Tag: Julian

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APPLE PIE MOTORCYCLE RIDE IN JULIAN, CALIFORNIA

I’m excited to see California State Route 79 after exiting Interstate 8 because it is the gateway to the historic mountain town Julian, formerly attracting people from all over the country searching for gold during the short-lived Gold Rush era 1869-1870.

Today, most people visit Julian for Apple pie!  Mom’s Pie House is a popular choice to stop for an apple pie. Abby the Bear is standing next to the welcome sign waiting for the opportunity to take a selfie to post on Instagram using hashtag #abbythebearjulian.

There are so many flavor pies made from scratch to choose from and a small ice cream selection as a topping. I chose the traditional apple pie with vanilla ice cream.  APPLE PIE A LA MODE YUMMY!!!!
Apples were introduced to Julian in the 1870s. Apples in Julian are in short supply due to the drought. A lot of orchards are closed for visitors to pick apples in late August during the ripening season. Some of the pie makers in Julian have their own orchards, which are not open to the public. The tourist market pressure for Julian Apple Pies requires pie makers to purchase applies from orchards within and outside California.

Miner’s Diner is another popular spot known for the display of old toys, candy and soda bottles or to grab a burger and old fashioned milkshake.

Julian is a great place to visit for individuals that enjoy history, nature and outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, horseback riding. Perhaps a visit to a few places not too far off the beaten path such as the Oasis Camel Dairy to purchase camel milk soap or a visit to the California Wolf Center to increase awareness of this endangered species or spend the night to stargaze and make a wish on a shooting star.

As I ride my motorcycle on California State Routes 79 and 78, I can’t help but notice dry land and CAL FIRE signage warning of fire danger. Residents of Julian are currently divided about preserving the last historic volunteer fire department in San Diego County. San Diego County cut funding and pulled a paramedic and fire engine after the Julian-Cuyamaca Fire Protection District voted to stay independent. Fire prevention and safety is the responsibility of residents and visitors to preserve the history and culture of Julian during this divisive era.
If you decide to visit Julian, stop by the Chamber of Commerce inside Julian Town Hall for information on apple orchards, historic sites, dining, hiking, camping, wineries, breweries, activities and events.

 

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CUYAMACA WOODS

It was a motorcycle adventure ride I will never forget. The meet up breakfast spot was Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles in Long Beach, California at 8:00am. The 8:00am breakfast did not start on time because we were socializing in the parking lot. We finally walk across the street from the parking lot into Roscoe’s for breakfast at approximately 8:30am.  More motorcycle riders arrived after the 8:00am meet up time to order breakfast. Kickstands up did not happen at 9:00am. We finally leave Long Beach around 9:45am.

Traffic is common on the way to San Diego from Los Angeles County and motorcycle riders have the luxury of splitting lanes. Since traffic was heavier than normal, it was decided at a gas stop we would take California State Route 78 to the private lunch location in Julian.

We ride through the historical Julian district deep into the Cuyamaca Woods on California State Route 79. California State Route 79 is known as a challenge for drivers and motorcycle riders between Interstate 8 and Julian. The higher up the mountain we ride, I immediately notice burnt logs and trees in the Cuyamaca Peak mountain range from the 2003 Cedar Fire. I also notice there are no painted road dividers and no guardrails the higher we ride up the mountains. The uneven roads and falling rocks from the mountains makes it unsafe to make a U-turn. The road through the mountain has many twists and turns, a few hairpin and switchback turns making it difficult to see oncoming vehicles and snakes slithering across the road. Yes, snakes!

We arrive to an electric gate to the Cuyamaca Woods private community. Behind the electric gate is a steep driveway entrance leading to a beautiful home with a panoramic and breathtaking view of the mountains, woods and Lake Cuyamaca and a delicious lunch catered by Taco Rehab.

Another great motorcycle ride with good people, pictures to share and stories to tell for a lifetime!

If you decide to visit Cuyamaca Woods, bring a book to share and take a book to inspire the love of reading and book exchanges around the world.