This past Saturday was National Get Outdoors Day. There is no better place in Southern California to get out and enjoy the great outdoors like Big Bear Lake. The activities are abounding in the Big Bear Valley, which makes it a natural “timberland playground” for outdoor enthusiasts. Choices range from boating, mountain biking, sailing, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, rock climbing and so on. 

A hike in the woods is an intimate way to connect with nature and celebrate a healthy lifestyle. I decided on a sunset hike on Pine Knot Trail, which is easily one of Big Bear’s top five hiking trails. Pine Knot Trail offers a high degree of splendor with towering Jeffery pines, shady black oaks and welcoming white firs. Of course with this many trees it’s a natural magnet for birds. The orchestration of chirps, songs, tweets and whistles were boundless as I trekked through the verdant surroundings. 

I chose to do a sunset hike because I was hopeful to see a red sky. The reason is I plan to go fishing today. I wanted to ensure that a red sky at night would surely bring a sailor’s delight today for a great day of fishing on the lake. Sure enough when I reached a peak that overlooks the lake the sky to the west was brilliant with shades of blush, pinks, and crimson. It was indeed a sign that a sailors delight was in the forecast. Red Sky at Night Sailor's Delight

I’ll be sure to follow up with a fishing report to see if the red skies really play a role in a delightful day on the lake. Whatever the case is I’m sure to enjoy another day in Southern California’s ultimate playground.

Get Outdoors,
Daniel Pea