Big Bear Blog

I just got home from another road trip and the wear and tear of being in a car for a long time was making me feel slow and sluggish. Instead of taking ibuprofen or slamming an energy drink I just called B-Ray, and in a few minutes we were on the mountain bikes pedaling around the east end of the valley.

I’m still amazed at how many trails and dirt roads I still don’t know about and sure enough we ran into a fire road that we had never been on before. Anytime you’re on an unfamiliar trail, its fun just because of the unknown aspect of it. Although we ran into some rocky sections that required some hammering on the pedals it was great to bounce out the kinks in my back and get the blood flowing in my legs.

It didn’t take long for me to feel better both physically and mentally. I know some people say that laughter is the best medicine but I think mountain biking in big bear is pretty damn good medicine too!

So if you’re not feeling so great, come on up to Big Bear Lake and take your medicine.

spreading the love, rev

The long, enduring summer finally came to an end. I figured the only way to exit such a splendid season is to go for the gusto and end it with not only a bang, but a burst, bam, boom, too. 

I set out with a group of 14 to conquer the San Bernardino Mountains’ granddaddy of them all, Mount San Gorgonio. At 11,499 feet this monolithic mountain is quite intimidating from afar, but it’s even more intimidating up close. Once I stepped foot onto the grand façade I could feel its massive earthly body of granite jabbing at my body.  

I knew I was in for a fight to reach the top of this impressive mountain, so the only thing I could do was put my head down and throw punches. In other words I went down swinging. Heck, I kicked, scratched and clawed my way to the summit. And in the end I came out on top, and won!   

It was an organized group hike, which was the final leg of a series of hikes called “The Seven Summits.” I admit I skipped the first six summits, but I wasn’t about to miss the opportunity to surmount the Big Kahuna. Of course I couldn’t have done it without the team.     

The team consisted of three guides, Teddy D. and Heather D., our fearless leaders from Mountain Fitness Center and Peter from Equada Outfitters. Not only is Peter a quality scout and guide, but later that evening we discovered his hidden talents as a gourmet chef. He cooked the entire group of 14 one mean Chicken Pad Tai meal with the fixings.  I’ve never had it so good after a gut wrenching hike of eight hours, five of which were with a 30 lb. backpack.  

The rest the troop were recreational hikers like me, who were part of the “Seven Summits” summer hiking series. Congratulations to Ron from Monrovia, Dan from BBC, and Kiwis Peter and Jeanine for hiking all seven summits this year. Also, a big shout out for Robin the Ski Bum. She took out six summits this year with one to go. She only needs to bag Bertha Peak to secure all seven summits. She says she plans to conquer this easy to moderate tail by the end of October. Rounding up the team was Christie the Notti Girl from Nottinghams, Jeanine and Sittin’ Tom from some deserted island and Gray Dog from Big Bear Hostel with his lovely girlfriend Melissa. And let’s not forget the Seven Summits’ one and only courageous mascot, Chief (the half wolf, half husky howling hound). By the way thanks to Sittin’ Tom for carrying up an extra 32 oz. Fosters for an evening nightcap.  

I have to admit I suffered a few burdens on the hike. The troublesome snags I ran into included sun block on my left eyeball, lack of sleep from the night before (only 4 hours), a wretched up left knee from descending down the mountain, sore muscles all over, a narrowing pain in my left shoulder, no bird book to identify an unusual looking bird with a white head, and a difficult night of sleeping without a pillow. The most painful however was on the last day, when I took a bee sting for my teammate Ski Bum. She is allergic to bee stings, so I bravely sacrificed my body to take the sting on my shin to save her from a dreadful breakout of hives.  

So in the end, I asked why go through so much pain. It’s simple; the pleasure of accomplishment outweighs the pain tenfold every time!  In other words when you soar high all other sores are low.    

Climb to the Peak,  

Daniel Pea    

Typically Labor Day weekend signals the end of summer in a mountain town. The signs and symptoms: The crowds are thinner, the temperatures edge towards cool, locals are found on the trails and at Vons on a Saturday and the serious business of finding firewood becomes a priority.

While all the activities of summer still continue this time of year – secretly we’re all counting the days until ski season: Whether it is the cool silence of falling snow or the comforting valley-wide hum of snow-making. It doesn’t really matter. What matters is that we’ll be ready.

I’m still hitting the trails – getting in as much mountain biking as possible – and launching my kayak during the warmer hours of the day. But I admit I am paying close attention to the weather and the symptoms of an early winter: The end to autumn’s broad strokes of color, temperatures falling below freezing and the undeniable smell of winter in the air. Like anything worth waiting for – part of the fun is the count down and debating it for hours-on-end at the local coffee house!

Waiting for my turns!
Glade Girl

It’s not often that I spend a whole weekend taking it easy, but this holiday weekend I did just that. Labor Day Weekend attracted quite a crowd, and boy were they in for a treat! There were blue skies and sunshine during the day, and an almost full moon glowing at night.

It was fun just hanging out with my girlfriend. People watching was one of our biggest activities this past weekend. On Monday we took her dog to eagle point, had a nice picnic lunch, and then walked the dog along the shoreline. From the waters edge we could here the laughing splashing and screaming of all the boaters, jet skiers and kayakers on the lake and it sounded like everyone was having a good time.

Just then a group of cyclists rode by huffing and puffing and looking like they loved the ride through Fawnskin. Loud barking snapped me back to what I was doing and the little dog was running down the beach chasing ducks, and even though she didn’t catch anything she came back wagging her tail in doggy bliss. I had such a great time just watching everyone else have a great time!

I guess that’s why I don’t chill much…there’s just too much fun stuff to do. In fact, I’m going to go do something right now and as soon as you’re done reading this, go do something, in Big Bear!
spreading the love, rev

One of the great things about an active lifestyle is that when the action stops, the eating and refueling begins!

Sharing good food with great friends following epic trails and spectacular views makes for the perfect Big Bear day. When I’m not learning more about biking, hiking or paddling I try to watch all the food network shows and learn cool new recipes and cooking techniques, so when we finally get to the table it’s worth the wait. Breaking bread with friends is as special as it gets. Especially when we first take our friends out to play whether it’s hiking, biking or paddling sharing a nice meal, makes for a complete experience to be remembered forever.

Spreading the love, rev

I’m pooped! Big Bear whipped my hind this past week, and it was worth every minute! From Sunday to Sunday I was engrossed in adventure, nature and downright fun. I lived Big Bear to the highest level, which is the only way to go. I put it into full throttle, and here’s what I did in just one week…

Sunday, July 26: The weather was screaming my name to get outside and play. So I did. I greased up my bike chain, filled up the tires and headed out to Big Bear’s Mecca bike spot, the Scenic Sky Chair. I met up with Danny Morale (he hates to be called Danny) just minutes before the chair lift shut down. We were set to tackle a single track trail, and what better one to tackle than Pine Knot Trail. We charged hard and the results were ear to ear smiles! We ventured back on the Towne Trail for a bit of climbing and a pleasant ride back to our trucks.

Monday, July 27: I went on a run around the neighborhood. Heck, one can even get the sensation of nature’s embrace in Big Bear’s residential areas. Later that evening, I sparked up my brick BBQ grill and cooked up some fine apricot teriyaki chicken. Yummy for the tummy!

Tuesday, July 28: I took it slow on Tuesday. One thing I took advantage of though is the marvelous night sky. I relaxed on my deck with some ice cold Coronas and watched the moon nudge west. Within an hour the moon completely vanished and left me with nothing but millions of shiny little dots plastered on the blackened sky. What a sight to see. Stargazing in Big Bear is theater for the soul. I composed an old fashioned ink and paper letter to a beautiful woman I adore, and next thing you know I’m out cold. I had fallen asleep under the starry skies for about two hours dreaming of “sunshine.” 

Wednesday, July 29: I started Wednesday with a trek out to Holcomb Valley for a six mile run. It was exhausting, but well worth it. I am training for the half marathon (13.1 miles), and I only have a little more than a month to get into the double digit mile mark to confirm I’m ready for the challenge. So expect more and more miles in the next few weeks. After the run, I decided to get a more accurate reading of the mileage. So I started my truck up, threw it into four wheel drive, and traced my running route. I didn’t realize how much rough terrain I ran on, but my truck eased through the embedded rocks. The thrilling 4×4 ride through the valley was indeed a pleasant bonus.

Thursday, July 30: Thursday after work I made a makeshift burrito to give me just enough carbs to get me through a sunset hike. I took a hike into the forest and climbed to a peak that overlooks the Big Bear Lake, Baldwin Lake and the ski resorts. What a sight indeed. At the summit I paused, took in a deep breath, and realized how blessed I am to live in such a spectacular place. I headed back to my cabin knowing that I had two visitors arriving shortly.

Friday, July 31: At last the weekend arrived, and I could taste the adrenaline pumping through my veins for some action on the lake. My two friends and I met Gary K. out at the docks at Pine Knot Landing at about 7:30 a.m. Gary has devised quite a unique contraption from a boogie board with a harness that connects to a ski tow rope. One turn at a time, we got into the refreshingly warm water (Surprise! I said warm) and gave the contraption a whirl. Were we surprised at how impressive this invention of Gary’s really is. Simply put this is an easy way to have fun on the lake. It is like riding a boogie board on the ocean waves, but more controlled and more opportunities to ride wakes or waves without paddling out. It was an absolute riot. We couldn’t get enough. The only reason we got out of the water is to drive across to the north shore to get some jet skis before 9:30 a.m. 

Next up jet skiing, this is without a doubt one of the greatest ways to get an instant rush of adrenaline. We rented Waverunners at North Shore Landing, which is known as the ultimate fun spot on the lake because of its diverse selection of watercraft. Heck even the phone number spells it out (909-878-4FUN). We each picked out newer four stroke models. For an hour we raced and zipped across the lake and let the wind twist our hair in all different directions. The best way to describe this hour long adventure on these turbo induced machines is thrilling, ABSOLUTELY THRILLING!!! 

Afterwards I went to work for six hours. The whole time though I kept thinking about what might be biting. That’s right nothing like ending a Friday with a night session of fishing. Of course I struggled to set my rig, because we all forgot to bring headlamps and flashlights. Failure to have light present made threading hooks and bait quite a chore. I finally got a line in the lake after struggling with my tackle for a half hour or so in the dark. I figured the best solution with no light on the shoreline was to crack a light, light beer that is. I didn’t catch any fish, but I did catch a buzz.

Saturday, August 1: The next thing I know August creped its head into the picture. I figure time waits for no one, and it won’t wait for me! There’s no time to slow down, it’s summertime for crying out loud! Saturday’s agenda included a 9-hole match of Frisbee golf with Marcus Busey and Luke Spoon, A couple rides on the Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain, BBQ at Teddy DeStrings and a mellow cruise across Metcalf Bay on a kayak. The early afternoon Busey, Spoon and I discovered a great course with official markers, tee boxes and disc baskets for a competitive game of Frisbee golf. Spoon won the match, but I came in a close second place. Lots of great laughs and good times were had by all.

On the way back to town we decided to get a quick kick in the shorts with a couple rides on the Alpine Slide, Big Bear’s very own cement luge course. It’s fast and thrilling. Kids love the ride, but I think adults push it even harder to get a rush from the twisting turning speed course.

Later I went to Teddy’s BBQ and was pleased with his offer to let me take his kayak across Metcalf Bay for a sunset cruise. Once I began paddling I suddenly got into a Zen mode. I let the fresh air fill my lungs and I took in the site of water fowl and fishermen both on the shore and in boats. I was able to paddle where the larger pontoon boats were limited. Of course I paddled right into a thick mass of weeds, but that’s the great thing about kayaks. One can venture just about anywhere on a lake without any worries. 

Sunday, August 2: Sunday is the day of rest. I finally took a break from all the activities and just gelled out. I laid out on my easy chair on my deck, and took in the rays for a good old fashion sunbathing session. The problem is I should have put on some sunblock. I now have to deal with the discomfort of sunburn.

All this in one week, and I still haven’t put t a dent in Big Bear. This is just an inkling of the recreation and activities that Big Bear has to offer. I’ll admit this has been one loooooong bloooooog. But it’s important to get the word out that Big Bear is Southern California’s ultimate playground.. Be sure to visit BigBear.com to learn more about what’s happening this summer or anytime.

Get Outside,

Daniel Pea

Having spent the day inside, working way too hard playing a bit of catch up with the stacks of paper on my desk, I decided an evening paddle was in order. The winds had kicked up during the afternoon and I decided to launch from Boulder Bay - try my luck paddling toward the dam.

I made a bee-line out of the Bay, passing a lone fisherman in a float tube. Heading west I passed a family of ducklings as I made my way into Papoose Bay. The wind was stronger than I expected and turned my leisurely paddle into a bit of a workout. Considering where I had spent the day, I welcomed the challenge. Circling Treasure Island, I enjoyed the glass-like surface before turning around to follow the same course back to Boulder Bay.

As I rounded the point towards Papoose, the wind and waves from the wake of several boats in the area grabbed at my kayak. I pointed my bow in the direction they were traveling and checked the shore to gauge my speed. I was moving! Feeling the familiar tug of waves; their momentum lifted the kayak before sliding it down into the trough, pushing me forward: The surf forced me into a pattern of lift and slide, lift and slide, lift and slide. It lasted a while and I surfed into the center of the Bay. Hoping for the same opportunity I paddled toward the lip of Boulder Bay. Unfortunately, the ‘sets’ weren’t big enough to create the same surf sensation. But, the water had calmed considerably. My small wake cut the surface as I glided back into Boulder Bay.

Earning my Surf,
Glade Girl

Work related projects have taken me off the hill for a little while. As much as I love to travel, I always love coming home to Big Bear Lake. Sometimes I forget to truly appreciate the friendly smiling faces, the beautiful alpine scenery and the surrounding playground for adventurers that brought me to this little slice of paradise in the first place.

It is a fabulous thing to meet new people and experience new places and there’s no better way to truly grow as a human being than to travel. Being away from home and its familiar ways helps us understand the similarities and differences of other people and other cultures even in the good old US of A. It can be challenging sometimes if you don’t learn to roll with the punches and don’t worry about not having things “your way.” Occasionally you find out that you like someone else’s way better anyway.

When I returned from this last trip, as soon as I crossed the dam I felt that warm comfortable feeling of home sweet home. I encourage you to get out there and travel as much as possible, and as soon as you’re done having fun, we’ll see you back “home” in Big Bear Lake.

spreading the love,
Rev

One of the best hiking trails in Big Bear is undoubtedly the Pacific Crest Trail. There are many different areas to access this classic trail throughout the valley, yet often times it takes a good map and some off roading to get to the appropriate trailheads.

I’ve found one of the easiest access points to the PCT is off Highway 18 on the way to Lucerne Valley (the east end of Big Bear Valley). At approximately a half mile east of Baldwin Lake there is a spacious turnout on the south side of the road, and yet another smaller turnout on the north side of the road. There is plenty of room to park your vehicle. I suggest displaying a National Forest Adventure Pass. However, there is no signage at the turnouts that claim vehicles must display an Adventure Pass.

You could either choose to hike east or west. I prefer to hike west, but either way you will get a well maintained trail with plenty of great views. There is a portion of the trail that meanders along the rim of the mountain and overlooks Lucerne Valley. It is absolutely stunning. I like to hike about three miles and head back. However, one suggestion to extend your hike to get some great views is take Forest Service Road 3N69, which leads to Gold Mountain. Take this route to the peak for a fortifying hike and to get some spectacular panoramic views of Big Bear Valley and the high desert.

Happy Trails,

Daniel Pea     

Every time I venture out – whether it’s a quick run I can complete in under an hour or a full-blown adventure – I always take a look at my surroundings and appreciate how lucky I am to call Big Bear home. And sometimes, on those days where my motivation falters, I am just happy that I show up on time for that scheduled adventure.

Like this morning. I had big plans for a quick ride through the forest with enough speed and strength to complete a round trip mountain bike that would take us up Plantation trail, down Wet Dream and finish on Lower Cabin 89 in less than an hour and a half. Yet, ten minutes into our ride my rugged group of three realized each of us was beat and were honest enough to call “Uncle” on our original plan. Was I disappointed? Not really. Did I think I was wasting my time? No; how could meeting up with good friends in the brisk silence of early morning be a negative. While we didn’t do what we intended, we did have an awesome ride that took us on mild fire road to see Big Bear Lake’s newest adventure – a Zip Line – and discover a new trail that took us in an entirely different direction.

So, it got me thinking: Sometimes I feel like a weekend warrior and sometimes I don’t. Sometimes I enjoy the power of place more than the practice. If I deviate from the plan and, in the end, get the same results, who am I to judge. Bottom-line: An awesome morning spent exploring Big Bear is, in the end, an awesome morning spent exploring Big Bear. So whether you are visiting as a weekend warrior or as a casual observer, remember to stop and enjoy the power of this spectacular place. 

Earning my place,
Glade Girl