Palomar Mountain News

Up early, I had an arm-load of things to put in my car. I stepped out of our house and the door shut behind me. That is when I locked eyes with this lion walking toward the cat dish. The cowboy had been out a few minutes prior and let ‘Mousetrap’ out of the garage for breakfast. We recently had seven cats, but now down to one. I’m thinking this lion was looking for her last quick breakfast from this litter.

All I’ve learned and practiced for meeting up with a lion, vanished. I knew I should put my arms up and R O A R! Well, everything in my mind went into slow motion. My arms were full. I knew I could drop everything but when I opened my mouth, I just froze. The poor lion wasn’t fazed. After all, it was 7:15 am and I didn’t have my makeup on. That must have been a very scary sight for her to see. She turned and walked through the carport as I was fumbling to get back in the house.

My husband was sitting by the fire and all I could say was ‘LION’. Suddenly, he was young again, running to see the lion walk past the bedroom window, just a few feet away. I stood at my desk while the lion sauntered down the bank on one of the best sled runs on the mountain and past the wood splitter where our four grandkids are often working on their firewood business. You can see the kick balls on the ground where the children had been playing the day before.

She wasn’t in a hurry so I ran out on the patio and took this pic of her walking across the orchard. She calmly took her well-worn path up the bank, carefully crossed the road and was off, for now.

Most of you know our four grandkids live on their ranch next door. They have lost many cats, chickens, and some ducks to the lions. They do have livestock guardian dogs that often bark, much to the dismay of the neighbors. The Sunday before me being face-to-face with the lion, the grandkids had friends visit. Three more little kids joined our four at play right there, inches from where the lion greeted me a couple days later. My husband said something about the children being lion bait as the 6 little kids they went up the trail to the ranch. I sure hope that never comes true and you can bet they won’t be using the trail again anytime soon.

Our oldest stayed behind and I took her home at dusk. As I was letting her out, the dogs were barking. I drove away and there was a lion, casually walking through. Not seeming to be bothered by the barking dogs at all.

Last night our family arrived home to see a lion right next to the horse correl. Heidi, our daughter-in-law said the lion stared them down for about 2 minutes before getting bored and wandering off. No fear, very confident and as Heidi said, their youngest son is about the size of most deer. It is always hard when we loose these animals but loosing any child on this mountain to a lion is unthinkable.

If you’d like to report your experiences, here is the link I was given by Fish and Game: Wildlife Incident Reporting System — Home

Over the years I’ve posted about lions on Palomar Mountain News. Now I could post photos and experiences about once a week. The lion population is rapidly growing. Some of the comments I’ve seen are from city folks seeing lions close by. Yes, population is growing and can be pretty dangerous.

Two of our neighbors have trail cams that often include lions. Here is one from a couple days ago:

Be careful when you open your door!

Bonnie Phelps

Well, that was quick! Humberto is finishing up painting his 9th cabin on Palomar Mountain. I pulled over quick when I saw him a couple years ago at his first property. I walked around a bit and asked him to come paint our house next. He does a wonderful job and is a pleasure to deal with. Two coats on this cabin after a great job prepping are done now and the deck looks fresh and ready for the new owners.

I thought Humberto was going to be a few more days. but just spoke to him and he’ll finish up today. Like to catch him while he is on the mountain or on his way down? Call or text to 760-419-0197.

Bonnie Phelps, Realtor

At my desk: 760-742-1742

Out and About: 760-533-1742

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Simply subscribe at www.palomarmountainnews.com you’re invited to scroll and search the archives. You’ll often be surprised with history tidbits, enticing listings, vacation rentals you can’t resist and what ever comes my way. In fact, next post may be about the Mountain Lion that came to my door a few days ago!

Update: Chipper was spoken for immediately. There’s as much as a demand for chippers as there are for cabins, homes, lots and land on Palomar!

Who wants this free chipper? Last owner said it was in working condition, present owner hasn’t tried it. AS IS and free. You can check it out and pick it up over on Crestline. Just let me know.

Just opened 4 new title reports today. I always get title started first thing since we often have short escrows this time of year. Everyone wants to get to their cabin for spring and summer fun! Should have four new cabin listings up for you in a few days, too.

One is a fixer that wins the prize for needing the most fixing EVER! It is not even on it’s own land!!!

Two different, charming cabins, each come with 4 acres of privacy. Another has had some design work and remodeling to open up to take in a delightful view.

A small parcel is coming up and three of these new title reports are for little lots in hopes an adjoining neighbor will scoop them up.

Just as soon as the tree guys, road grading crew, painter, handyman and house cleaners wave their magic wands, we’ll get these available for new neighbors to claim and join us here on the mountain.

Weill keep you posted! Meanwhile, who wants this just-in-time-for-spring-clean-up, chipper?

Bonnie Phelps, Realtor

760-742-1742

It is rare that Palomar property owners call and say “We’d like to sell our place on Palomar”. Most folks don’t really want to sell but there comes a time to let things go. For many decades, the properties on the mountain have been part time, occasional weekend or even summer getaways. Cabins have held so many happy memories.

That is the case with the closing today. The sellers have 16 years of special times at their much-loved cabin. The kids are all grown up now. It has been so fun meeting up with family and friends and seeing them enjoy the cabin, too. All the years of experiencing the Four Seasons at their little piece of paradise, have been so special, so close to their home in San Diego.

The buyers appreciate most things that were available to stay at the cabin, but there were a couple pieces of furniture to re-home. Many thanks to Meg and Jesse for being the first to claim the furniture. Then, two big pickup loads, saved the old deck wood from a land fill and and are waiting for a fun time ’round Will and Doug’s big campfire ring.

All inspections were done, documents are signed, buyers came up for their walk-through, title has reviewed closing paperwork and funds have arrived at escrow. We should have confirmation very soon and the sold sign will be coming down, ready for the next listing.

The first daffodils opened up and it is a new chapter for the buyers and sellers of another cabin on Palomar. The owners are finishing up work in Orange County, packing for the weekend and thrilled to celebrate Good Friday and Easter at their cabin!

Thinking of selling? Many buyers are anxiously waiting to own a piece of paradise on Palomar.

Bonnie Phelps, Realtor

Serving the People of Palomar Mountain for all their Real Estate needs since the last Century

Do you subscribe to Palomar Mountain News? You’re invited to scroll to search the archives – several new posts are waiting for you. Like to have the news of your favorite mountain delivered right to your Inbox? Simply subscribe on the upper right of the page: Palomar Mountain News | Serving as Palomar Mountain News since 1998  Thank you!

Steve and Marcia Stults just closed escrow on land next door to their cabin they have owned since 1987.

Good friends had a cabin at Lake Arrowhead and Steve and Marcia wanted the same for their family. Marcia remembers a very special week at 6th grade camp in Doane Valley. They’d enjoyed the mountain over the years and it was so close to their home in Carlsbad. They especially enjoyed those magical times driving up through the clouds to a burst of sun and a beautiful mountain top.

One day they came up see a little cabin advertised for sale. They drove around and around and couldn’t even find it. (Later they figured it out to be the little gem I’ve sold a few times named Listen to the Music that was priced at $30,000 – those were the days!) On their drive, they saw a small for sale sign in a window. A neighbor, Grace Leibold, showed them in. This cabin was just perfect for them and their little girls.

It was so nice meeting the owners! Joe and Carmelita Coulombe told the story of their son. They paid for his education at Stanford University, and what did he do? Started a corner grocery store and named it Trader Joes! Such fun people! They left the cabin furnished including lots of books. The books dated back to the 1800’s and through the 1920’s and 1930s. Sifting through the interesting library, they found yellowed newspaper clippings, telling of some of the business successes of their son.

Marcia thought these findings might have been overlooked and could be meaningful. She carefully packaged everything up in a shirt box and mailed it off. Joe and Carmelita were thrilled. They invited the Stultz family to their charming home in San Diego. Marcia fondly remembers the visit, seeing their vegetable garden and coming home with fresh produce. Joe and Carmelita’s cabin sign is still on the tree out back:

No one has ever complained about owning the land next door. When the seller of this adjoining lot called recently, it didn’t take long to realize the land needed to go to a neighbor. The dreams and plans of the past are not able to come to fruition now with newer county requirements. So glad it worked out for Steve and Marcia. They have fond memories over the past 34 years of venturing over to this half acre enjoying the view that is now theirs!

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!

Jennifer and Robert decided they must have a cabin of their very own. It was so much fun to meet up with Jennifer’s siblings and all the cousins at her dad, Jim’s and Teresa’s cabin. They’ve enjoyed their time up here so much, Robert and Jennifer decided they wanted even more of what Palomar has to offer with hiking, playing games, and time around the campfire. A cabin on Palomar is all about creating wonderful memories. When this little storybook cabin was being staged to go on the market, they found out about it and quickly made it their very own.

Built in 1931, the cabin needed lots of love. No problem! Big trucks rolled up with tools, supplies, family and friends, ready to help. It came with ‘free pets’! As a mouse hotel for a few years, those furry little critters needed to be relocated. Then, they invited the woodpeckers to store their acorns elsewhere, too. Waving their magic wand with many weekends restoring and decorating, they were ready to roll. They block off a weekend or so a month for their family and then enjoy sharing with others who desire time on our beautiful mountain, far away from the stress of the cities.

Since every cabin must have a name, they played with ideas. The cabin is hidden away in the forest where they have also seen birds, squirrels and deer wandering through. So, Woodland Hideaway, it is! Everyone who has stayed at the Hideaway say they absolutely love the cabin and want to come back.

Ah, Palomar is such a special place…

Thank you Robert, Jennifer and family, we’re glad you have joined us up on the Mountain!

Has it really been eight years?!??? Teresa called and brought a friend up to see cabins. I showed them what was available, but nothing was ‘the one’. I did have a fun A-frame coming up. It was over their price range but she fell in love!!! Went home to San Marcos, brought Jim back up the very same day and they made sure no one else was going to get ‘their cabin’!

With six kids and 21 grandkids, they wanted a place to celebrate family holidays. They were up about every three weeks and we were always invited to join the family for dinner. I mean, what’s two more people? And the food? Ah!!! Always fabulous!

One night we were finishing up another delicious dinner, the gals were in the kitchen, the kids were everywhere, tents were up outside, a couple RV’s in the driveway and a few extra dogs. I looked around with the campfire and s’mores calling and said, “How do you ever sleep with all this excitement?” Teresa replied, “we don’t”. I offered our guest apartment. She ran up the stairs, got their jammies and toothbrushes and we all said good night.

Since they were up only a weekend or two a month, I suggested that they might offer the cabin as a vacation rental… so they did. The Spotted Owl became a much-loved getaway for many folks longing to escape the city and enjoy this beautiful mountain.

Soon after, a short sale was on the market. The view was irresistible so Jim and Teresa retired and moved up full time into a total fixer. Jim can do anything well and Teresa is the decorator extraordinaire. The Grey Fox is so delightful to visit to see their amazing progress. (Those two kids are busier than ever being retired and loving every minute!)

But that’s not all! Jim and Teresa arrived for dinner one evening and as they were getting out of the car, I ran out and kidnapped her as I needed to drop something off on Crestline. She climbed in. Along the way she asked about one of my signs, wondering which cabin was for sale?

I stepped on the brakes and said, “Oh Teresa, that’s “The Definition of Cute”. You should buy it! It would make another great rental! And they did! Her maiden name is Partridge and it became The Partridge Nest. Soooo adorable!

Well, now those kids of theirs see their folks having so much fun on Palomar and want to be like mom and dad with their own cabins. Last summer Teresa saw me with some workers, staging a cabin real close to the Owl. Before we even had it ready to roll, Jennifer and Robert and their three kids, made it their own. When the rest of the family showed up, this cabin idea really caught on.

Now Jimmy and Crystal just closed escrow on another fun forest fixer and have weekends planned with memories to treasure for their 5 kids, cousins and friends looking forward to their next mountain visit.

Of course, one big attraction is having Jim and Teresa just up the road offering to help. Jim’s new toy this year was a snow plow for his truck so that helped out neighbors along the way. Now having three cabins to clean between guests, locals benefit with housekeeping jobs on the mountain, too!

When you have extra friends or family heading our way be sure to check out:

The Spotted Owl

The Partridge Nest

Woodland Hideaway

A big welcome to all the McCarthy family!

Very cool pix of some findings at Nate Harrison’s Homestead. Click to see and read all about it. Thanks Tom Burton for sending our way!

From: Cecelia Borland

IT’S DUMPSTER TIME!!
PALOMAR MOUNTAIN FIRE SAFE COUNCIL WILL
BE OFFERING LARGE DUMPSTERS AGAIN THIS
YEAR FOR COMMUNITY CLEAN-UP
April 3rd and 4th at the Fire Station
Open 8 to noon Saturday (and Sunday, space permitting)
2 pickups full per household until noon Saturday,
then all you want.
NO TIRES, PAINT, HAZMAT, ELECTRONICS,
CHEMICALS, or LARGE APPLIANCES
DONATIONS GREATLY APPRECIATED
Come early; bring your combustibles, trash, small
appliances, and other rubbish that litters your yards.
We don’t know how long this grant offering will last so
“make hay while sun shines”