Ranger's Residence, Palomar Mountain State Park - Palomar Mountain, CA, USA

Originally called the Warden's Residence, as the supervising Park Ranger was known then, this wood and stone cabin was constructed circa 1936 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).  It was one of many construction projects performed on Palomar Mountain by the CCC.  The two-bedroom cabin was without electricity for about the first year-and-a-half, although it did have the luxury of a flush toilet.  The only heat was from the fireplace and it was necessary for the Warden to saw his own firewood.

In October of 2007 the Poomacha Fire raced up the western slope of Palomar Mountain and into the State Park.  The Warden's Garage, another wood and stone structure built by the CCC which was adjacent to the cabin, was destroyed.  The wood portion was completely burned, leaving only the stonework standing.  There are plans to reconstruct the garage at some point in the future.  Firefighters were able to save the Ranger's Residence by spraying fire-retardant gel on the structure.

Located just below the Silvercrest Picnic Area

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Incense Cedar - Palomar Mountain, CA, USA

This large Incense Cedar, Calocedrus decurrens or Libocedrus decurrens, is estimated to be 400 years old.  The Incense Cedar is native to California and is common in the mountains of San Diego County.

This is another tree I remember fondly from childhood picnics and camping trips on Palomar Mountain.

Located near the entrance of the Silvercrest Picnic Area within Palomar Mountain State Park, which is presently on the closure list of California State Parks in July 2012 due to budget cuts.