The Elegant Awakening

What began as a subtle, precognitive dream recently became a real adventure. After some careful research and delightful phone calls, a rough plan was in place to map my birthday celebration. Shadowy desert mountains rose up high to the East and West of the San Luis Rey River Valley beckoning me to the lush 6000 foot elevation of Palomar Mountain. With cool breezes at my back, beginning in Oceanside, CA, I followed the winding curves of CA-76 East into Pala, CA. Dark cutouts in the hillsides marked a variety of private mining claims and guided me toward the Stewart Gem Mine.

Shovel in hand, atop a seemingly lackluster heap of dirt, I filled my bucket with high hopes of uncovering even a tiny green crystal. Several hours later after careful sifting and rinsing, I had about two tablespoons of tourmaline, lapidolite and quartz. Not a shabby haul for a first-timer, making my 40 dollars a worthwhile investment. I left with a smile on my face, sweat under my cap and the promise of a refreshing icy drink at the Pala Casino just down the road.

After a few rounds of toasting and some good luck at the roulette tables, I headed up SR6 to Fry Creek Campground, 2 miles from the top of Palomar Mountain. From the sagebrush covered desert floor to the groves of massive 600 year old pine trees, I again found myself marveling at the impressive contrast within the Southern California terrain. I landed in site 16 at the end of the campground road, pitched the tent, lit a fire and cooked up some grub.

Invited by National Forest Service rangers to a "star party" later that evening, I joined amateur and professional astronomers a few miles away at Observatory Campground. 9 high-powered telescopes were set-up to reveal globular clusters, Saturn and Jupiter, but the panoramic view of the skyline through my own eyes was far more impressive.

The last couple miles of SR6 led to the Palomar Mountain Observatory which houses the historic Hale 200-inch telescope. Here I enjoyed the final part of my journey as I walked the path amongst the fern fields to the telescope dome hidden within the old grove forest. It became clear to me that just when you think you’re in the middle of nowhere, you can round the bend and find stunning surprises created by the genius of mind and nature. Discovering fascinating places that withstand the test of time is definitely one of the best reasons to travel!

Written by Cari K