Over the Mountains to Escondido & Julian - April 22nd

Living in the middle of nowhere requires occasional trips to the "big city" for supplies. Our little market here in town has a good selection but sometimes you just need a big store. After looking over the map we decided on Escondido. A lot of people told us not to bother with that town but as always, we never listen. So over the mountain we go. It's called Montezuma Valley Road. Called that because it makes you feel a lot like you've got Montezuma's revenge.  

Great views of the valley.

Along the way there is a fork in the road with these businesses.

Even a branch of the Julian Pie Company.

This is just about the entire town of Santa Ysabel.

Over the mountain and down toward the cities.

As we got closer to civilization there were signs of commerce. Citrus.

But there were still a zillion cacti. Prickly Pear cactus.

Real cities!!!

Town Hall Escondido. Turns out it's a pretty nice town.

Creeping Phlox blooming everywhere.

A little urban renewal.

Even big stores.

And sidewalk cafes.

I thought it was a chicken restaurant but it wasn't.

This store has EVERYTHING for biking.

Just outside of Escondido.

Sign said open but the gate was locked. Not sure who fought who.

Town of Ramona has a Bluegrass Festival coming up.

We stopped in Julian for lunch and checked out some shops. This is the basement of one.

A lot of "stuff" down here.

Hand made tables.

and coat racks. Industrial strength.

Table for 17?

Gotta say it's unique.

Main street has quite a few cute, quaint type shops.

This sign has been been knocked down and cut off and replaced over and over. Several more cuts above this picture.

Read the upper right sign first.

T Shirts

Never saw this one growing up.

There are pie shops all over town. Not sure how that got started but we're glad it did.

Candy in the basement of this shop.

And an old soda fountain still working.

Complete with a pickle jar.

And an old "Big Boy" statue.

I FOUND IT!!!!! Meca.

Do you know the way to San Jose?

Must be named after our friend Rose.

Then back to our side of the mountain.

Sasquatch made it down from Mt St Helens.

And back down into the desert. Looks barren but it's really lovely.