Julian, Cuyamaca and the Fires

[Leonard]

Here are some pictures from Sunday, December 14th when I rode from Palm Desert to Mesa Grande, Santa Ysabel, Julian and Lake Cuyamaca.

I rode Palms to Pines, 371 through Anza to 79 through Warner Springs and then Mesa Grande to Santa Ysabel and up 78 to Wynola and Wynola Road in to Julian and down 78 to Lake Cuyamaca for lunch. Then I rode back through Julian down Banner Grade to Yaqui Pass to Borrego Springs and then out S22 to 86 and back to Palm Desert as the sun was going down.

Mesa Grande Road and Wynola Road areas are unaffected by the fires, however the fire damage is all along 78 leaving Santa Ysabel going towards Julian. The whole of the Cuymaca State Park has been severaly damaged including all along State Route 79 from Julian south. It is like a war zone and quite disturbing to see. However not all of the trees are destroyed and the roads in fine so it is still an area that is worth visiting.

[Leonard]

This is looking out across Lake Henshaw toward Palomar East Grade Road. It was warm in Palm Desert and even in Warner Springs, but as you can see it was cold and windy towards Palomar so I decided against going up the mountain.

[Leonard]

This picture is on State Route 76 just before Mesa Grande road and along side Lake Henshaw. It is on the way to East Grade Road.

[Leonard]

Just before the start of Mesa Grande Road there is this outpost. The sign says biker friendly, but the logo indicates which types they mean. I didn't test the hospitality as I was on my way to Dudleys Bakery in Santa Ysabel.

[Leonard]

Sorry that I didn't stop to take pictures of the tight, twisty, uphill and downhill sections of Mesa Grande. I was having too much fun. It was a bit cold and damp and a little slipery, but pretty fun over all. This is looking towards Santa Ysabel at the end of Mesa Grande approaching State Route 79.

[Leonard]

Here is the famous Dudleys Bakery were you can stop for fresh bread and coffee. There is also a store and restraunt across the parking lot as well as a gas station and some crafts shops for the ladies to shop in.

[Leonard]

This is State Route 78 just out of Santa Ysabel. You can see the burnt trees along side the road. The Cedar Fire reached this area.

[Leonard]

The town of Julian was not burnt and the land around Wynola Road was not either. This is main street.

[Leonard]

Here is a map of the fire stricken area on the wall of an information center in Julian. The whole of the Cuymaca State Park has been damaged. This area is a unique wilderness and has hiking and horse riding trails.

[Leonard]

Stopped to hang with the other motorcycles at the Julian Coffee shop. It is a cute little place. The riders greeted me and commented how it was a nice day for a ride and asked if I had seen the sun anywhere.

[Leonard]

Here is a picture of the damage to the trees on the road leaving Julian for Lake Cuyamaca. This area was severely damaged. Many houses were destroyed and most of the forest was burnt down.

[Leonard]

This is Highway 79 next to Lake Cuymaca near the cafe and fishing area.

[Leonard]

Here is a view of Highway 79 next to the cafe at the lake. This is a scenic road with lots of nice corners and is good fun to ride.

[Leonard]

I am stopped for lunch at the lake. The cafe over looks the water and fishing area.

[Leonard]

This sign says that the Cuyamaca State Park is closed. This damaged area is over 270,000 acres.