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.

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.

Winter Conservation Strategies for The Most Earth Friendly Park in America

Several ideas popped up for us to focus on for conserving resources for the winter since we intend to be The Most Earth Friendly Park in America.

One is the pool. Since the air temperature is in the 60s [daytimes] and 30-50 [nights] we are closing usage of the pool until May 1st. It does not make sense to us to use propane and electricity to keep the pool/spa heated for just a few passers-by.

Two, there is little call for ice cubes during the winter. So we are shutting down the icemaker and ice freezer soon and will conserve electricity.

Three, the big tubs of ice cream in the Dreyers freezer have a three week shelf-life, and few visitors really enjoy ice cream when it is cold outside. So we had a big sale on ice cream and have closed down that freezer.

Four, winter office hours start later in the day, at 10am and close earlier 4pm however the telephone is always answered.

Wood Fires (with our own naturally harvested deadwood) are the most fun way to conserve energy (gas and electricity) We put a fire in the office/store in the tiny wood burning fireplace. The clubhouse also has a nice wood burning fireplace that heats up the whole room. We get it going on Wednesdays – for a potluck and games evening AND on Saturdays for Movie Night.

We are asking for your help:

What conservation strategies are you using at your homes and work? Perhaps someone has a good idea we can all use.

Old West Harvest Fest 2008 a Success!

Fun was had by all who came to the Old West Harvest Fest at Sacred Rocks Reserve & RV Park for the weekend of October 24 – 26, 2008. The seasonal family activities we enjoyed:

• Pumpkin Painting Contest
• Old West Costume Contest
• off-road Hayride
• cookout
• bonfire

Click the pictures to see their larger images through the Sacred Rocks Picasa Web Album, and plan on coming next year to celebrate the harvest season with us!

Old West Costume Contest Participants dressed in costumes from the 1850's, some more up to date.

Dimitri took the happy hay ride participants on a wild off-road hay ride that they will not likely forget!

The Old West Harvest Fest held a Costume Contest with participants wearing old fashioned garb from the 1850's.

Dinner was announced with the ringing of the "Chow Wagon" chimes.

Happy Pumpkin Painters painted more than just the pumpkins!

Good friends share the old fashion fare of hotdogs, chips, sodas and at the evening cookout.

Painted pumpkins display the talents of guests of all ages.

Afterwards at the community fire ring, a warming bonfire and marshmallows were shared by all to end the day of events.

Plan on coming out next year October 2009 to participate in the festivities with us!

New Road Signs – Sacred Rocks Reserve

What you see from Highway 94 going East.

Happy Camper Testimonial

My family and I spent 3 weeks at Outdoor World RV Park here in California, and found it to be one of the nicest places in Southern California.  The staff is very helpful, and kind they bend over backwards to help us in what ever we need.  I work from my RV and use the Internet all the time when we travel, our connection died one day! Not because of any fault of the RV park, but the Local area was all down! Only folks with a connection were the folks with Sat. [Satellite]
connections…

We talked to the management about the pool, and spa, and found out that they were not “CLOSED” down by the health department as was a RUMOR going around, but had it closed for (1) day so they could get the chemicals in line with the high requirement of the park! It seems that the hot weather and the large number of visitors to the pool & Spa took a toll on the chemicals, and the management wanted a day to get them back into line.  So, after that we enjoyed the warm days in the nice large cool pool, and by night we took a early evening dip in the spa with friends.

The clubhouse is used by reservations only, guess this guy forgot to ask before making these wacky statements….

I did not see any “Taco” stand in the park at all, there was a small “Chuck Wagon” there, and I talked to the woman who runs it.  It was not operational during the July 4th time frame because she had other catering events that were out of the park to attend to so she could not manage it also…. Taco stand! Hummmmm maybe somebody does not eat out often!  Ha Ha Ha!

Anyway, we enjoyed the large acreage to roam around on, and the very large oak trees on our site!  The stars are really great from this high up, someplace around 3800′ I am told and on a clear night the Milky Way looks like you can reach out and scoop up a dish of stars!

For sure we will be back, I think in November when it is getting colder, we want to have the high mountain chill warm us up around the camp fire and enjoy the peace and quiet that Out Door World offers to its visitors.

As I always say, some folks just belong in RV’s, while some others might as well stay at home if they do not want to experience a wide variety of things….

So, if you want a great place this winter or anytime I think that this park is one of the best in the area, and it is really close to San Diego for day trips!

Anyway, wheels down and on the road again…..

Ken

The Greenest, Most Eco-Friendly, Most Earth Conscious, Southern California RV Park is Sacred Rocks RV Park

In remembering the past 6 years of grueling work, I gave thought to the many ways we have brought our Southern California RV Park to be GREEN.

One long-time guest of the park said

“I have never seen a man that works harder and longer than Dimitri [the owner along with wife, Sharon]. Day after day he is out there working in all weather, working alongside Workampers and ranch workers and hired hands. He is in the ditch with a shovel, gluing pipes together, pulling wires, driving tractors and bulldozers and excavators and mowers.”

So here I am just thinking over the many ways we have both worked to create a place for families and future generations, for nature appreciation, for conservation of resources, for quiet enjoyment of all guests, for our own future, and for our children.

Are you a Visiting Sand Dune Camper?

THIS IS DIFFERENT CAMPING THAN THE DESERT! We have had many questions that boil down to ‘Why can’t we do here what we do in the desert?’

We understand that people like to party, drive toys all night long, burn their own firewood, and make lots of loud noise. We understand that. However, this place, Sacred Rocks RV Park is a part of Sacred Rocks Reserve, a place that strives to be QUIET, SAFE, and FUN for all campers.

So, the two goals are opposing, however since we do the courtesy of allowing ‘toys’ to camp, especially in the summer when the desert is really miserably hot, we do expect every camper to cooperate with our rules. Guess what? The rules have been mostly requested by our long-time guest, many of whom are true desert rats. They get it!

The bottom line is that this is NOT the desert and campers can still have fun as long as they stay within the guidelines. Campers who try or insist on breaking the rules, will be reminded to cooperate or will have to leave.

Trekking out in the 163 acre Reserve.

Truthfully, there are miles and miles of dirt tracks to explore from Sacred Rocks Reserve. 5 minutes away from our Reserve you can enter a huge OHV Park at McCain Valley Road.

Old West Harvest Fest 2008 at Sacred Rocks Reserve

Kick up your heels!

Kick up your heels!

Everyone is invited to come to Sacred Rocks Reserve & RV Park for a weekend of seasonal family activities, camping and Old West Costume Contest. Get a taste of Southern California’s historical heritage with our “Old West Harvest Fest,” celebrating the bounty of the harvest season.

Get 2 nights of camping for the price of 1 during the weekend of October 24! RV, tent campers and day visitors are all welcome.

Friday 24 October 2008

• Check-in for campers
• Community Bonfire
• Star Gazing at Sacred Rocks Stargazer Plateau

Saturday 25 October 2008

• 1850s Masquerade and Costume Contest: A prize will be given for the Best Costume, suggestions are a Farmer, Cowboy, Cavalry Trooper, Vaquero and School Teacher at 5:00 PM
• Pumpkin Painting Contest (paints provided, pumpkins $5 or bring your own)
• Hayrides on the hour from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Community Bonfire and Cook-Out at 5:30 PM ($5 per person for Hayride, hotdogs, beverages & marshmallows)
• Off-site adult fun is available at La Posta Casino

Sunday 26 October 2008

• Nature Hike and Scavenger Hunt, details in front office
• Suggested nearby activity: Train Ride at the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum

Where: Sacred Rocks Reserve and RV Park, 1331 Shasta Way, Boulevard, CA 91905

RSVP: RSVP with the number of people in your group to: sacredrocks@gmail.com or call 619-766-4480.

Download a printable press release about Sacred Rocks Old West Harvest Fest 2008 in Adobe Acrobat PDF format (25kb)

Sacred Rocks Reserve & RV Park, a 163-acre wilderness reserve with RV and tent camping sites (formerly Outdoor World RV Park), is located near Boulevard, California, approximately 65 miles East of San Diego along Interstate 8, at the head of the Pacific Crest Trail.