real estate - Idyllwild Town Crier

Outside Idyllwild
Climbing season
It’s that time of year
again. The cities and valleys
are heating up into triple
digits and rock climbers,
hikers and tourists are all
seeking cooler temperatures.
As soon as it hits 100 degrees
down below and the rocks
of Joshua Tree are literally
too hot to handle, climbers
head for the hills.
Tahquitz Rock is a major
draw for the summer
climber and we see an influx
of climbers from all the
western states. Many are also
from L.A., Orange and San
Diego counties. We also see
European climbers in the
shop.
There are many places to
climb in California, including
the Sierras, but Tahquitz
and Suicide rocks are still
world famous for the quality
of the rock and their
history.
Most of the Idyllwild
locals probably don’t realize
just how important our local
rocks are in the history
of rock climbing. There is
By Bruce Watts
no denying
their importance
as a
major stop
for climbers.
I see them
coming into the shop, asking
for directions and perusing
the local guidebook for
beta (information about the
routes).
In addition to the local
climbers and the weekend
warriors from the city, there
is another group of climbers
that sets out on road trips to
climb the rocks in the California
mountains. The road
trip is the dream for many a
hardcore climber as it basically
means climbing all day
and camping outdoors.
So when summer rolls
around, it is time to load up
the car, SUV or van and head
out to the crags. Just like
the PCT hikers, the climbers
intend to be out on the road
for weeks and months at a
time. Some are pretty much
on the road year round going
from crag to crag.
If they are good enough,
they may be able to attract
sponsors and get their gear
and apparel for free. The really
good climber might even
get a little money to make
it easier to get from place
to place and buy food.
For the rest of the
climbers who have not
gotten anyone to sponsor
them, the road trip will be
a little shorter then year
round.
If they have a job, they
might have to wait for vacation
time to get out to
the crags. So mostly the
major road trips are younger
climbers who are either students,
unemployed or have
extended time off, such as
teachers.
However you swing the
time off, the road trip is
designed to allow for the
maximum amount of climbing
in the shortest amount
of time. So when you are not
climbing, like at night, you
are camping in places like
Yosemite and Idyllwild. Basically
you are doing the same
thing as a retired couple in
their RV except that you
climb rocks all day.
Climbers on a road trip
are usually happy campers,
Bryan Tallent (left) and John Stonitsch
(right), co-owners of The Spruce Moose, discover
a small fortune while cleaning the pond in the
Village Lane. The treasure will be donated to
the Animal Rescue Friends (ARF). In order to
augment the coins, Tallent and Stonitsch are
literally, because they are
doing what they love to do.
Instead of waiting until they
are too old to climb, they
are doing their traveling
Idyllwild Town Crier, June 29, 2006 - Page 3
now and having a wonderful
time.
I have heard it said that
there is a leisure class at
both ends of the economic
offering a $25 gift certificate to the person who
can come closest to guessing the total value of
coins in the fountain. They will also give an additional
$25 to ARF. The coins will be counted
at the end of the day July 4 and the winner announced
on July 5. Photo by J.P. Crumrine
spectrum. Top or bottom,
it really doesn’t matter, as
long as you take the time
to enjoy what you love most
in life.
59465 Hwy 74
Mountain Center
5-Acre Garner Valley lots starting at $375,000!
Please stop by to pick up a map of our current listings!
Dyson & Dyson
Kristen Jewell
Kim Strader
Administrative
951-659-5013 www.garnervalleyrealty.com
Karen Price Executive Sales/Realtor-Associate • Linda Wilson Realtor-Associate
Mountain Retreat
Among The Pines
Picturesque Ranch
Home surrounded
by beautiful pines
features 3Bd/2.5Ba,
family room, covered
deck, 2 stories.
Wo r k s h o p / g u e s t
house, barn and paddocks.
Offered at
$1,100,000
Charming Log Home
Beautiful 3 bedroom, 1 & 3⁄4 bath log home features a
spacious living room with a large stone fireplace. The
kitchen has granite counters and opens onto the dining/
family room with a wood stove. Large master bedroom
has an adjacent bath with oversized tub/central air, new
roof, large covered deck for entertaining. This beautiful
log home includes a detached 2-car garage with a
large additional bonus room above and a separate storage
building, suitable for 4 cars and or workshop. This
equestrian property includes 3 separate turnouts with
shelters and room for an arena and additions facilities.
Must see to believe! Offered at $899,000
Just Reduced!
Motivated Seller!
Breathtaking Views
of Garner Valley
Custom built home
w/approx. 3,110 sq.
ft., 3 Br., 2-3/4 Ba.,
game/media room,
w/F.P., large country
kitchen, expansive
decking and a 2-car
garage. The 4.63
acres offers plenty of
room for horses and
private tennis court.
Offered at $889,000
Charming Garner
Valley Ranch
This 2-story 3Bd,
3Ba gorgeous home
includes a country
kitchen/family room
combination. Master
suite with deck with
views. This home also
includes a 3-car garage
w/RV area. This
estate also has a shedrow
barn w/turnouts.
Offered at $899,000
Unique Idyllwild
Country Estate
This stunning 3Bd,
2Ba on 2.82 acres is
completely fenced.
This beauty features a
great room w/frplc &
high ceilings. Master
suite w/spa tub. This
fabulous estate also
includes a charming
guest house. Must see
to believe!
Offered at $899,000