and horses are welcome. We were amused to find out that if you happen to be travelling with your horse trailer, you can mosey-on-in and your horse can occupy one of the many small paddocks for this purpose for only $5 per night. Te ranch is permanently home to two horses, which were rescued by the owner of the property. When we visited the ranch in
Destiny, a rescued horse and resident at the Ranch.
March 2010, it was before the beginning of their busy season so we enjoyed the property with
only a dozen or so other campers. We parked ourselves in one of the 200 available RV sites. Our lot was large and so long in fact, that we would not have needed to unhook if we didn’t want to. We RV with a 38-foot travel trailer and tow it with “Clyde”, our full-size diesel pickup. When hooked up, we’re about 60 feet in length and find that pull-thru lots are oſten a bit short for us if we don’t want to unhook. No problem here, though. We noticed small cabins along one side of the park, which had bunk beds for
extra guests, and larger cabins for rent with full kitchen, bathroom and comfy living area. We met several people who live full time on the Ranch in park models and mobile homes. So even though there were few RVs when we visited, there were other residents to chat with and get to know. We noticed some strangely configured sites that were set up as a huge circle, with
places for RVs to back in like spokes on a giant wagon wheel. We were told that groups will use these sites with each RV parked like a spoke in the wheel. People can then gather in the center hub for socializing and picnicking. Adrian thought this would be a great way to gather friends and family for a reunion. A small general store on the property helped us get by with the basics, and the
laundry facilities were in excellent working order. We were most delighted though, to find two separate pool and hot tub patios which were pristinely clean. Te weather was a touch chilly to use the pool, but we took in a hot tub every evening – lovely! Wandering the property is entertaining as one can view numerous antique
vehicles, from old restored wagons to a vintage fire engine. I met Barbara, one of the long-time ranch residents. She was buzzing around on her golf cart, and asked me
to meet her over by the horse paddock. She produced a bucket of carrots from the back of her cart and I was able to give Destiny, one of the rescued horses, a snack and a scratch on the nose. Valerie, with whom I spoke when we
checked in, invited me to take the yoga class she conducts out in the desert. I love yoga and the offer was tempting, but I decided I was happier just sitting outside the general store with my ice cream cone! We found the trip to the town of
Julian was an honest 20-minute drive from the Ranch. Julian is situated at the intersection of Route 78 and Route 79, 40 miles east of Escondido, CA. Tis town has been carefully preserved
and early-California charm oozes from every window and street corner – just the kind of place where I love to walk the shops. Adrian and I stopped for lunch at one of the several restaurants boasting the best bison burger in town. Te food was great and we had the added bonus of learning some of the town’s history from the placemats on our table! Historically, the town was formed as
a result of a brief gold rush in the area. Although the rush didn’t last, it was soon discovered that the region was perfect for growing apples. Te result is a now- famous tourist destination for not only apple season, but other offerings as well. During our visit, the town was
preparing for their annual Daffodil Festival. Te growing of daffodils was inspired by a resident of Julian who
22 RVT 144 • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011
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