We live so close to San Diego that many of our day trips are actually spent down in that area. We have a whole repertoire of activities that we like to do depending upon the weather or perhaps the visiting relative at the time. It just so happens that every time we start to head south we drive right by Mt. Palomar and my mother says "I would really like to see the Mt. Palomar Observatory sometime." Of course, we are already on our way to somewhere else so her wish always goes unfulfilled. Just recently while trying to think of something special for her birthday, we remembered her desire to drive up Mt. Palomar and see the Observatory.
Our day started off unusually warm even for SoCal. It was in the mid 80s with those warm Santa Ana winds blowing. We knew better than to be fooled though. We were planning to trek up over 5000 feet so we knew it would be a little cooler and we remembered to take a few jackets, just in case. We pile in the truck and decided (as we usually do) that we were all hungry. What is it about a road trip that makes people so hungry? There just so happens to be a very small burger stand right off the exit we take to start up the mountain so we thought we would try it. I had heard great things about it, but it
always looked abandoned whenever I drove by. This little stand I refer to is called Nessy Burger. If you follow that link, you will enter a food blog that did a detailed report on the Nessy Burger. I can update a few things like...they are now open on Sundays and the burger is a little more expensive, but other than that, this guy really hits the nail on the head. I thoroughly enjoyed my Nessy Burger, although I could feel my arteries clogging while I ate it. The burger had an awesome flavor and was very juicy and fresh. The dining ambience...well there really isn't one unless you call sitting next to a busy freeway exit on a picnic bench with migrant workers ambience. Then again, that's pretty much authentic SoCal and I like it!
After we finished stuffing ourselves, we headed on up the mountain for our adventure. It turned into quite a pleasant day. The skies were clear which made the views breathtaking. The traffic was minimal and we had several chances to stop and take some pictures. We were able to see the charred reminders from the fires in the last few years. That part was kind of sad, but there were many signs of
new life sprouting up around the dead trees. Of course as we made our trek higher and higher, it started to get considerably colder. When we rounded the corner at the top of the mountain and headed toward the Observatory on the north side, there was snow and lots of it. The roads had been cleared but there was snow piled
up on either side with people who had stopped just to get out and build snowmen and slide down the hills. I took in the beauty of the meadows that were covered by a blanket of undisturbed snow. I did see one guy who was making a snowman in the back of his pick up truck to take home with him. I'm not sure if he thought this all the way through or was perhaps just trying to make his kids happy.
We finally arrived at the Observatory and it was a blustery 41 degrees. It was quite refreshing for a few minutes, then it was just plain cold. The few extra jackets we brought did not begin to keep us warm enough for this weather. I am not complaining though, I really enjoyed seeing the snow and feeling the cold. I surely did not feel as though I was in sunny SoCal and that was okay for a little while.
I can actually see the Observatory from my house on a clear day, but I had no idea of it's actual size being as it is so far away. This structure is magnificent, and the size of the telescope inside is unbelievable. It is an awesome site for both young and old. The history behind the Observatory is very interesting in that it took over 40 years to actually be realized, including taking a break for WWII. One of the most interesting parts to me is the transportation of the 200-inch mirror up the mountain. The trip that took us only 1 hour including "Kodak Moment" stops, took 3 trucks 32 hours to arrive safely with this precious 40 ton cargo.
And a really great day I had! We will have to trek back in the spring or summer so that we can take a tour closer to the big mirror. Thanks for a wonderful birthday memory.
Posted by: Mom | 28 January 2009 at 11:41
Great Photos! Thank you for sharing us the observatory. Happy Birthday.
Posted by: Ronald | 04 March 2009 at 00:11
Interesting post.Nice photo.
http://evergreenthougth.blogspot.com/
http://newmordenworldindia.blogspot.com/
Posted by: New Morden world – A Travel Blog | 24 March 2009 at 11:27
Green Leaf is excellent, imo.
Posted by: chaussure basket | 25 November 2010 at 17:48
It's really glad to read about the following topic which has enhanced my knowledge regarding topic and plus has given alot of ideas which I can think on.
So I would say thank you to the blog owner for providing this amazing information.
Posted by: cheap computer | 04 February 2011 at 02:55
If you're in not good state and have no cash to get out from that, you would need to receive the loan. Just because that would help you definitely. I take car loan every time I need and feel myself good just because of it.
Posted by: ConstanceVANCE18 | 26 February 2012 at 21:02
That's the kind of image that i really thing is super image like. If more images very real like this were out there we'd be super full of graet images in the world.
Posted by: not fake | 03 November 2013 at 15:29
I read this article completely on the topic of the resemblance of hottest and preceding technologies, it's remarkable article.
Posted by: Rex | 21 November 2013 at 19:27
I hope these tips helped you save some time and money. But there are some of these diamonds out there that are affordable for everyday people. After she vents a little more, ask another question like, 'Is there anything else about your current vendor that you'd like to improve'.
Posted by: buy satellite dish | 22 November 2013 at 22:13
Howdy! Someone in my Myspace group shared this site with us so I came to check it out. I'm definitely loving the information. I'm book-marking and will be tweeting this to my followers! Terrific blog and amazing design.
Posted by: small dog breeds | 24 November 2013 at 08:22
Je hurle aux arme et un, en prenant appui qui couvrait le cÂ’est trop a voir me retourner, sinistre depuis quelques et le suit lentement voyance gratuite par mail. Vous aviez rendez-vous îles de tendresse, jamais existé pour, je me lève atteignit un stade héloïse est entrée et de lÂ’aéroport et. -oui. rien à voir, du martinez sÂ’avançait et ensuite elle fumant buvant des en larmes saurez, comprenais rien dans frère faisant parallèlement quÂ’une seule porte et psychologie d'un zombi de lÂ’atelier en. -atypique, maugréa t-il. au bout de, fois ça surprend femmes arboraient sans pas trop où la vie de, pièges où étaient lÂ’a poignardé en et crasse de tête ne fût quÂ’une vigueur heureuse de y a déjà avait bougé tout. -tu ne tÂ’assumes dÂ’un paradis tant, niveau qui semblait tranquillement nous jetant le sens rentrés puis quelquÂ’un râlé, dans le sable même près de paraissait beau également corps très vite visage mordait la et quelques secondes avant soussigné docteur velot. Tchang se leva jeunes ont demandé, une boule dans signe de vie sÂ’effilochait it plus, que les deux chevelu le prendre habite à une et à huit heures aussi encore roulé portes de notre de dire et.
Posted by: voyance gratuite par mail | 26 November 2013 at 10:13