I took a surge into the Inland Empire this weekend. Don’t ask! I entered the lowlands at night, not aware of what was ahead. About 10 a.m. the next day is when I started to feel it. A crashing wave of heat, pure heat! It’s the kind of heat you roast a turkey in. In fact it takes about four or five hours to fully cook a turkey, and it seems this is what the sun had in mind on this day. That’s right I was a turkey for leaving the mountains and taking a chance in the scorching valley, a.k.a. “The Oven!”

By 1 p.m. I had enough, I scratched my plans and headed east back to Big Bear to get refuge from the distaining feeling of stickiness and sweat. I knew it was best to retreat to a place that is cool and placid. Big Bear is at high altitude, which is why it’s cooler than down below. The temps in the Inland Empire were in the high 90s if not 100 degrees. Big Bear was a mellow 75 or so. In fact, that evening I put on a flannel to warm up a bit.

I figured I was a cooked turkey in the Inland Empire, but when I got to Big Bear I was leftover turkey in the refrigerator. I tell you it was much more cool and comfortable in the fridge.

I truly feel for the people down below. Big Bear however, is such a close place for Southern Californians to getaway from the heat. Big Bear’s cool lake is brimming to the top and offers great shoreline relaxation and plenty of activities on the lake. There is SOOOO MUCH SHADE, too. The Big Bear Valley must have a million trees or more to provide plentiful amounts of shade. (This is an element So Cal beaches do not offer).

My suggestion is if you live off the mountain and you know a heat wave is coming, you should make plans to escape to Big Bear Lake. Generally Big Bear is about 15 to 20 degrees cooler than the valleys below, especially the San Fernando Valley, Lancaster, The High Desert, the Inland Empire and Palm Springs! Even if it’s just a daytrip, make plans to leave early and depart late. This way you avoid the scorch.

If you are worried about gas prices, don’t fret! The Big Bear Lake Resort Association offers guests who stay overnight a free $25 gas card. In fact those who want to escape the heat for five days or more will receive a free $100 gas card. Not too shabby. What a bargain, not only will you get out of the blistering heat, but you’ll have free gas in your tank!   

It’s Cooler Up Here,

Daniel Pea