Saturday, June 1, 2013

Fun Day In Big Bear

Last night after my husband took care of all of the animals and watered the garden for me at home, he headed up here to Big Bear.  I was really glad to see him last night!  I slept much more soundly last night with him here.  We woke up this morning and had our coffee out on the deck.  It was warm and sunny.  We had fresh fruit and English Muffins for breakfast.  I had a fresh fruit parfait with yogurt and homemade granola.

We always like to feed the jays some peanuts, and watch their antics.
We decided to take the bikes out to the path on the other side of the lake.  So we loaded them up into the Yukon and brought them to the gas station to put air in the tires.
Then away we went on our adventure.  We drove to the start of the trail, for those of you familiar with Big Bear, over by the Discovery Center.  The lake was full of activity, and the picnic areas were getting full too.  There were several others on the path, and we kept saying how fun it would have been to have had the grandkids do this with us.
This path was beautifully carved out to travel along picturesque meadows, and thick forests of pines.  There were trickling creeks that snaked through the tall grass, and fed into the lake.
There were wooden bridges that carried us over these water ways.   And stunning views of the lake all along the path.
We saw several water skiiers, and many jet skiiers.  Lots of families were setting up for a day of fun on the lake, and we were sure wishing we had the boat up here!!
The lake with the ski resort directly behind, made such a beautiful photo.
The path carried us through the forest, and into an area where there had been many Western Blue Bird houses placed on the tall pines.
We found a shady spot in a picnic area, to rest for a bit.

After our rest, we rode our bikes through the boat launching area, and then kept on going to the end of the trail.
We came out of the trail on the Stanfield Cutoff, and there was a Fair going on at a school on the other side.  I thought this Fire Truck was beautiful, so I had to get a photo.
We took a moment to rest, and read the sign before heading back to the trail to finish our ride.
The ride back was a bit more difficult, and we had to use the gears on the bike to assist us over the hills.
When we reached the lot where our car was parked, we sat on a large pine stump for several minutes to catch our breath. 
On the way back, we drove across the Cutoff again, and there were fishermen everywhere!
I loved this ride, and we will be doing it again very soon!
By this time, we had worked up quite an appetite, and both of us wanted to go to Blanca's for one of her delicious burgers!
It sure did hit the spot!  We came back to the cabin and just layed around.   We decided to go to see a movie.  We went into town and saw Hangover 3.  Silly, not my kind of movie, but fun nonetheless!
We were walking along the village shops to our car, when suddenly Greg noticed that our good friends, Ron and Sue were right behind us!!!  They had eaten at a nearby restaurant, and were heading back to their hotel.  It was so nice to see them!  Ron and Sue have been dear friends of ours for many years.  It was just what the doctor ordered for us to  have a nice visit with them. We walked through the Village, and wound up going to Village Pizza and I had a sandwich, and we visited with Ron and Sue.  They will be going out on the lake in their boat tomorrow and invited us to come along.  So after we have breakfast, we will go out on the lake before cleaning up to head for home.  Can't wait!!!
I hope you enjoyed going along on our adventure with us today!!!
XO  Kris

22 comments:

Hanne said...

Oh I sure enjoyed it :) Seeing your photos makes me wanna go back to USA rigth now.....

priscilla said...

Your bike ride looked so fun ! Love riding my bike :) ..Glad you are having such a good time !

Holly said...

I just love the way you describe your days in words and beautiful pictures. Glad you are enjoying yourself. Sounds like a much needed little get away.

Dawn said...

I want to know how you controlled your camera on a bike ride? Mine is so heavy I would surely crash trying to use it while peddling:)

From the Kitchen said...

After that bike ride, you deserved that hamburger. What a great way to spend the day.

Best,
Bonnie

Mereknits said...

I think this trip was just what the doctor ordered for you, peace and quiet, beautiful things to see, spending time with your husband and getting away.
So glad you took us along.
Meredith

45th Parallel Quilter said...

GREAT way to spend the day ... perfect! Thanks for sharing with all of us ;-) Linda

Nicolle said...

I'm glad you are enjoying your weekend. It's good for the soul! Your breakfast looks yummy, and so does that burger. I would love to be up there exploring with you...one of my favorite things to do. Enjoy the boat ride today. I'm happy that you've had some alone time. xo

Betsy said...

Wonderful pictures and I'm so happy you're enjoying your get away. You two certainly have more energy than I do. My idea of exercise is to walk along to lake for a mile or so. :-). What fun to run I to friends along the way. There is a serendipity to it all!
Blessings,
Betsy

Claudia said...

Love seeing these photos of Big Bear. I miss that beautiful place. We used to see Stellar Jays when we stayed in Lake Arrowhead and we loved them so much that we bought a framed hand painted tile with a jay on it.

xo
Claudia

Poppy said...

Hi Kris,

What a fun trip you are having! Isn't great when you run into friend away from home; so serendipitous! Thanks for the highlights!

Poppy

Pammy Sue said...

Ahh...the fresh air and exercise will do you so much good! Sounds like a perfectly fun day and the food scrumptious! Mmm, that burger looks good!

Teresa Kasner said...

Kris.. I'm so glad you got to go up there and have the fresh breezes blow the cobwebs out.. and it sounds romantic for the 2 of you too.. and the boat ride.. lucky!! Can't wait to see photos! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Linda said...

What a lovely day you and Greg had...
I used to go to the cottage by myself all the time...not so much anymore...
I get spooked when I am alone!!!
Love all the wool purchases...I scored a bunch of gingham ends...each 2-3 yards...CHEAP!!!
I want to make Vivian a Raggedy Ann, so the gingham will come in handy!!

Glad you are better...
Talk soon...

Cheers!
Linda :o)

Gloria Baker said...

The pics are beautiful IM happy you really enjoyed!!xo

Astri said...

How fun and then to hook up with good friends too. Wonderful!

Unknown said...

I'm guessing you know my favorite part of this post. Now that those tires are filled, I will be waiting to hear about your next ride and just what your favorite brand of biking shorts are.....you know it's all about the shorts.... I will spend major $$$$ on shorts and wear a top from Wally World. What fun to see Big Bear from a bike. I could go on and on, but I'm out the door for jazz.. you know they have free weekends all month. just saying....hehehe

Elisabeth said...

Great photos! It looks like you had the perfect day. That burger looks soooooo good :)

Pam said...

It sounds like a much needed relaxing getaway for you! Great photos - it looks like such a beautiful place. I am glad you ran into your friends!

Kerri said...

What a fun weekend. I love how you describe everything so beautifully....except for the "creeks that snaked throught the tall grass." That creeped me out a bit!
Your burger looks delish!

Lindz said...

Ahhh...now I'm itching to go to Big Bear!! :) How have I never heard of this trail you rode your bikes on?!?!!? That looks like so much fun! I'm gonna have to look into it and take the kids some day!! :)

Lindz said...

Oh and that burger from Blanca's looks DELISH! Genn is always saying how good Blanca's is....I can't wait to try it! :)