So Cal Fires

[Wee Willy]

This last week was filled with a few ride-related ups and downs due to the fires in north LA County. The fire was relatively close as it burned north through the Angeles Forest just a couple of miles east of here. One of these downs was related to a regular stop for the Skunks who ride every Thursday. On Tuesday, an email circulated while at work that Newcomb's Ranch on the crest road had burned down. This was a real tragedy. Anyone who has ridden the Angeles Forest route (CA 2) probably knows about Newcomb's (website). This location (clicky) had been a regular stop on our Thursday afternoon 100 mile burger runs out of Palmdale after work. Needless to say, several of us regulars were in mourning for this nice little stop.

Late in the day though, one of our number who knows the owner well received word that the fire had indeed damaged the back (Northwest side) of the building, by getting into the public restrooms, but the building was intact. It had been a haven for the firefighters working in the local area and they had worked to stop the destruction of this historic little building.

When Thursday came along, it was clear we wouldn't be able to hit the Angeles Forest route as the fire was still active and the roads were closed. As a result, the crowd rode to the Big Oaks on Bouquet Canyon and hoisted our glasses to toast the survival of Newcomb's.

Cheers,

W2

 

[exskibum]

Great news to hear that Newcomb's Ranch was spared!

My Dad was an LA City firefighter from 1949 to 1982 and on his days off during the winters, was on the ski patrol at Kratka Ridge from about 1955 until the early 70s. He used to teach ski mountaineering for the Angeles Chapter of the Sierra Club way back. He's in Simi Valley now, 84 and ill enough that he won't last a lot longer.

I grew up skiing at Kratka, and while I know it's closed and suffered at least one fire in the last decade or so, I understand Mt. Waterman has been open again. (All up the road from Newcomb's Ranch.) I left long ago for the Rockies and Sierras, but have always wanted to go back to ski it one last time, for me and as something of a tribute to my Dad. I've been considering bringing my randonee gear to tramp around and ski the old slopes of Kratka my sister and I helped pack out (sidestepping down) as the one duty of ski patrol brats after a snow, and to see the remnants of the old chair lift one more time before I'm too old to make that an enjoyable day of hard work for the sliding I'll get in. I'm praying that Kratka and Waterman didn't also get devastated by this terrible fire.

 

[Wee Willy]

The Hidden Springs Cafe (website) was not so fortunate...it's now relegated to the history books.

Hidden Springs' gone.

W2

 

[Wee Willy]

My Dad was an LA City firefighter from 1949 to 1982 and on his days off during the winters, was on the ski patrol at Kratka Ridge from about 1955 until the early 70s. He used to teach ski mountaineering for the Angeles Chapter of the Sierra Club way back. He's in Simi Valley now, 84 and ill enough that he won't last a lot longer.

Hi skibum,

Sorry to hear about your dad. Hope that situation works out for the best. I have a lot of respect for the folks who wear (or have worn) the LACoFD blue. They're motivated & professional. Well trained too. It's a good unit.

I'll get a picture of the place next time we're up there and post it here.

W2

 

[AVGeek]

Fire season always made me a bit nervous, since my dad was also LAFD (68-99). I hope all those who lost their homes in this latest round are at least safe and sound.

 

[Wee Willy]

Well, work is Newcomb's will be out of reach for a bit. Significant road damage from the fires and lots of guard rails down means they will not be hosting a 100 miler any time soon. Probably months.

W2

 

[FJRBluesman]

Thanks for the report W2.