Big Bear

   Since it is now October we headed north for a few days in search of fall weather.  The San Bernardino Mountains are home to a great little town called Big Bear 7,000 feet up.  The Village is about the only place people gather in the area.  It is all of two blocks and has great shops and restaurants owned by the locals.  We stayed in a cozy cabin, called "Lone Pine", lakeside and had highs in the 70's and low 40's for our trip.  I was a little excited/nervous because hiking was in our plans and I had never gone before.  The first trail we did was Castle Rock Trail which went uphill for about 1.5 miles to end with stunning views of the mountains and of Big Bear Lake.  I did okay and am definitely not a fan of uphill hiking, but the views were worth it and I survived!  After working up a big appetite we ate at a local pizza parlor called Saucy Mama's.  Delicious! 

  We also spent some time boating on the lake which offers endless views of the mountains and their trees which are starting to change color for fall.  We saw lots of jumping fish that teased Charlie all afternoon.  Another hike we did was Champion Lodgepole Pine Trail.  At the end of this trail is one of the oldest Lodgepole Pines in the world at over 400 years old.  The mere size of this tree is amazing and definitely reminds you how small you are compared to mother nature.  The real adventure of this hike is getting to the trail.  You have to take a narrow dirt road up the side of the mountain for miles.  Good luck if you break done because civilization is far and cell phone service is non-existent.  Scary!!

   My favorite part of the trip was sitting fireside in our cozy cabin and drinking hot chocolate with my favorite guy and Charlie.  We don't get the chance to leave the windows open and enjoy a fire very often and it was so nice.  Big Bear was one of my favorite places we have traveled and would love to go back.    
 
Keep you posted,

<3 L