Big Bear Blog

Let’s face it, some of us are creatures of the night. Just the other night the call of the wild lured me into the darkened forest for a hike to the top of Castle Rock. My buddy, Danny Morale, and I set out to conquer Castle Rock Trail a little after 9 p.m. Foolish some might say, but a true outdoor adventurer knows a nighttime hike is a real treat. 

At first it seemed a bit intimidating, not knowing what might be lurking out there. However, the only thing waning in the midst of the cool September night was a mellow half moon and sleepy pine trees.

We parked my truck at a turnout on Hwy 18, about one mile east of Big Bear Dam.  The west end of Big Bear Lake at this time of night is practically asleep, with the exception of nocturnal animals of course.

We saw four raccoons at Danny Morale’s house before we set out for our adventure. Next, we saw a coyote staring us down at the edge of the highway near the trailhead. Of course, we know one coyote is not a threat. It’s when there are three or more in a pack that raises the level of caution! Nonetheless, the coyote went about his business sniffing the ground in search of road kill or some other furry delicacy. 

Up ahead the trailhead shimmered in the moonlight. It was a half moon, but provided enough support to help us find our way. Obviously, moonlight acts as a natural guide for nighttime hikes; but it’s also important to know some basic essentials before setting out into the dark, untamed forest. First, one should experience a trail in the daylight before wondering aimlessly at night. Without any knowledge of a trail beforehand may leave a hiker reliant on pure instinct, which could take away the enjoyment of the hike. Familiarity of a trail on the other hand gives one security, confidence and less stress. In this case, Danny and I both know Castle Rock Trail by the back of our hands, so navigation was not an issue.

Another important factor for night hikes is never go alone. Make sure to do the trek with a friend or at least a canine companion.  Remember, the more folks on a trip, usually means more fun all around. Even if you are hiking with a group of people it is always wise to let a family member or comrade know where you plan to hike and how long you’ll be gone.

Headlamps are another essential. These handy devises give nighttime hikers more assurance and free hands. The reason I like free hands is because I prefer to hike with hiking sticks. Other important tools for the hike includes a hydration pack filled with water, a pocketknife, cell phone, a pullover and a pair of workout or mountain bike gloves. 

One benefit of hiking to Castle Rock at night is the numerous directional signs posted on trees and rocks to direct hikers on the right path. Every 100 yards are so our headlamps picked up the signage, which helped us find our destination.
It took us about 15 to 20 minutes to get to the base of Castle Rock. From there, we “freestyled” to the top of the towering boulders and witnessed a view of Big Bear Lake that most people will probably never see. A light mountain breeze briskly swept through causing us to zip up our pullovers. It was a clear night and we could see the silhouettes of the north shore’s south facing slopes with just enough illumination from house lights around the valley. We sat in amazement as we observed a grand view of the alpine lake resting quietly beneath a starry sky.  

Getting There:
Castle Rock Trail is about 1 mile east of Big Bear Dam on the south side of Big Bear Blvd. (Hwy 18) Just across from Papoose Bay. Parking is about 40 yards east of the trailhead on the north side of Big Bear Blvd. (Hwy. 18) at the highway turnout.  

Howl at the Moon,

Daniel Pea

Hallelujah brethren!
Welcome to the Temple of the Perpetual Pedal.
Draw near and hear the word.
Yes my brothers and sisters, the path I’ll ask you to tread is narrow. It will be long.
It will be steep with many tempting shortcuts. You will suffer and you will sweat.
These things I cannot deny!
But have faith ye of small aerobic capacity.
Press on my tiny calved friends, for you shall harvest the fruits of your labors.
Be diligent in your crusade to the summit. Do not be fooled by false peaks.
Ignore the demons pounding in your ears, screaming in your brain…
“Turn around it’s too far…Go back it’s too hot!”
Shout out, get behind me Satan of sloth!
Yea though I crank through the valley of shade-less death, I will fear no bonk
for I have hydrated and I have eaten.
Then we shall dig down deep within our souls and chant, “I think I can, I think I can”.
 
And when we ascend to the top of our mountain we’ll take a moment of silence
catch our breath and give thanks to our fine machines.
As we gaze at the city below we know in our hearts that we have risen above the slothful and the degenerate. We endure the wicked conditions and then stand before the entrance to the glorious singletrack nirvana. Go now, bomb forth! Enjoy my devoted flock enjoy!
Let your spirits be filled with the sound of slapping chain and bouncing rubber.
May you clean every switchback and unclippeth not.
May air come between your wheels and the ground and may the descent be hairy scary and safe.

I realize that some of you will not be back 
you will find comfort on the couch and solace in the remote.
When asked of your faith you will look to the ground attempting to hide your shame.
You will stutter as you try to explain…I…I…I used to ride. But the obvious guilt of non-riding will reflect on your face like a freshly chromed fender in the sunlight.
Don’t try to make excuses, no explanation needed.
For the rest of us will be here next Sunday and the Sunday after that. And if you show up here and find no one, you can be sure we’re out there somewhere. And we’ll be prayin’ for ya !

Amen,
The Rev

Today, I learned some interesting facts about the Serrano Indians who once inhabited the San Bernardino Mountains. The Serranos, which means “Mountain People,” used various natural resources to live off the fat of the land.

The Serranos used acorns from California black oaks to make a nourishing meal. They dried the acorns and then grinded the nuts with a long rounded grinding stone into a fine flour. The flour was then placed in a reed basket, and then poured water over the flour to filter out tannic acids. The flour was then boiled to make an oatmeal-type of cereal that was used as a main source for their diets.

Another important plant the Serranos used for dietary needs was serviceberry bushes. They picked the tiny apple-like fruits and either ate the fruits fresh, or made jellies, jams and wine with the sweet and luscious fruits. In addition, the branches of the serviceberry bushes are straight and durable, which were ideal for arrow shafts.

Pinyon pines are plentiful in the San Bernardino Mountains. The Serranos used the pine nuts from pinyon pines as a source of protein. The nuts were eaten raw, roasted, brewed as soups for infants and baked into cakes. The pine pitch was also a valuable resource used to cure colds, sore throats and heal cuts.

Speaking of healing powers, the yerba santa shrubs were brewed up as an herbal remedy for colds, asthma and nausea. The early settlers and gold miners in Big Bear Valley referred to the leaves as “Indian Chewing Gum.”

One more fascinating aspect about Serrano Indians, is the women used western juniper bark for making skirts. This makes since because the bark is stringy and easy to peel from the trees.

I suggest you purchase a book about the trees of the San Bernardino Mountains, which you can pick up at Big Bear Discovery Center. Use the book as a guide as you explore the woods to identify the trees the Serranos used for dietary resources and other uses.

Peace,

Daniel Pea

9/18/07

Fishing is starting to change towards Fall Patterns
 
Trout
Fishing was only fair this week, and very unpredictable as to lure selection and fish location. The dissolved oxygen by the dam is to low for fish to survive, so unless the MWD turns on the aerator, don’t waste your time fishing there! Fish from Boulder Bay to Gillner Point, and from the surface down to four colors. Rapalas, Needlefish, Helgi’s, and Dick Nite Spoons are all effective. Bait fishermen that are drifting slip bobber rigs from Boulder to Metcalf Bay are catching their share of fish on Nitro Bait, Power Bait, and night crawlers.
 
Bluegill & Crappie
Fish around the docks and brush for good Bluegill action with a bobber & meal worm. Try deeper water points, 15′ to 20′ for crappie.
 
Catfish
September thru October are your best chance to catch a Big Bear Bruiser Catfish! Fish heavy mono (15 lb. to 20 lb. test) to have the best chance to catch a big one. Night crawlers, shrimp, chicken livers, mackerel all produce.
 
FishBigBear.com

Vacationers who like to keep fit while on vacation should check out the Alpine Pedal Path located on the North Shore of Big Bear Lake. The paved asphalt path is great for morning jogs, afternoon bike rides or leisurely walks in the evenings. The trail is about 3 ½ miles-long one way. The course is rated easy to very easy, yet ideal for a good, solid workout.

It offers slight meanderings and gentle slopes, which begins at Stanfield Cutoff. The majority of the route edges the lake and winds through key interest points like Meadows Edge Park, Serrano Campground and The Solar Observatory. The path ends at the west end of North Shore Lane just past the Solar Observatory.

I like to jog the Pedal Path early mornings at sunrise. This is the ideal time to get a great run in without much pressure on my body. I park at the East Boat Launch Ramp located just west of Stanfield Cutoff. Most of the parking areas are for vehicles with boat trailers, so be sure to park in the appropriate designated parking spot for your vehicle.

The Alpine Pedal Path is open to the public and open year round. You will even see people in the heart of winter walking the path or even snowshoeing if the path is covered with snow. I’ve seen people take advantage of the Pedal Path for various reasons. Some choose speed walking; others ride bikes; some people choose to walk their dogs on the path; and of course some like to run. I’ve met some skiers who like to run the course to train for the winter ski season.

There is no excuse to not stay fit while on vacation in Big Bear Lake. Vacationers who want a workout without staring at four walls or expensive gym equipment should consider Alpine Pedal Path to enjoy great scenery, wildlife and clean, fresh air.

Woodland Interpretive Trail
For an extended workout, or if you want to get a little more in tune with nature, check out the Woodland Interpretive Trail just across the Street from the East Boat Launch Ramp. It is an interpretive trail with 20 posted markers, ideal for families and young children. Pamplets are available at the beginning of the trail. You can learn about flora, wildlife and the geology of the woodland area. The trail is a 1 ½ mile loop that is rated easy with mild inclines. 

Enjoy!
Daniel Pea
9/9/07

Showers on Saturday and Sunday gave way to clear skies on Monday making for a great holiday ending ride for the 14 mountain bikers that showed up for “Cheryl’s” ride. Cheryl’s a long time local that knows the mountain well and has ridden most of the trails if not all of them and has a knack for piecing together great rides. When I heard she was planning an early morning epic, I knew I shouldn’t miss it.

We met at 6:30 am at a turn out off Highway 38 and headed up into the mountains. From there it was fun watching the long train of riders roll out and up the climb to start our ride and hear the sounds of crunching leaves under tires and the laughter of other riders echoing through the trees ahead. This group was only serious about one thing, not being serious!  From jeep roads to single-track the trail conditions were nearly as perfect as you could ask for and everyone was playing like little kids riding through the neighborhood.

There’s no end to the routes you can put together up here and it was fun having someone else leading the way with no worries about where we’re going or what time I had to be back. After 3 1/2 hours of railing some of Big Bears funnest and finest we popped out back at the cars with a tired and hungry group. Now that’s the perfect way to spend a holiday! Hope yours was fun too. See you in Big Bear soon!

September began with just about every kind of weather, that Mother Nature could throw at us. Calm-beautiful mornings that changed to thunder & lightning storms in the afternoon.

Trout:
Trout Fishing is still very good on the western half of the lake for trolling. Best times of day remain from about 10:00 am until 4:00 PM in the afternoon. The depth of water you fish right now is critical for success, and changes just about every day and some days by the hour.
Every day I’m on the lake I catch fish using straight mono with a Rapala (try gold/black, silver/black, rainbow, and brook trout # 3 & # 5.) I fish up to six rods on my boat, and will fish up to three of them just under the surface with a Rapala!
On the other rods, I will set one at one & half colors, then two and tree colors, until I start catching fish.
Because the weather can constantly change during the week, so will the lures that work. When it is sunny Rapalas (silver/black & rainbow), Needlefish (nickel/bikini & gold/bikini), Helgi’s (silver & gold), Dick Nite Spoons (silver & Gold) work the best. When it is over cast Rapalas (gold/black & Brook Trout), Needlefish ( red dot frog, cop car, and copper), and Dick Nite Spoons (purple & copper) were catching fish.
Bait fisherman using slip bobbers drifting from Boulder Bay to Metcalf Bay are doing well on Nitro Bait, Power Bait, and Night Crawlers. Fish from 8′ to 12′.
 
Bluegill
Fishing is very good. Fish around brush & docks with a bobber & meal worm.
 
Crappie
Not many angler’s targeting this fish. Fish the points and from 10′ to 25′ of water during the day, or under a floating light at night for best success.
 
Catfish
Rainy weather really gets the catfish going. Catfishing through out September will be exellent, and is also the time of year to catch the “Big Cats!” Grout Bay, to Juniper Point, and Eagle Point are good places to try. Night crawlers, shrimp, chicken livers, stink bait, and mackerel are the top baits. This is the time of year to fish 15 lb. to 20 lb. test line to land the big ones!
 
Good Luck!
Curt Dills

Big Bear Lake Fish Report

It’s the last week before Labor Day, and the California Department of Fish & Game must have stocked a ton of fish for the weekend. Fishing this week has been good all week especially in the afternoon.
The fish are biting from the surface down to four colors during the middle of the day. Helgy’s, Needlefish & Dick Nite Spoons have been taking most of the fish for trollers, and Nitro Bait, Power Bait, and Night Crawlers are catching fish for the bait fishermen.
Blue Gill are plentiful all over the lake, with meal worms taking most of them.
Catfish are also good on the points and flats; try shrimp or night crawlers for best results.

Curt Dills