2019 Road Trip – Big Bear and Palm Springs
During Fall, 2018, we started to research our 2019 Road Trip. The thought was to still drive, but to maybe fly somewhere first and then drive. This would allow more time at each location. Our thoughts were (1) fly to Denver and then Road Trip to Mount Rushmore, Devils’ Tower and Old Faithful (Yellowstone National Park), or (2) fly to Denver and then Road Trip to Steamboat Springs, Aspen, Crested Butte, Telluride, Breckenridge and Vail. We could not decide and then we came up with another idea.
In January, 2019 we decided to KYLE (Keep Our Life Exciting), by taking a road trip and visiting Southern California’s Big Bear Lake and Palm Springs. We will be doing things a little bit differently by flying to/from Los Angeles and then starting our Road Trip.
We are looking at the Fall, because the hiking will be better, when it is not as hot. We are also looking at events in each location.
We have found that Big Bear Lake has an Oktoberfest celebration that runs weekends from September thru November. This sounds like a fantastic way to KYLE, so we are planning the dates around Oktoberfest.
The tentative itinerary is as follows:
Saturday … October 12 …. fly out and Big Bear Lake
Sunday … October 13 … Big Bear Lake
Monday … October 14 …. Big Bear Lake
Tuesday … October 15 …. Joshua Tree
Wednesday … October 16 …. Joshua Tree
Thursday … October 17 …. Joshua Tree
Friday … October 18 …. fly home
TO BE CONTINUED …
Well, we’re off !!!!
The flight from Houston to LAX was uneventful … thank goodness ! We had a Budget Rental Car reserved at LAX. It was the compact size. The agent was nice enough to upgrade us to a Ford Explorer 4-wheel drive for a slight upgrade fee. I was reluctant, at first, but WOW , what a nice vehicle and we took it off-road in both Big Bear and Joshua Tree … SECRET … rent a 4-wheel drive vehicle if going to these places.
On the way to Big Bear Lake, we stopped in Hollywood. We saw the Dolby Theater, the Hollywood Stars on the sidewalk, Mann’s Chinese Theater,the Hollywood sign and the El Capitan Theater. Nice to see these landmarks, but crowded and a lot of hustle and bustle. Couldn’t wait to leave and head to the mountains.
Made it to Big Bear Lake and Cool Cabins. The check-in at Cool Cabins was easy. Our cabin wasn’t ready (we were early), but we were told that we would get a call when it was available. So, we headed to THE VILLAGE at Big Bear Lake to start exploring.
No sooner than we got there, we were told that our cabin, Ski Bunny Lodge, was ready. So, we left the village and headed to the cabin. The cabin was less than 1/2 mile from the village. An easy walk ! The cabin was fantastic … private , rustic and a hot tub !
Next, we headed to the grocery store to pick up supplies … firewood, munchies and wine !
That night we walked to THE VILLAGE and went to 572 SOCIAL for dinner. Outdoor seating, live music, and great atmosphere ! California Burger, Ahi Tuna Tacos and California wine. The Astros had just beaten the Dodgers in the American League Division Series ans since they had Dodger Ale on the menu, I felt obligated to give them something back! SECRET … go to 572 Social for dinner ! Walked back to the cabin, enjoyed the hot tub under full moon and called an end to the first day !
Day 2 … decided to hike the Champion Lodge Pole Pine Trail. A 1/2 mile hike to a 110 foot tall pine tree, but it was 5 miles off rogt to the trilad, and I mean … off road … to the trail head. Thank goodness we had 4 wheel drive vehicle . After the hike, it was Oktoberfest time ! Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest was FANTASTIC ! The atmosphere, the people, the food, the weather … EVERYTHING was perfect … SECRET … go to Oktoberfest at Big Bear Lake !
Day 3 … walked to THE VILLAGE for crepes and eggs for breakfast … then drove to the Alpine Pedal Path trail in the San Bernadino National Forest …. the Pine Knot Trail that wemt along the north side of Big Bear Lake … Beautiful … a must do trail. Next we went to Castle Rock Trail … you park off of the side of the road, to the trailhead. The trail is short , but strenuous and trail markings are minimal … but the view at the top is breathtaking … another must do trail. Dinner was at Saucy Mama’s Pizzeria … A Cajun pizza with shrimp and andoille sausage … unusual and very good … again, walked back to the cabin and enjoyed the hot tub !
Day 4 …