We had planned a trip to Big Bear a week or so before we went because . . . it was still snowing up there. None of us wish to actually do snow again in the near future. Or at least not if we can avoid it.
On Wednesday the 16th we loaded up into the trusty jeep and headed up the mountain.
It was sure nice to see mountains and green and trees again.
Approaching the summit.
Once over the summit you have a view of the Lucerne Valley to the north.
I had only been to Big Bear once before: in November of 1979 and even then only hit the other side of the lake. I was surprised to find that Big Bear City is actually a city. The population was reported as 12,304 in 2010 and it has most assuredly even larger now.
Primary destination: Big Bear Brewing for beer and lunch.
"Nancy" (points to name badge) offered to take our picture in the tank room.
The beers are ok. We shared a flight first to make sure we tested them all. The food, however, was great.
BUFFALO BLUE FLATBREAD
RED ALE BBQ BURGER
After eating we continued on around the lake.
The lake level is still low.
This burned out stone mansion overlooks the dam.
The dam which creates the lake.
People were fishing but not catching. The ducks didn't mind the cold water.
Rather than going back the way we had come we made a loop and headed down the hill to Lucerne Valley in the high desert.
When Tom saw the "16% grade" sign he pulled off to survey the road.
Up the hill we found a very small pet cemetery. Winnie's grave is recent.
Part of the way down we found an off-road area which will be worth checking out another time.
Several varieties of cholla abound in the area.
In previous years we had never managed to be here when the Joshua Trees are blooming.
The blooms are high overhead so it's hard to catch their magnificence. Each is about the size of a pineapple.
Baby Joshua Tree.
And on down the road.
Not the best route for an RV if you are thinking of camping up there.
