The view from the base of the tower.
The view from the base of the tower.
I also liked the near view. The sap dripping from
the pinecones sparkled
in the sunlight like icicles.
Leaving Keller Peak, we meandered to Green Valley Lake,
a tiny resort area that reminded me a bit of Cacapon.
We had lunch at a little family-run restaurant. The food
was fine, but it seemed as though the cook did one entire
order, start to finish, before beginning the next.
Everyone was friendly, but it took a while. Then we decided
to try a back road into Big Bear. Miles of lovely
dirt road ensued.
We stopped to better appreciate this rock formation.
I love the terrain at this elevation.
Glen checks the mirror after having to pull it in
to allow several vehicles to pass us. We had to
back up on several occasions to find a spot
wide enough for two vehicles.
This is one of two springs by the side of the road that actually had
water. We were told later that this road
was the main access to Big Bear years ago,
and the springs were used to water the horses.
Then on to another fire tower.
This is Butler Peak Fire Tower.
Because these stairs clung to the rock, I was
able to manage them with no vertigo. There
were a lot of people visiting this tower; we
had to wait a few minutes for our turn. They don't
have room or support for more than 5 visitors at
a time.
Big Bear Lake, as seen from the tower.
The hummingbird feeder is worth seeing, too.
Big Bear airport.
View from the fire tower trail as we
hiked back down to the car. We finally got
to our motel (Big Bear Frontier),
around 5pm.
We strolled around the marina, which had been moved
further into the lakebed to maintain water access.
The lake level was drastically lower and this dredge and
others are apparently kept busy.
A larger dredge was parked near the boat launch.
On Sunday morning, we walked through the Village, several
blocks of quaint shops. Then we decided to investigate the
Big Bear Museum.
The chuck wagon was parked out in front.
A lot of larger items lined the fences. This
is a coal mine car.
A pair of chainsaws.
Just for Alan, an old-style grader.
This large rock crusher was used to
process gold ore.
A genuine 2-holer.
Seats could be attached to this truck to carry
passengers to and from Big Bear.
The toolman checks out the equipment.
The long green object is a vacuum cleaner. You had to
pump it up to make it work.
This dress was hand-tatted. A challenge to Aunt Wendy!
Doll carriage. Some things never go out of style.
We left Big Bear via Route 38 and Onyx Pass, at 8443' it's
the highest paved road pass in Southern California.
Coming down through Barton Flats, we tried yet another dirt road.
Venturing into the town of Forest Falls, we discovered Mill Creek.
The surprise of Forest Falls, though, is the set of waterfalls.
Water tumbles down at least two big drops and happily
gurgles steps down the narrow canyon. With this much
water at the end of August, we can only guess how
spectacular the falls are in the spring.
Look way up for the top of the cliff around this little canyon.
Me want decorative log!
Nice wood grain.
And I'll finish with pretty flowers.