CA | April 12-16th Aqua Caliente County Park Gathering

[CarolnJim]

Hi Linda and Dale

I found this on their website. You can phone Reservation Desk at 877-565-3600 for up to date info. Carol

Am I allowed to have a campfire when I go camping in a County Park? Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. (All campfires must be extinguished between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.)
An open-flame ban shall go into effect whenever a Red Flag Warning is posted by the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and will remain in effect until the Red Flag Warning is lifted by NOAA. Because a Red Flag Warning is a weather-related event, no refunds will be given due to an open-flame ban.
Propane stoves and lanterns are permitted in all camping parks.
For up-to-date information on campfire status, please contact the Reservation Desk at 877-565-3600, or ask the ranger when you arrive at the park.

[Linda R002]

So since it is a weather related answer I guess the answer is no, no one knows if we will be able to have a fire. I guess we will bring enough for one romantic evening and if the weather lets us fine, and it the weather is still nice we can go visit someone elses campfire. Or we can just soak in the outside pool and enjoy the stars.

[Frederick L. Simson]

I get regular email updates from San Diego County Parks. This item came today:

AGUA CALIENTE REGIONAL PARK
39555 Great Southern
Stage Rte of 1849
Anza Borrego Desert | (760) 765-1188

SATURDAYS IN THE PARK
(Morning or Afternoon)
Check at Ranger Station for time. Children of all ages join park staff and friends for an interactive, educational, fun program at the Agua Club House located across from site #55 in the campground.

STAR STORIES
Saturday, April 14
Begins at Dusk
A guest speaker will cover topics of astronomy beginning with the Aboriginal star interpretation and discuss the Kumeyaay Native American beliefs in the solar system, then continue on with the modern man’s attempt to explain the cosmos. Telescope viewing will also be available. Bring a blanket or pillow for comfort. Free of charge for campers, or $5 day use fee.

[RRIZZO]

Thanks Fred for those updates. Star Stories sounds really good. A blanket and stars, cant get too much better than that. In regard to the fire issue, we always bring wood and go by the weather. Unless there is a hurricane off shore of S. Cal. I cant imagine that fires will be an issue. One of the fun things about camping is being prepared for anything and going with the flow.
Welcome, Karen & Ava.....look forward to meeting you.

[ruscal]

Hi All,
We still have our reservation for site 44, as we are unable to be refunded at this late date. We can move the reservation to another date, or I can keep our reservation for another week in case one of our members can use it. Let me know.
Russ

[Lizbeth]

Hi Russ that would be nice if you don't mind waiting a week. Last I checked the campground was getting pretty full and it would be nice if someone here needed the space.

Edited to add there is only one space available as of today on the online reservations, site 75. So if anyone is interested in Russ' site they need to speak up or contact him very soon.

[Linda R002]

Our little trailer was topless for a few days but Dale has gotten the wood replaced and painted and the cleaned canvas all back into place so we are almost ready to go. Is it time yet?

[Lizbeth]

Almost! Linda I am looking forward to seeing your "new" trailer!

[RRIZZO]

I will send out a "One Week To Go" update. As my grandchildren would say "Ten More Sleeps Until We Go".

[Linda R002]

I can't believe that at this time next Thursday, seven days from now, I will be soaking in a wonderful, hot pool, surrounded by friends looking forward to a great sunset.

[RRIZZO]

Linda you took the words right out of my mouth.

[Lizbeth]

One week to go update...

Hi Everyone,

Well, we are at one week to go. It seems like just yesterday that this gathering was a brief idea. We are so happy to have a great turn out. Always good to see our usual friends and to welcome the newbies. We have had a few people cancel due to work commitment and family emergencies. We will raise our glasses to them while we roast our hot dogs and know they are with us in spirit.

For any of the previous FGRV participants, please bring your name tags and we will provide name tags for the others. Looking at the National Weather Bureau this morning, shows day temps in the 70's and nite temps in the 40's. Perfect for camping.

One of our campers had sent see a detailed directions note, so thought I'd pass it along.

These directions start with most of us getting to TEMECULA going SOUTH off Interstate 15. South of town is where you junction onto Highway CA-79 SOUTH. Temecula would be a good place to top off gas tanks. Once on the 79 you'll pass near and see the Pechanga Casino. Continue South on Highway CA 79 past Warner Springs to San Felipe Road (COUNTY ROUTE S-2) and turn left on to it. The signs will say toward Borrego Springs. From this point onward just follow the BLUE and GOLD route S-2 signs! They're way easier to see than the street name signs. You'll pass by route S-22, but don't go there!
Stay on S-2 ! You'll come to a T- intersection at Highway CA-78, but the S-2 signs direct you to turn right onto CA-78 toward Julian. A very short distance ahead the S-2 turns left, and YOU WILL TOO ! Don't go to Julian! This little jog in the road is called "Scissors Crossing". There will be a huge stone monument on the north shoulder of CA-78 right across from the left turn for S-2 South. Stay on S-2 South to Mile Marker 38 and start looking for the
signs directing you to TURN RIGHT into AQUA CALIENTE COUNTY PARK. On your left, across the highway is a small airstrip/runway.

At about mile marker 34.5 you may see an old Fiber Stream that has been sitting there about 10 yrs.

Hope this helps anyone still not sure of the route. May you all have a safe trip and don't forget you have to bring in all your food stuffs as there is no store.

[Frederick L. Simson]

Originally Posted by Lizbeth

At about mile marker 34.5 you may see an old Fiber Stream that has been sitting there about 10 yrs.

My memory may be a little fuzzy... It's somewhere between mile marker 33 and 35...

[Frederick L. Simson]

Originally Posted by Lizbeth

Hope this helps anyone still not sure of the route. May you all have a safe trip and don't forget you have to bring in all your food stuffs as there is no store.

There is a "Convenience Store" at the Butterfield Ranch Resort, 14925 Great Southern Overland Stage Route (a.k.a. Hwy S-2). You'll pass it on your way, about 5 miles before Agua Caliente. The closest Gas stations are in either Borrego Springs (several), Julian (One station only), or Ocotillo (South of Agua Caliente at Interstate 8). All are about 30 miles away.

[Mouse]

I'm leaving Palo Alto on Monday traveling slowly down 101. Planning on spending a night near Paso Robles, another near Ojai and Wednesday night on the beach north of San Diego.

Anyone going my way?

[Lizbeth]

Originally Posted by Mouse

I'm leaving Palo Alto on Monday traveling slowly down 101. Planning on spending a night near Paso Robles, another near Ojai and Wednesday night on the beach north of San Diego.

Anyone going my way?

Sounds like a lovely trip, have fun and be safe! See you soon!

[Mouse]

How does the water at the park taste?

I am wondering how much drinking water I should bring, gallons or just a couple bottles?

[Linda R002]

I seem to recall that the water was very minerally. We are bringing a couple of cases of bottles because I get fussy about my coffee water. The last time we were there was six years ago so things may be different.

[Lizbeth]

We always bring a case or two just like Linda. That way I don't have to worry about taste or quality.

[ruscal]

Most San Diego Water tastes pretty bad but passes quality tests. (doesn't kill people) You can use a Brita filter if you don't want the weight penalty of the bottled stuff.
Russ