Feb 1 MINI caravan: Mt. Palomar and Julian (near San Diego)

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I got an email from John, who organized the smashing Mount Soledad-to-Coronado run last December. Not only was it extremely well-organized, it was a great group of people who showed up. Smiles all around. Here's the info on the February 1st event.

I'll bring my Motorola Talkabouts this time, and I'll make sure my dry-cleaning is taken care of before I go.

Cheers,

Dave

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The meeting place at Pala Casino address is 11154 Highway 76 @ 08:00 AM. This place is centrally located between LA and San Diego; it is located five miles from I-15 going east on HWY 76. There is plenty of parking spaces; there is a gas station, restaurant and restrooms. For those who want to have breakfast this is ideal place to have it while waiting for other participants.

The route to Julian is 110 miles round trip from I-15 as you go East on HWY-76. We take off from Pala Casino at 09:00 AM, drive 25 miles east on HWY-76 exit left to S-6, AKA East Grade. From here on, for the next 6 miles it's all up hill and lots of S-turns so there is no need to shift to third gear. I find the drive to be enjoyable when I'm just cruising and not going too fast, just admiring the scenery. Arrive at the summit of Mt. Palomar. For the benefit of the first timers, re-grouping, picture taking, etc., I recommend a short stop in front of Mothers Kitchen. Mothers Kitchen is a land mark favorite stop by motorcycle riders.

Coming down from Mt. Palomar we take S-7 AKA East Grade. About four miles down keep an eye for Gregory Pacheco Memorial park, on the right. A must see viewpoint and some picture taking. From here we continue down on S-7 for the next ten miles until the stop sign. Turn left (East) on HWY-76 drive one mile to Lake Henshaw Cafe.

Another short stop for picture taking if desired if not or are running out of time we can continue on. Continue 3-1/2 miles East on HWY-76 turn right (South) on HWY-79 drive 7 miles to Santa Ysabel this brings us to Dudley's Bakery, we can stop if desired. Here I visited The Apple Country Restaurant, very nice place reasonable price but limited seating to 50 persons otherwise its OK. The only draw back you have to pay extra for drinks or food, while in Casino Buffet style, all you can eat and drink. From HWY-79 turn left (East) on Hwy-78, drive 3-1/4 miles turn left on Wynola Road (slalom road). Drive 4 miles to stop sign, turn right (West) on Hwy-78 drive 2-1/4 miles to Julian. Arrive at Julian turn left on B street and find parking places in the side streets or where ever there is parking available.

Things to do in Julian. I walked around Julian and I found it amazing watching the old building structures from the past. Lots of historical sites and shops to browse around. For those not so interested in history they can go back and make the slalom run the second time on different route, take a drive to Lake Cuyamaca while others are shopping. I attached the Julian web-site so you can choose what activities you want to do. By this time we have traveled 65 miles.

The trip back is slightly shorter but just as fun. Take Hwy-78 West, drive 7 miles turn right (North) on Hwy-79, drive 7 miles, turn left ( West) on Hwy-76 drive 20 miles turn left (South) on Valley Center Road, drive two miles turn right at traffic light and park at the back of Harrahs Casino, 777 Harrah's Rincon Way Valley Center Ca. After lunch to get back to I-15 coming out of Harrahs Casino make a left at the traffic light, drive 2 miles turn left (West) on Hwy-76, drive 20 miles to I-15.

There is only one big restaurant in Julian and the restaurant that can only accommodate 50 but if they have customers very doubtful if they have enough seating for our group. In my opinion lunch should be held at Harrahs Casino a 34 miles drive back on Hwy-76. They have plenty of parking, seating, clean restroom and most of all they are willing to negotiate for group discount as oppose to Pala Casino $12.99 lunch no discount. Type of food being serve in both Harrahs and Pala Casino, International buffet in general, American, Asian, Mexican, Italian, Sea food, vegestable and Salads all you can eat and drink. Price in general around $13.00.

The best time to make the trip is to start out early around 09:00 A.M. while there is very little or no traffic on the road. Arrive at Mt. Palomar summit at 10:00 AM at Dudleys Bakery at 10:45 AM Julian at 11:15 A.M. spend 2 hours in Julian, depart at 1:00 P.M. and get back for lunch between 1-2 PM. Lunch over at 3:30 PM. The advantage in having a stop at Harrahs, for the people heading South can take Valley Center Rd and the people going North just follow the route on Hwy-76 route. This will make for a full day’s trip.

This is just my input and any ideas or changes to suit the general member’s timetable are most welcome.

Cheers,
John

http://www.pashnit.com/roads/cal/Palomar.htm
http://julianca.com/
http://www.harrahs.com/our_casinos/r...detail_00.html
http://www.casinocity.com/us/ca/pala...Entertainment/

[dukesantos]

This should be a great drive, hoping to come over from Nevada for it. If people need more info they can email the So Cal MINI Manics communications man, don@scmm.org

[MINIclo]

Hiya!

So far, we have at least 33 MINIs coming to the Julian Run! The weather is going to be spectacular, so anyone undecided....come on down!

There will be a group from L.A./O.C./I.E. meeting at the Lake Elsinore Outlet Center to motor together in a MINI-convoy to the Pala Casino meeting point.

Directions to the Lake Elsinore Outlet Center:

Take 91 east to I-15 south
Take I-15 south to Nichols Road
Turn right on Nichols Road
Turn left on Collier Ave. (there is an AM/PM on the corner)
Turn left into the first parking lot (the one with all of the MINI's!)

We would like to leave the Outlet Center no later than 7:45 AM to arrive at Pala Casino by 8:30-9:00 AM!

For further details contact: don@scmm.org.

Cheers!
Clover

[notpaddyhopkirk]

I am going to be caravaining down the 5 fwy with another Orange County Cooper. If anybody wants to take the costal route down (down the 5 that is), you are welcome to join us. We will be meeting at the McDonalds right off the 5 at Ortega Hwy at 7:45.

The more the merrier...

Eric

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Photos and stories here.