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

[Frederick L. Simson]

Originally Posted by Linda&Dale

I seem to recall that the water was very minerally.

Much of the well water in the area has a high salinity but some wells don't, and these folks are too far away from San Diego City Water.
They either have a well, or they have a huge tank and have the water trucked in. I have a friend who lives in Ocotillo, and most of the people in the area use bottled water for cooking and drinking.


BTW, I drink San Diego tap water from a Britta Filter pitcher in my fridge.

[RRIZZO]

We usually bring a case or two of bottles and also have a Pur filter pitcher if needed.
Look forward to seeing everyone soon.

[Linda R002]

Just a heads up so no one will be suprised. There is no cell phone service or internet service in the campground. I believe that about 5 miles down the road you can get service. So if there is an emergancy at home they will have to call the park or the sheriff to get a message to you. In today's world it is hard to believe that there is a place where you can drive to and be off the grid.

[Lizbeth]

Originally Posted by Linda&Dale

Just a heads up so no one will be surprised. There is no cell phone service or internet service in the campground. I believe that about 5 miles down the road you can get service. So if there is an emergency at home they will have to call the park or the sheriff to get a message to you. In today's world it is hard to believe that there is a place where you can drive to and be off the grid.

Thanks for the info. The website list the park number as 760-765-1188. Not sure if it is a direct number.

[Frederick L. Simson]

Originally Posted by Lizbeth

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!

These warnings are because each of those 2 routes will put you into the big mountain scene from The Long, Long Trailer. S-22 is a switchback road downhill into Borrego Springs from Ranchita. CA-78 is a switchback road uphill into Julian from Banning. The views are spectacular and so are the cliff drop-offs.

[Linda R002]

Originally Posted by Lizbeth

Thanks for the info. The website list the park number as 760-765-1188. Not sure if it is a direct number.

Just spoke to the Park Ranger and he said this is the ranger number and it is good for families to get hold of campers throught this number. There have been reports of a text coming through in weird spots in the park but just down the road at the next campground you can use your cell phones and there is a pay phone in the park. He also said, no restrictions on fires so we are bringing our firewood and peeps.

[Linda R002]

It's hard to believe that it will rain most of the weekend. This is the desert. But if it gets rain then every flower will bloom and it should be a special experience.

[Mouse]

And wind. This a part of one of the wind advisories from NOAA:

ALONG DESERT MOUNTAIN SLOPES... AND ADJACENT DESERT AREAS. * VISIBILITY... IN THE DESERTS... AREAS OF BLOWING DUST AND SAND COULD LOCALLY REDUCE VISIBILITY TO NEAR ZERO AT TIMES. * IMPACTS... THE WINDS WILL MAKE DRIVING DIFFICULT... ESPECIALLY FOR MOTORISTS WITH HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES. WATCH FOR BROKEN TREE LIMBS AND DOWNED POWER LINES. * OUTLOOK... PERIODS OF STRONGER AND GUSTY WEST WINDS ARE EXPECTED FOR LATE THURSDAY THROUGH EARLY SATURDAY AS A SECOND LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM MOVES SLOWLY INLAND THROUGH SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

[Lizbeth]

So far those wind advisories are only until 3 am Thursday. Most of us will be traveling Thursday after 3am. A little bad weather doesn't bother me. We have a big trailer... a bunch of us can huddle up there to visit. I love to read and visit so I am good!

National Weather Service Watch Warning Advisory Summary

[Lizbeth]

I'm bringing a big bag of magazines to pass on, light reading in case we do have bad weather... or they can be used as fire starter.

[Linda R002]

Did anyone else notice the hours for the pools? Some are adult only and some evenings are for campers over 18 only and the outside pool is still open.

County of San Diego: Agua Caliente Pool Hours

We leave tomorrow morning. 450 miles in one day would get us in too late on Thursday. See everyone soon.

[ruscal]

We moved our reservation to May 3, so site number 44 is now available. Sorry to miss out on a fun weekend.
Russ

[Mouse]

The weather now looks like it is going to be lovely!

[RRIZZO]

There has been some concern about the weather. Some folks are already on the road, but for those who wish to cancel and reschedule, we can plan the dates of May 17-21. I just printed the campground reservation site map and there are only two spots taken in the area where most of us are going to be. Spaces 1-22 & 29-37 & 42-51. We will still be going tomorrow but will also schedule for those days in May.

[Mouse]

I'll be there tomorrow!

I'm staying at Wheeler Gorge in Ojai tonight then I'm on my way to Agua Caliente tomorrow.

It is going to be fabulous!

[RRIZZO]

So glad you are still coming.....do you have reservation @ Wheeler? Check out Lake Casitas while you are there. Terrific campgrounds.

Look forward to seeing you tomorrow.

[Bill McKeag]

We are still coming and looking forward to it. It seems like every hour the forecast moderates. The showers on Saturday have dropped off the latest point forecast from the NWS.

See you all soon!

[Lizbeth]

Originally Posted by Bill McKeag

We are still coming and looking forward to it. It seems like every hour the forecast moderates. The showers on Saturday have dropped off the latest point forecast from the NWS.

See you all soon!

Thanks for checking in!

[ajn81]

Well we already bought the hotdogs so we're still coming!

[Lizbeth]

Originally Posted by ajn81

Well we already bought the hotdogs so we're still coming!

Yea!