Palomar Mountain News

Years ago a caretaker was cleaning the goat pen at a ranch on Palomar. He was working in broad daylight, as a lion casually jumped their 7 foot fence. The caretaker had a pitchfork in his hand but before he could even think about using it, that lion had what he wanted, jumped back out with a goat in his mouth and trotted off with a nice little lunch.

About the same time, in 2017, Crestline neighbors woke up to a ruckus in their chicken pen. Doc and Ann had the opportunity to dance around with three lions that weren’t bothered one bit by their 10 foot fence. Click for their story that made the Valley Center Road Runner.

One lovely evening, we were at dinner at Glenn and Cecilia’s (if you are ever invited to sit ’round their table, you MUST go as she is an amazing cook!). I scooped up a delicious bite of her delicacies and a lion caught my eye, gracefully jumping over their fence at the barn. Everyone ran out encouraging him to dine someplace else. By the time he ran off, that lion took off without the two goats he’d readied for supper.

‘Critter Reid’s’ trail cam captured her resident lion recently jumping her 6 foot fence:

So, back to fencing. If you would like to fence to protect animals, it might be a good idea to have a cover on it. If you are thinking of fencing your property line, we’ve had some interesting challenges with that recently. Per the county, to fence your property line, a fence is to be a minimum of 3 inches inside a professionally surveyed line. Also, you want to keep in mind any easements your property might be burdened with as some easements aren’t to have a fence. Any questions? I’m glad to connect you with a pal at the county that responses very quickly via email.

Bonnie Phelps, Realtor Ranches, Homes, Cabins, Lots and Land

Would you like to have news of your favorite mountain delivered right to your Inbox? This is the second post in a row with videos of Palomar Critters. You’re invited to check out the archives and simply subscribe on the upper right of the page: Palomar Mountain News | Serving as Palomar Mountain News since 1998  Enjoy!

Settle in for some delightful footage of every kind of critter known to Palomar. Such a refreshing clip of the variety of animals on this beautiful mountain. Thank you East Grader, Catherine ‘Critter Reid’ and her trail cams.

… I agree, those skunks are soooo cute! But, they have been known to delay some listings while property airs out a bit!!! Oh my, I should use this link as a disclosure for all my Real Estate clients. Yes, that will be fun.

Bonnie Phelps Realtor, enjoying all the critters since the last century! : )

Would you like to have news of your favorite mountain delivered right to your Inbox? The last post included many links to virtually ALL printed info on one of our most colorful pioneers, Nate Harrison. You’re invited to scroll to search the archives and simply subscribe on the upper right of the page: Palomar Mountain News | Serving as Palomar Mountain News since 1998 Thank you!

Nate Harrison is really in the news these days! I can’t help but wonder what he would think about folks signing up for a virtual tour of his history and homestead on a Zoom Webinar. I think he’d chuckle and shake his head with a big smile. In just 10 days you have a chance to take a behind the scenes tour of the San Diego exhibit bearing his name. Click to reserve your spot and then sit back in your easy chair for a peek of Palomar History:

Over 100 students have participated in an archeology dig where he lived for many years on what is now called Nate Harrison Grade. Click to see some of what will be included in the Virtual Exhibition of one of our most colorful pioneers on Palomar.

Here is more of Nate from the Palomar Mountain News archives:

Nate Harrison Plaque photo

Rich and Lois Day owners of Nate Harrison Ranch 1969 to 1990

Spectacular Poppies on Nate Harrison Grade

Peter on-site at Nate’s Dig and lots of link to Nate Harrison info

Peter and Kathy at book signing for Born a Slave, Died a Pioneer

Nate Harrison in the News

Palomar History with Nate Harrison Archives by Peter Brueggeman

Happy Reading!

Bonnie Phelps

Many of you have read Barbara Waite’s first two books from her grandmother’s enchanting journal. Her Grandmother Elsie, first came to Palomar in 1904. Barb’s first book, shares of Elsie’s adventures as a school teacher over 100 years ago and ended on Palomar with us impatiently waiting for her second book. Elise’s Mountain Years finely arrived, complete with wonderful historical photos of days gone by.

The Colour Box was prompted by Curt and Barb’s 30+ years as missionaries in Antigua where the sisters made such an impact on so many lives in the 1700s. March is Women’s History Month and you can be one of the first to read their inspirational story of perseverance and vision.

How about sitting by the fire and getting lost in a wonderful story? You can find all three books on Barb’s new website: www.BarbaraWaiteBooks.com, (Aren’t the beautiful covers amazing!?) However, would you be so kind to order directly from Amazon and leave a much appreciated review? Barb would be glad to autograph for you locals when they are enjoying their land on the mountain, cherished so much by their family – and all of us.

Bonnie Phelps, one of Elsie’s neighbors – 100 years later

Do you have Palomar Mountain News delivered to your Inbox? You’re invited to scroll to search the archives and simply subscribe on the upper right of the page: Palomar Mountain News | Serving as Palomar Mountain News since 1998 Thank you!

If the weatherman is right, we could be looking out to snow about this deep by the end of the week. NOAA is having fun upping their snow predictions. Last night they said a possibility of up to 16 inches, this morning it changed to maybe 19 inches but it just changed again with the possibility of 12 to 27 inches by Friday night. The month of March historically has the most snow fall. This much snow is fun for the kids but is a lot of work for the locals needing to get around.

Our last snow had quite a few cars snowed in for a while. A storm is comin’ so be sure to park off a main road if you need to get out right away, put your wipers up and have a shovel in the trunk to clear the berm.

Do you own a Vacation Rental? Quite a few neighbors have talked to me to encourage owners to plan parking for your travelers, on your own property during snow. We have so many more full-timers now (hooray and welcome to all), so parking next to the main roads is very limited. The last snow had some folks very inconvenienced with roads and driveways blocked by vehicles and pricey tow bills. It is always best if guests have four wheel drive vehicles. We’ve had guests rent through car rental agencies like turo.com and make their holiday even more fun and a lot safer on icy roads. Even with 4WD, they also need chains and understand that driving back in some of these areas could still get them in a tough situation.

Who Plows Snow? The County Road crew does a great job plowing our public roads. Just off the phone with the foreman, James. He said because of covid they are half-staffed so down to 4 people. However, because of the storm coming, he will double his crew to have at least 4 plows running. They work 12 hour shifts so it is pretty taxing. Even though there is a benefit to be parked close to the road, James asked me to pass on his request: “Please park your cars a few feet back off the pavement to give the plows some working room”. They need a place to push the snow and not damage your vehicles. The County Road crew plows the main roads only.

Who plows snow for driveways? Alas, we have only two options for you to have your driveway plowed. Sometimes the timing might not be what you’d like so you’ll want to plan ahead. Be sure to leave a message for these busy guys if they don’t answer live:

Jeremy Dyson voice or text 760-300-0345

Ron Bowen cell 619 206-3347 or at the cabin 760-742-2468

Thinking of having your own Snow Plow? We could use some more snow plow drivers! It could make getting to and from your own property so much easier, perhaps you might welcome the write-off, plus, you could make some extra cash. You can get attachments for the front end of a heavy duty 4WD to attach your plow. Heading down to work? You can also drive with your plow to the city, come back up and plow your way home. If you would like to plow for other folks, your investment might come back to you pretty quick. Glad to connect you with some folks to get questions answered.

Are you a Tourist wanting to play in in the snow? Please click for LOTS of info to make your snow day a happy day to remember. #1 Tip:- Avoid weekends. Try to come mid-week for much less drama, a better chance for a place to park and be sure to plan ahead so you take your trash back with you. THANK YOU!

Thinking of listing your Home, Cabin, Ranch or Land? That cowboy I’m married to, has plowed parking spots for my listings these past 20+ years. Ah, to be able to park to show property as “There is no business like Snow Business…” I have sooooo many buyers waiting in the wings for their dream to come true. Let’s get your questions answered.

We are so blessed to be on this mountain with all the fun of the Four Seasons. Hope you can enjoy this next Winter Wonderland!

Bonnie Phelps on Storm Watch…

Do you subscribe to Palomar Mountain News? You’re invited to scroll to search the archives and you can simply subscribe on the upper right of the page: Palomar Mountain News | Serving as Palomar Mountain News since 1998 Thank you!

Wouldn’t it have been fun to meet Nate Harrison? A smiling face, greeting travelers coming up the grade, with his fresh spring water. Click to read a little about this friendly neighbor who became a legend from days gone by.

Thank you Jamey for sending the link our way! Some of you might remember Jamey and Hanna Kirby who owned Nate’s homestead, oh, about 15 years ago. We have such great memories ’round their campfire and dinner table. I’ll never forget Jamey on the kitchen floor of their off-grid cabin, carefully watching the broiler until the crème brulee was perfect! Years prior, he was working in France with Microsoft so decided to go to Chef School. We were so glad he did!

Bonnie Phelps

From: Robert Dowell 

Well, I had a heck of a day yesterday.  I was working down on the land that is new to me, placing a stake to mark the boundary.  My dog, Siggy was up the hill somewhere, when all of a sudden I heard screaming or a screeching sound.  Like a big bird was attacking or being attacked by something.  I called Siggy thinking she got into it with some kind of raptor, when suddenly two large birds flew right over me, circling overhead.  And they continued this screeching, but I had never heard this sound on my land before.  Different from a hawk.  Then I saw them, two Bald Eagles.  Amazing.  I didn’t know we had those here.  I snapped about five pictures above and through the trees and, luckily, managed to get one of them in flight in only one  picture.  And since there were two of them, chasing each other around and screeching, there may be a nest on my land.  That is extremely rare, with only one found in San Diego County between 1930 and 2005.  And only a few found since then. 

What a noisy bunch! Lots of gobbling going on so I looked out the window and saw the biggest flock of turkeys ever. I counted 27 but they were moving so fast there might have been even more. In our 26 years of living on Palomar, this is the most I’ve seen at one time. Always so fun!

The clouds rolled in this morning, too. Always ever-changing. Whatever your view, where ever you are, enjoy your Valentine Weekend!

Bonnie Phelps

Just got a call back from Ron Bowen. He and Debbie live in the city and have been out of town, I hadn’t seen Ron out and about. But he is up here plowing again to help catch up and get folks opened up.

For those of you who are off-mountain, last week, we had the most snow on the ground in over a decade. We were right at about 15 inches and then on Thursday night the forecast called for two more over night with ‘heavy rain’ on Friday. Well, we got 5 inches over night and a good 10 inches of snow on Friday. So, that made about 30 inches to deal with.

Friends were up and built snow tunnels that were enjoyed by lots more kids for several days. So much sledding fun with that much snow and we ended up with lights on for after-dark fun, too. But, if you are still hoping to drive in or out, you now have have two options for opening up. Be sure to leave a message for these busy guys if they don’t answer live:

Ron Bowen cell 619 206-3347 or at the cabin 760-742-2468

Jeremy Dyson voice or text 760-300-0345

First Place Prize for leaving trash on Palomar goes to the guy who wishes he still had it!!! Over these past 20 + years, I’ve dealt with some interesting trash. Let’s see, there was the queen mattress over the side on State Park Road, a car battery, all the mittens, broken sleds and regular stuff, but this car fender won the prize.

Every time someone calls for a snow report, among other things, I always remind them to come prepared to take their own trash back with them. When I saw this lovely piece of trash I felt sorry for the guy who had planned to take it back, but from the looks of it, it might not have been an option.

I pulled over, put the smaller pieces in my car, thinking I’d wait for the next local to stop and help lift the fender with me. What a surprise! Made out of plastic, I picked it up with one hand. It topped off our dumpster quite nicely.

Yes, to any ‘flatlanders’ wondering, we do still have snow and we do hope you get to take back everything you bring up to our beautiful mountain.

Bonnie Phelps, Realtor in the Snow these days…