2003 SDVSA 
East County Tour

   SAN DIEGO VSA EAST COUNTY TOUR, Saturday, April 19 - Borrego Springs Volvothon Wake up bright and early, especially those who are coming from Orange County, for this is a somewhat longer tour. We will meet at the traditional staging area, the Chevron gas station on Via Rancho Parkway just east of Interstate 15. Plan on being there by 9:15 a.m. because we intend to begin the volvothon at 9:30 sharp. The drive will take us to San Pasqual Road, then right to Highway 78 past the Wild Animal Park and east to Ramona. We turn left at the stop light which keeps us on Highway 78 until the edge of town where we turn right on 3rd Ave which becomes Old Julian Highway. Some of you may recognize this route from a previous tour. The road winds its way through the backcountry and when you pass a herd of camels on the left, you will know that the intersection of Hwy 78 is near. There we will turn right toward Santa Ysabel. We will meet at Dudley’s bakery for our obligatory housekeeping duties - fill radiators, stock up on carbos (baked goodies) and powder our noses, etc. This stop will allow any latecomers to catch up. We will depart from Dudley’s at 10:30 a.m. and proceed up the hill towards Julian. Keep your eyes open for the left turn onto Wynola Road in approximately 3 1/2 miles from Dudley’s. The road is very rustic and winds through a forested area past the Menghini Winery (no stop) and back into Highway 78 where we turn left and go down Banner grade. This area suffered some devastating wildfires last year, but things are starting to grow back. Enjoy the scenery, because there is a transition from a forested area into a rocky, high desert landscape. If we are lucky there may be some wildflowers along the route where we can stop for photos. When we reach S-3 turn left and continue to Borrego Springs until it intersects with Borrego Springs Road, then turn left again. We will arrive at Christmas Circle, the largest roundabout in San Diego County (or do you know of any others?) and we will wait and rest here (or drive in circles) until we get hungry enough to find a place to eat. Fortunately, we have already investigated what appears to be a nice place for lunch -- the Palm Canyon Resort Bighorn Restaurant at Palm Canyon Dr. and S-22. And , yes, they do have a reasonable luncheon menu from 11:30 - 2:00. They have requested a head count giving them as much forewarning as possible. After lunch, depending on time, weather and traffic, we have the choice of going to the visitor center before winding our way back home. Rather than returning by the same route, our Volvothon will take S-22 to Ranchita where the road winds its way uphill providing some spectacular views of the desert. There is a viewpoint approximately 6 miles from the restaurant which provides ample parking on the left side of the road. This is a wonderful opportunity for a panoramic desert photo. Our drive will continue on S-22 past Ranchita until it intersects with S-2 and from here it is decision time. Volvophiles from Orange County or North County may wish to turn right and continue on to Highway 79 which will take you to Temecula (North) or Santa Isabel (South). If you turn left on S-2 you will go through the very scenic San Felipe Valley until it intersects with Highway 78 and right back up Banner grade and Julian. Be sure to bring hats, sunscreen and clothing appropriate for a wid range of temperatures, along with an ample supply of cold drinks and snacks. Make sure that your car’s cooling system is in good working condition and bring extra coolant just in case, since there are several long climbs and possible hot weather in the desert. For further information, call: Mark Jankowski (619) 479-xxxx