he said he had other calls to take “in the area” so he left!
Escrow had CLOSED, the new owners were very patient, thankfully, the third time was a charm!
S&S Towing to the rescue. They are out of Temecula. Blaine made it look so easy. He had that car connected and was heading down the mountain in just a few minutes. He likes dirt roads. He likes the back country and was a pleasure to deal with. When you need towing service for Palomar day or night, he is your guy 951-234-4004.
Jamie Anderson has advanced our horse program over the past 7 years and our staff has done an amazing job caring for them. However, sometimes we have to say farewell to some of our horse friends over time and we need new ones to love. Please help us continue to bless our girl’s horse camp each summer as well as horse trails for our guest groups during the rest of the year. Palomar Christian Conference Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit so your donation is completely tax deductible.
Please contact Jamie if you would like to help us with a horse donation! (760)742-3400 ext. 204 or Jamie@palomar.camp
Ohmygoodness!!! The For Sale sign just went up at the top of the mountain and the charming ‘Little Red Cabin in the Woods’ brought up the nicest folks. I got meet lots of people who are yearning for our lifestyle on beautiful Palomar Mountain. This one new listing created my busiest week ever with about 20 showings in the past few days. Now multiple offers are being reviewed and still more showings at this charming cabin!
Some clients had seen property with me in the past. Some were looking for a little more elbow room. On my promised tours, I also drove them by a cabin on 4 acres where the painter just finished up. 3 offers for that one, too. It wasn’t quite ready for the MLS but the seller just couldn’t refuse one of the offers, so we just opened escrow.
Thinking of selling?!?
Let’s get your questions answered. The buyers are waiting!
Would you like to take off on a little adventure to see the best view in the county? Pack a picnic and visit Palomar Mountain State Park. So many miles of trails to explore! One of the highlights is visiting Boucher Fire Lookout with the spectacular views across the San Diego County. It is extra special when staffed by volunteers up there looking for smokes. At this time visitors aren’t able to go up volunteers might be available to answer a couple questions from the catwalk, while watching for smokes. Staffed daily from May 1st to December 1st.
One of the many hats Ernie Cowan wears is that of a photographer. Thanks Ernie for these great shots! The Milky Way is amazing!
From: Ernie Cowan
Beginning the first of the month, Boucher Hill and High Point Fire Lookouts are now manned by volunteers with the Forest Fire Lookout Association.
This will be the third season working the towers for Kati and me. We love it. Gives us time in the outdoors, but also is a great public service.
FFLA works with the U.S. Forest Service and the trained volunteers are the eyes in the sky looking for the first smoke and calling that information into dispatch so fire crews can quickly respond.
Palomar Mountain News 