The September sun warms the Pool!

The pool is open in September.

Come enjoy the peace of the season in transition, from the tranquility of the pool.

Vintage campers evoke feelings of a time gone by.

Campers from the 40's, 50's and 60's are considered vintage. They are classics and evoke feelings of a time gone by. Many people choose to purchase a vintage model for the look and quality. Not only do they provide comfortable and convenient camping facilities, but they are also easy and inexpensive to maintain.

Vintage campers can be easily found online. There are multiple sites that specialize in selling and restoring these campers. There are also clubs dedicated to the restoration and use of these campers. People who use these types of trailers do so for a variety of reasons. Some people like the classic look while some want an economical way to camp in comfort. Others have no desire to use them for practical purposes and simply enjoy the restoration process.

The most popular vintage trailer is the Airstream They started producing these in 1932 out of wood and then changed to the aluminum models that are widely recognizable. Vintage campers can often be towed by smaller vehicles. This is not because they are lighter weight but because of the aerodynamic design and the weight distribution allows it to be pulled with greater ease.

Buying a vintage camper can be a lot fun but you should do plenty of research before deciding on one. Unless you are an experienced buyer, it is best to buy a camper in as good a condition as possible. Run down campers can take a lot of work to restore and can often times be more frustrating than you'd want. Continual work will increase the amount of time without its use and will also cost more money. Once a person gets some experience, they can then move on to more advanced work. However, it is better to start off small.

Before buying a vintage camper, think about why you want it and what it will be used for. This will determine the model and size of the camper you may need. Inspect the interior and exterior to determine the condition. Some wear and tear is expected and dents may be found on the exterior. But, it should still be in relatively good shape. Ask the seller to demonstrate the plumbing and refrigeration to ensure there are no leaks. Check the floors to determine if they are solid or if there may be rotting.Tires should be in adequate condition to at least tow it to where it will be stored during minor repairs.

After purchasing a vintage trailer, be sure to get it fully insured. Owning a classic piece of Americana can be a highly rewarding experience. It can also be a practical way to enjoy retro camping. If you like classic vehicles, this is a great option for spending time on restoration as well as having a great conversation piece to use for vacationing.

The Serenity of Nature: A Poem

The serenity of nature fills my soul

As I lay back on the crisp, yet soft grass

I let my mind wander to a tranquil state

Where pain and suffering is nonexistent

And only the serenity of nature remains

While in my state of placidity

I watch in awe as nature works its wonders

I see the trees dancing to the wind's soft, sweet song

A host of bird's announcing the end of a wondrous day

An array of brightly colored flowers

Flaunt their beauty to the world

The pillow-like clouds, like sheep, graze in a large blue meadow

And hide the seemingly shy sun

And as i experience this beautiful setting

A gentle breeze whispers to me

'Time to go'

The serenity of nature fills my soul with peace

Garrett Bradley

Pinecrest: In the News!

Trailer park in Julian is Vintage Escape!

For nearly 50 years, Pinecrest Resort has been a quiet mountain retreat

By By Ruth Lepper SPECIAL TO THE UNION-TRIBUNE

Saturday, August 14, 2010 at 9:04 p.m.

JULIAN — Driving down a narrow paved road off state Route 79 leads to a quaint trailer park nestled among stately oak trees.

Home to nearly 100 vintage travel trailers, somewhat more modern motorhomes and an occasional fifth-wheeler, Pinecrest Resort is a vintage trailer park on 85 acres. The park will reach a milestone next year when it marks 50 years of providing an escape for people who want to experience a few days of peace and quiet in the mountains.

Driving around the park, the solitude is evident. The privately owned sites are not crowded; there’s plenty of space for a trailer and room for a picnic area, lawn chairs and storage shed, as well as an area for parking a car.

The trailer park sits in a shaded canyon in the Cuyamaca Mountains, a few miles from the center of the town of Julian. Silver Airstreams, streamlined Prairie Schooners, mini Fans and the smaller Teardrops sit under the trees.

Pinecrest opened in 1961 and was limited to employees and their families from Convair and General Dynamics in San Diego. It sold in the mid-1990s and has been privately owned since then.

Frank Spevacek and his wife, Kathy Rosenow, have been the owners of Pinecrest since 2005. They moved to Julian from Santa Ana 13 years ago, and when they heard the park was for sale, they knew it was a project they wanted to undertake.

“We didn’t go out looking for a trailer park to buy, we kind of stumbled into it,” Rosenow said. “The other part of it is we always loved camping. When our kids were little, we learned quickly the best vacations were taking them out camping.”

The park sustained considerable damage from the Cedar fire in 2003, including the loss of 55 trailers and the previous owners’ house. About one-third of the park was damaged.

For the past five years, the main focus has been on cleaning up the park and replanting vegetation lost in the fire. One of the challenges is that the fire destroyed many of the older shade trees. Plantings have replaced some of the lost trees, but the owners also are working on shade designs for the sites.

“We will build shade structures where it was burned so badly,” Rosenow said.

Much of the work centers on finding ways to create more spaces and attract new owners. Site ownership currently is at its highest since the fire, with 110 sites sold. There’s room for 70 more.

Managers Sydney and Richard Fox are the only full-time residents, moving in when they became managers in 2004 for the previous owners, Dian and Stan Cornett. They first started coming to the park with their family in 1975 and purchased a site 19 years later.

“People who like the outdoors, and it’s not too fancy,” Sydney Fox said of the visitors who come to the trailer park. “It’s a place to go when it rains or snows. We love it.”

Many local residents take advantage of park facilities by joining the Swim Club, giving them daily access to the pool and yoga classes from June through September. Julian resident Bobbi Zane said she joined the Swim Club for the exercise.

“I’ve been so happy since I’ve been able to go to the Swim Club a couple of times a week … can’t beat the environment either, great mountain views, sometimes thunderheads in the sky,” Zane said.

While the park is for members who own their sites, there are a few trailers available to the public, or for members who may need extra space for overnight guests. This includes a 1968 Banner and a 1976 Automate, each with room to sleep two adults, while a 1976 Terry can accommodate a family of four.

Ruth Lepper is a freelance writer from Ramona.

Take a moment to check out the actual post in the Union Tribune: http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/aug/14/trailer-park-is-a-vintage-escape/

Union Tribune comes to Pinecrest!

Queen of Pinecrest, (Jayne) holds court at Lynn's camp.

Looks like there’s going to be an article in the Union Tribune on Pinecrest!

Scheduled to run Sunday Aug 15th on the COVER of the “North Inland” insert to the paper.

The interviews will occur on Thurs Aug 5th, and the photo shoot on Sat Aug 7th. Hope many of you can be there for the photo shoot – or even the interview! They’re very interested in cool vintage trailers (...and the people who own them!)

Let owners Kathy & Frank or park managers Syd & Richard know you are around and interested! Thanks!

Photo by Pinecrest Member

Photo By Pinecrest Member: Karen Schlehuber

I will be the gladdest thing

Under the sun!

I will touch a hundred flowers

And not pick one.

~Edna St. Vincent Millay, "Afternoon on a Hill"

News From the Bulletin Board: 4th of July BBQ + More!

News From the Bulletin Board: 4th of July BBQ + More!

Labor Day Weekend "Flea Market", Movie Nights! Yoga!

GREAT NEWS!

(Plan on extending your summer holiday plans)

The POOL will be OPEN

through-out SEPTEMBER!

The Pool is OPEN!

Say HELLO! to LUCKY at the Pinecrest Clubhouse office/snack shop!

The Pool is open! Yoga at the waters edge is back! And Plans are set for a fun 4th of July Party!

Come enjoy the pool. The solar heated water is nice and warm and clear. (Here's a well kept secrest: come during the week and you'll find you and your friends have the place almost to yourself.) Week-ends are also fun for meeting up friends poolside for a picnic and a laugh.

Bring your guitar or ukelele and make a little music! Check the bulletin board for Movie Nights times and dates, Poolside Yoga schedule and special events!

Forget to buy ice on the way to camp? Buy some at the clubhouse shop for $2.50.

ALSO: WE NOW HAVE WI-FI AT THE POOL (FREE). Just ask the friendly Clubhouse Representative to turn it on for you... check your email and up date you facebook profile or even make a post the the "PINECREST (for members only)" facebook page.

Let's all stay connected online this summer and make our wonderful community even stronger!

12 Tips for Simple Living

12 Tips for Simple Living:

1: Pay bills immediately.
As long as a bill is hanging out there in the unpaid category, it occupies mental space.

2: Bring a mug to work.
Instead of going through stacks of single-use disposable cups at work, bring your own ceramic mug. Same goes for a water bottle, plate, silverware and any other frequently used items.

3: Spend time outdoors.
Whether it's sunny or overcast, step outside every day to reconnect with nature.

4: Celebrate your victories.
In the rush of our lives, too often we allow our "mountaintop moments" to pass unnoticed.

5: Pay in cash.
Identify a personal spending trouble spot and shift to a cash-only policy.

6: Save your "petty" change.
If you buy a bottle of wine for $9.19, pay with a $10 bill, then put the 81 cents change directly into your piggy bank or an old glass jar.

7: Empty your trash.
Staring into an overflowing waste basket makes you feel bloated, while an empty receptacle signals that your slate has been cleared, and you're ready to move forward.

8: Turn on the ceiling fan.
They provide a soothing, low-level whir (the white noise can help you sleep) and reduce cooling bills in the summer and heating bills in the winter.

9: Hang clothes outside.
I was overjoyed to rediscover in middle age that my childhood chore of hanging clothes on the line was actually pleasurable.

10: Buy used.
It costs less and cuts down on packaging waste, thus reducing your carbon footprint. Second-hand or consignment shops are great places to find clothes, kitchen equipment and even furniture.

11: Disconnect and reconnect.
Take time every day to disconnect from electronics. This will open the way for eye-to-eye contact and genuine engagement.

12: Stop and chat.
When you're out for a walk in the neighborhood, or in a supermarket line, make small talk. You will find that "small talk" isn't small, but big and meaningful.

Memorial Day Weekend Fun!

Photos by Jayne Kennedy

Memorial Day is ALWAYS fun at Pinecrest as it marks the opening of the high season and the opening of the swimming pool.
This year's events included Funnel Cake Making and a Pirates Scavenger Hunt for the kids! If you would like to know more about Pincecrest or are interested in becoming a site-holding member please contact the Richard or Syd at http://www.pinecrestretreat.com/managers.shtml to arrange a visit or just to chat!

richard@pinecrestretreat.com
(760) 765-0464