Do you know what this is?

It is an acorn, one of millions produced by our beautiful oak trees. Sunday, I was walking along and thinking peaceful thoughts when THUMP, one of these fell right on the top of my head. From about 35 feet high. So this acorn is about 1.5 inches long. Ouch!

It made me think about life in general, I mean, I was just walking along my thoughts elsewhere when suddenly I was brought into the here and now. I started asking ‘is this a wake up call?’ ‘Am I supposed to be doing something else?’ Then I wonder if this has ever happened to you?

Come shoot the moon with us!

For our guests interested in Astronomy, check out this interesting article. And, if time permits, you might visit Sacred Rocks Reserve on Friday, December 12th for an awesome night sky.

http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2008/09dec_fullmoon.htm?list197566

What DOES ’shoot the moon mean’ exactly? I tried to look it up but got no good answers. Do you know?

Winter Camping?

You Bet!

Saturday, it was 73 degrees, sunny and a perfect day for a hike.

Sunday, it was 62 degrees and perfect day for a campfire.

From the deck of the Office, December 2008.

How to Make your Business Eco-Friendly, Step 4

The Underground: We ran into a few challenges when working through the underground issues.

1. No one knew or mapped where the main water valves were
2. The electric meters were ancient and broken
3. No one know where the septic tanks were, or lids

Can you see? Can you image digging over 17000 feet of trenches – by HAND? Yes, it mostly had to be dug from site to site to site, avoiding existing pipes that worked, laying in new piping for telephone wires, repairing old water, electric and sewer connections, all the time avoiding tree roots to keep from killing the beautiful oak trees. Thanks to workers from the Freedom Ranch, and to winter workampers, as well as to Dimitri, owner, for this hard and important work.

So we are very protective of our undergound. First, we emphasize to all guests that only biodegradable products are to be used for RV holding tanks, and washing dishes as well as laundry. Secondly, we test the septic system annually to be sure the ‘good’ bacteria are doing their jobs of breakdown.

Our store only sells eco-friendly products. We do not allow mechanic work to be done on vehicles due to oil and gas spillage.

The end result is all systems have been updated, we have a map of main connections, our trees remain green and healthy AND our guests enjoy the benefits of a careful conservation strategy.

It’s a Fall Day at Sacred Rocks Reserve – and 73 degrees!

Officially fall, yet, still in the midst of the Santa Ana conditions that blow the desert air over the mountains to the sea. At this time, though, not a breath of air, people are out in shorts and t-shirts, and as long is the sun is out, it just about perfect. The deciduous trees have completed their shedding for the winter. Most of our trees, however, are oak trees. About 95% of our trees are oak, and green all winter AND summer.

What is you weather like at this time of year? Wouldn’t you just love to come for a visit?

2009 New Year’s Bash

Community Potluck, Hot Apple Cider, Winter Bonfire, Resolution Circle andFamily Fitness Hike Help Ring in the New Year with Plenty of Cheer

What: Sacred Rocks Reserve’s “New Year’s Family Fest.” Bring a dish to
share for the New Year’s Eve Potluck and Masquerade at the Clubhouse.
Come dressed as your favorite movie star!
When: Come for one day or four! Wednesday, December 31, 2008 through
Sunday, January 4, 2009.
Where: Sacred Rocks Reserve & RV Park, 1331 Shasta Way, Boulevard, CA.
Who: Open to the public. RV, tent campers and day visitors are welcome.
Cost: $10 per person (over the age of 4) for fitness hike and cookout on
Saturday night. Special discount: Campsite fees for tent and RV campers
- $99 for all four nights.
RSVP: Please RSVP with the number of people in your group to:
sacredrocks@gmail.com / Public call: 619-766-4480.

DETAILS: The event will be held Wednesday, December 31, 2008 through Sunday, January 4, 2009. Seasonal family activities to include a New Year’s Eve Community Potluck and masquerade in the Clubhouse (bring a dish to share and anyspecial food needs for your own family), hot apple cider in front of a roaring fire in thefireplace afterwards, a community resolution circle, New Year’s Day labyrinth walk,winter cook-out and bonfire, Family Fitness Hike with fitness expert and personal trainer, stargazing, a chance of snow and plenty of good cheer. Four nights of camping will be offered at a special discount package price of $99 during this event weekend. Sacred Rocks is located near Boulevard, California, approximately 65 miles East of San Diego along Interstate 8, at the head of the Pacific Crest Trail. Sacred Rocks Reserve is located at 1331 Shasta Way in Boulevard, California. Reservations are required. For information, call: 619-766-4480 or visit: www.sacredrocksreserve.com.

How to Make Your Business Eco-Friendly Step 3

Water – Being a Southern California native, and a Greek Djibouti East Africa native, we are concerned about water. At Sacred Rocks Reserve, some water is found at 20 feet deep, and other places like our drinking well, the water comes from aquifers that are 370 feet underground. Every quarter we test for coliforms which as I understand it, are bacteria brought by insects and animals. Each year we test for nitrites, which comes from farming operations–and we are fortunate there are none nearby. Our water is pure!

We have been told from official sources that ‘your water is purer than bottled water from ’springs’ sold in grocery stores. So we decided to put in an ice making machine in 2006. Many people do not know that the ice we provide to our guests comes from some of the best water in California. Our ice is made from our pure water!

When remodeling the restrooms and showers 4 years ago, we decided to install tankless hot water heaters. These ultra efficient gadgets heat water on demand, instead of trying to hold a 50 gallon reservoir full of hot water 24 hours a day. We have saved hundreds of KW hours of electricity as well as hundreds of dollars. Since we installed quarter-metered showers, the amount of water used cautioned. People seem to be more careful with their quarters than with our water! The hot water on demand AND metered showers reduce our carbon footprint while saving money!

We urge water conservation techniques for all who live here, knowing that water is a gift that we must carefully use. We encourage people to cultivate plants that are native to this area or are drought tolerant in order to avoid depleting our water supplies.

We purposefully have avoided planting grass on the common areas even though it is visually appealing. It just takes too much water and wastes it.

Our showers that are located in the tenting and clubhouse area are designed to use limited water and along with the metered showers, the toilets are low flush and use less water than normal toilets.

We cannot allow the washing of cars or motor homes or trailers because limited supplies. Our 35,000 gallon tank would be empty in short order.

If you think of any more ideas for water conservation that we might use, feel free to write a comment. We welcome all feedback.