Palomar Mountain News

Lots of fun on the way with our Annual Apple Festival in the State Park! Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 1st. Good old fashioned fun for all ages!

Nearly fourteen years ago I had the pleasure of meeting Gary and Lynda Lockard. They lived in Valley Center and just had to have a fun vacation home on Palomar Mountain. Gary would often be working in his garage and would always wave with a big smile as I went by. One time I had clients with me. He waved me over with a scowl on his face and called out real loud, “I have a complaint!” Oh my. I meekly introduced my clients and braced myself for what might be coming. “You knew when we purchased that this place was to be our second home. But, we have only spent eight nights at home in six months!” Whew! So funny!

They quickly became an active part of the community events showing up in one of their eye catching cars or even their 1930 Model A Coup at the Apple Festivals. Gary built that car by hand, they dressed up and dished out lots of happy smiles by creating such a fun photo op at the festivals. A couple years ago they generously sponsored the BBQ Dinner for all of us at the Labor Day Hoedown. Lots of very happy memories.

In addition to his cars, Gary had an amazing vintage tractor collection. Everyone is invited to Tractor Night this Friday Night at Cruising Grand in Escondido. Lynda is sponsoring this in memory of Gary who passed away November 2, 2023. Some of his tractors will be on display.

Friday Night, July 25, Cruising Grand with Live Music, vendors and food trucks

Grand Avenue at Broadway in Escondido from 5 to 9

We have another full-timer joining us! Yolanda is so very excited with her cabin up here. Arriving early Sunday morning she moved a few things in and started cooking. I was invited to stop by and they’d had a feast and big celebration for her family and friends. She is so happy to have room for a little yard for her two small pups. When I asked Yolanda (you may call her ‘Yolie’), why she just had to have a cabin on Palomar, this was her response with a big smile on her face:

“Oh, I don’t mean to get all emotional, but I moved to the mountains to leave the crowded and noisy city with so much bad habits and vices. I was looking to buy a cabin on some land and hopefully have a garden where I could watch the flowers grow with my family around me.  Living here on Palomar Mountain I’m looking forward to having a better relationship with my Lord and Savior and to work to have a more Christlike character. Being in a much quieter place I feel it will be easier to hear Him and to enjoy nature or as some call it ‘His second Bible’ which is a source of exhaustless instruction and delight.  I’m just grateful and Praise God!!! Be Blessed”  Yolie

Welcome Yolie, family and Friends!

It was so special to watch the progress of nest building above the front porch at the “Little Green Cabin in the Woods”. This beautiful Steller’s Jay was often there when I popped by for showings. She was very busy with gathering and weaving her sticks into a nest. Often I would see her patiently sitting on her eggs. She never seemed to be bothered at all with folks going in and out. She’d claimed this private corner of the world as her safe space.

I was pleased to get a quick ‘hello’ pic for you of her new family. Escrow closed last week and I think the new owner will be leaving that nest right there as it might be occupied next spring, too.

Bonnie Phelps, Realtor and Birdwatcher

760-533-1742

This storm was a surprise to us. We’ve really had a lot of rain and quite a lightening show. It seems like it might be over now but thought I’d post a reminder for you to unplug. We have some pretty sad stories from neighbors who lost all appliances, TVs, refrigerators, dishwashers, computers, router, phone, and more when lightening hit their cabin. They had to replace it all.

What can you do? Unplug anything you’d like to not have to replace. Then, install a lightening rod or invest in good serge protectors. And keep those candles handy…

We’re sure thankful for the rain. It is so amazing to watch the lightening show from my desk. Enjoy the storm!

One of the oh-so-charming, vintage cabins has been lovingly updated. It is sparkling clean and ready for you to bring your toothbrush and jammies to enjoy your first night as new owners. You might ask if that really all you’d need? Pretty much! Well, bring food for your stay and maybe your laptop and pup. You see, it is presently a much loved, fully furnished, Five Star Vacation Rental. Check it out and we can pop in between guests. Cute as a button! It comes with the Airbnb business or you can have it all to yourselves. When is a good time for you to come see?

Bonnie Phelps, Realtor

760-533-1742

Just had to pull over going down to South Grade early morning to snag this for you. So beautiful out there these first days of spring colors.

Also had to smile after posting that last message about free cement blocks. It took about 10 minutes to get the first text. Wes Bergman won the blocks! The prior message about other blocks was claimed real quick and divided up by Justin Davis and Joseph Sherwood.

Gotta love this mountain!

Yesterday we stopped in Walmart real quick. It was so nice to see this table set up to honor our heroes. Right by the big bags of chips for our barbecues today. As we gather together with family and friends this Memorial Day, may we remember the reason we are gathering.

To honor those who have fallen.

A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.

To all of our heroes, we salute you. 

Hope to see you at the delicious breakfast and then the Annual Meeting of the Palomar Mountain Planning Organization. Hot coffee, orange juice, pancakes, sausage, strawberries and YOU! Always a fun time on the mountain.

The dogwoods are out! Would you like to see some in bloom? It is worth a trip to the State Park. Driving past the kiosk, down toward the group campground, you’ll pass several trees.

Keep reading for another great article by a long-time friend of the mountain, Ernie Cowan. In fact, he and his wife, Katie were married up here! Ernie is a freelance columnist with a beautiful blog to visit and is published in the San Diego Union Tribune.

Thanks to Rosemary Johnston for sharing Ernie’s great article and photos sharing of a recent event by our ranger Will Meyst.

Driving up the mountain, you can see quite a variety of wildflowers in bloom. They open up at lower elevations first so the top of the mountain will be alive with color real soon.

Happy Spring!

Bonnie Phelps, Realtor on the Highway to the Stars and Mountain Wildflowers

760-533-1742