No tsunamis since the epicenter was not in the ocean. My friend who has a vineyard near Paso Robles had a lot of shaking and a few kitchen items fall out of cupboards. Also, one of the capped hot spring artesian wells blew it's cap off during the shake -so we might all be soon enjoying a reborn hot spring!!by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Sam D, how did you like Little Caliente? That's one of my favorite springs. I'd be interested in a trip report from you and/or if you took any pics? Was the gate open at Santa Ynez campground? If so, how far did you drive in ? To the Little Caliente metal sign where the road veers off to the right? Or did you park closer to the spring? Thanks Paul P.by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Greetings all, here is a note Ron and I just received from Gina Thompson at USFS (4 PM Thursday December 18th): Paul and Ron: The decision to lift the current closure that affects the Deep Creek Hot Springs was made Dec. 8th. We expected to receive notification this week that we could remove the closure signs. Due to the holidays, key staff are not available to process the Forest Orders neby Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Has anyone received any word lately from USFS on when the re-openingwil occur? I recently e-mailed Gina Thompson, Allison Stewart and Ken Harp, but I have not yet received a response back.by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Great minutes Sycamore.. I think in item #2 you meant Gina Thompson of USFS, not Gina Hoffman. I'm hoping Gina Thompson will respond to DCV soon on when the springs will be re-opened.by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Hi Sam, that is Gina Thompson's response to Ron regarding the letter that DCV sent to USFS asking about the end of the closure. It's a good thing it got posted at soak. net to reach a wider audience. The more concerned people, the better. I'm hoping Ron will hear soon from Gina after Gina checks with USFS Management. Hopefully Deep Creek will be re-opened soon. I'm still extremely concerned thby Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
....and has Brad Burns "informed" Mike Castro of the closure so Mike will turn people away? Indeed, the reality is the closure of Deep Creek is virtually impossible to implement without the necessary enforcement. Like Ron and others, I am very concerned that the people going to Deep Creek now and violating the closure will continue to impede efforts by DCV and others to get the springsby Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Great job on the letter to USFS. Ron and all the letter reviewers deserve a big hooray! I just hope USFS can provide some succinct answers about the length of the closure. Waiting until March will be hard to take ;-)by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
At his gate, Mike should inform visitors of the closure. As Wizard indicated, letters or phone calls to Brad Burns requesting that access to the springs be re-opened is a good idea.by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
I just had another idea.. maybe it's not really feasible, but what would you all think about if a fairly good size was posted at lets say the intersection of Bowen Ranch Road and Roundup that would inform people that Deep Creek Hot Springs is closed? It would significantly reduce illegal visitation while at the same time eliminate Mike from getting his money. Of course Mike would probably rip thby Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
DCR brings up a good point. If people are still going to DCHS and trashing the place unbeknownst to the collective DCV members, that can be a problem. I don't know if its feasible, but if any USFS personnel (ie Brad Burns or other rangers) are actually going to the springs to ensure no one is going there, maybe they could provide a brief oral report to Ron or Wizard on the general condition of tby Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Good story Rick. I wonder if it would work on our bark beetle (different species)?by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
The USFS knows that some visitors to Deep Creek (probably a majority), go through Mike 's gate to park and access the springs. They have told Mike of the closure. Rick and Wizard are right, Mike could easily be sued by an uninformed Deep Creek visitor who passes through Mike's gate if Mike does not tell the visitor about the closure. Let's say that person does make it to the springs and gets citby Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Mike doesn't care about the closure, and he's not about to tell uninformed people who pass through his gate. He just wants his money.by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Greetings all, after a bit more research, I still didn't find anything prohibiting nudity in the WSR Act. He's usually a reliable source. I agree with Laughing Bear that we wil not lose clothing optional status if Deep Creek becomes part of WSRby Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
"In the San Bernardino National Forest, unburned areas will reopen to the public for weekend use, said Forest Supervisor Gene Zimmerman." So Deep Creek access won't be allowed during weekdays?by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
I totally agree with Ron. Anyone who goes illegally to Deep Creek and gets caught not only will have to pay the fine, but it also gives the Forest Service a reason to more permanently close public access to Deep Creek. Like I've always said, it only takes one bad apple to ruin it for the bunch.by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Latest comment: Kristle Johnson, a Fire Information Officer for the U.S. Forest Service, told NBC4 at approximately 3:35 p.m. Wednesday that a wildfire sweeping through the mountain areas will "take Running Springs in approximately one hour." Johnson said there was "erratic fire behavior" and "extreme fire behavior." Johnson said the fire is moving toward Lake Arby Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Rick, is the San Bernardino Forest officially closed?by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Thanks Sycamorelaughing for the good notes as usual. I think it is imperative that someone get that dispatch number from Brad Burns so we can call it when we see an illegal campfire and/or illegal camping. I have no problem "tattling" on someone if it will prevent another Willow Fire. Right now , the biggest fire in the State is burning in San Diego County. There are actually 4 fires.by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
There are several big fires burning out of control in San Diego County. The Cedar Fire around Ramona is the biggest, currently over 6000 acres. Another fire is up near Valley Center. Many, many structures have burned, and a few peple have lost there lives. Woke up to a yellow sky and ashes coating the ground. The smell of fire is everywhere.by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
No, Samby Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
It's been awesome at San Onofre and Blacks Beach. The weather has been ideal for clothing optional beach recreational activities. I went surfing at Blacks au naturale..there's nothing quite like getting tubed in the nude ;-)by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
It went both ways...I guess it was "bi-" ;-)by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Only a soaker named Scud Patriot. He said he enjoys soaking at Hussein Hot Springs.by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
His name was Mr. Foster Farms...he laid a Golden Egg in the Womb..I found the egg and now have enough money to purchase the entire San Bernardino National Forest and save Deep Creek Hot Springs. George Bush assured me that my money would not be used to rebuild Iraq....by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
The BLM's 2004 Budget Request includes an additional $2.7 million to strengthen their law enforcement capabilities. Let's hope some share of this will go to enforcement of ORV rules in our area of interest.by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
My understanding of the Wild and Scenic Rivers designation is that no ADDITIONAL man made improvements can be constructed after the designation is official. It's highly doubtful existing pools would be torn down based on the future designation of Deep Creek.by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California
Thanks Ron for your response regarding my question about sending the minutes to Brad Burns. I fully agree with you. Regarding E-mailing all members the minutes, if you have the time and inclination, that would be great. Most of us read them here on the forum, but I'm guessing not every member does.by Paul P. - Deep Creek Hot Springs, Apple Valley, California