Big Bear Blog

I didn’t get the chance to snowshoe on Monday when Big Bear was getting dumped on. The conditions were windy and at some points blizzard-like. It was much more comfortable to stay inside next to a fireplace reading my Tom Robbins book.

However, come Tuesday I took a two and a half hour lunch, went to Goldsmith’s Boardshop and rented a pair of shoes for just $10. Well worth it.

I figured since I was on my own (something I don’t advise) that I would go to a trail or area that I am quite familiar with, rather than try someplace new. I did inform people who I know dearly the general area where I would be. So I at least kept people in tune where I would be. 

My first thought was Pine Knot Trail, but for some reason I just didn’t feel the vibe. Maybe it was because there were a handful of sledders tearing it up with their sleds, including some three year old child who was balling his head off. Crying kids and snowshoeing don’t match. The best part about snowshoeing is the solitude and silence of the forest.

So I decided to go up Mill Creek Road a bit to Cabin 89 trail. I was surprised to see the road leading to Cabin 89 was plowed. I parked my truck and was just starting to put on my shoes, when soon enough a fellow at cabin 106, across the way shouted out from his patio “Your on a driveway!”

I guess I was parked on “his” driveway. It was the first time in three years that I actually saw someone occupying one of the US Forest Service leased cabins. I figured this wasn’t a good vibe either, so I backed out and headed toward 2N10 near Cedar Lake cabin.

The road was gated up, but that doesn’t mean it’s closed to snowshoeing. I strapped on the shoes and made my way up the road. The road was well plowed which made the trek a bit easier. After 100 yards or so I recognized the magic of snowshoeing, which is the uncanny silence of the woods.

I was not the first to test out the fresh snow either. In fact, I saw several snowshoe prints and a couple of cross-county ski tracks. This area looks like prime cross-county skiing territory, and I plan to rent a set of cross-country skis at Goldsmith’s next week. 

I hiked in about two miles or so and just let nature ring in my ears. It was great to see evergreens encrusted with snow and sunbeams glistened on the white, crystalline surface. The only wildlife I witnessed was a few squirrels. I hiked off the main road in hopes I would see other wildlife, or at least a variety of different animal tracks. No such luck. No sign off wildlife and the only tracks I found were cross county ski tracks and squirrel tracks.

It was a great trip nonetheless. The best part about it was I burned a few calories and definitely got a good afternoon workout.

May the peace of snow be with you,

Daniel Pea