Had a great time exploring the Sequoia National forest
Hume lake fishing day
Chip and I Morro rock
T-minus one – to Sequoia / Kings Canyon National Park
My husband loves to fish – find me a kick ass hiking trail and I’m a happy girl. This National Park gives us everything an active, or not so active, couple could ask for! 
Link to NPS website: http://www.nps.gov/seki/historyculture/index.htm
“Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks contain big trees, high peaks, and deep canyons, but the diversity goes far beyond that. Located in the southern Sierra Nevada range, the parks’ elevations extend from 1,300 feet (418m) in the foothills to 14,491 feet (4,417m) at the summit of Mount Whitney, the highest mountain in the contiguous 48 states. Plunging in the opposite direction far below the surface are over 200 marble caverns, many with endemic cave fauna. This huge variation in the landscape contributes to the collage of habitats that create a rich assemblage of terrestrial, aquatic and subterranean ecosystems. Here one can observe a vast diversity of plants and animals representing an array of adaptations.”
Did You Know?
The mid-elevation Sierra coniferous forest supports a remarkable diversity of tree species. Here ponderosa pine, incense-cedar, white fir, sugar pine, and scattered groves of giant sequoia intermix , forming one of the most extensive stands of old-growth coniferous forest remaining in the world.
Super excited to head out tomorrow – photos to follow !
Happy trails…………………
Newport Beach Wedge. 2013 and Bonfire HB.
Mike
Anza-Borrego
Nice weekend in Anza – always nice to hit the pools of Agua Caliente County Park after a day of hiking in the canyons.
We went in search of the infamous Mud Caves and what a hidden gem that was! Long tunnels through the canyons of the park – armature hikers and get quite a ways before you have to “commit” to the tighter caverns (I backed out at that point) but even kids were going the distance!
The Wind Caves are a little bit of a hike – but worth it if it’s not too hot out yet – great views and a few places to chill – cooler at the top than in the canyon below.
We met up with a group of “Jeep-ers 4×4” (and a few Broncos) – they pushed our little Cherokee to the limits – With “Diablo Drop” and a field of boulders, we had to work to get to civilization again – but what a blast! Kudos to my husband, Chip, who made it all seem easy.
Some of the wildflowers are popping; although, not like we have seen in past years. Some splashes of yellow with the Brittlebush flourishing – some apricot mallows and a few reds / penstimons
The Barrel cactus are flowering the the Ocatillo are popping their red flowers at the top / sometimes covering an entire range, painting the desert a beautiful color – especially at sunsets.
http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/parks/Camping/agua_caliente.html
Went to Church in Borego Springs – a great area to visit – this time of year Anza Borego Rocks –
Don’t forget a stop in Julian for some pie!
Zion National Park – March 1 2013
Zion National Park is one of my favorite spots – When we ski in Brian head, a day trip through the canyon is a “must do” – We’ll be heading there next week so wanted to get prepped and primed with my geological and Botanical information.
I have hiked many of the back trails in the area – the Red Rocks, Slot Canyons, and Flora/Fauna are some of the most amazing in the world.
Geology – Zion National Park is located along the edge of a region known as the Colorado Plateau. The rock layers have been uplifted, tilted, and eroded, forming a feature called the Grand Staircase, a series of colorful cliffs stretching between Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon. The bottom layer of rock at Bryce Canyon is the top layer at Zion, and the bottom layer at Zion is the top layer at the Grand Canyon.
An amazing place -we go time and time again. Been pretty lucky in the Big Horned Sheep sightings – especially on East side of Park (by the tunnel) –
Safe travels…
Ponderosa – Stay in a covered wagon
Dripping Cavern
Dripping Cavern – pretty cool hike above it (switchbacks / Observation Pt)
Check this out – Virtual Hike to Angel’s Landing – cool
Big Bear, CA – Info and History
Stealing a nice piece written by Ringo Boitano (http://travelingboy.com/archive-travel-ringo-bigbear.html)
We’ll be up in Big Bear this weekend skiing – I thought this was a cool blog about the history and basic information about the area.
Happy New Year 2013 !
Barb and Chip
Hitting the Slopes at
Big Bear Lake
Story by Ringo Boitano
Photos courtesy of Big Bear Mountain Resorts
‘ve said it before and I’ll say it again: We are blessed to be living in Southern California. Sure, we get our share of natural disasters, but living in a paradise does have its cost. In the Southland there is such a plethora of daily attractions that it is mind-boggling. Where else can you go swimming at a wide, sandy beach and then go skiing on a world-class mountain the very same day – and that’s in the month of January. That world-class ski destination is Big Bear Mountain Resorts, which includes both Snow Summit Mountain and Bear Mountain ski areas. For less than a tank of gas from most areas in Southern California, you can be on the slopes, surrounded by the spectacular alpine beauty of the San Bernardino National Forest.
A Rugged History
For over a thousand years Big Bear Lake was the home of the Serrano Indians, who coined the area “Yuhaviat,” meaning “Pine Place.” In 1845, Benjamin Davis Wilson rode into Yuhaviat Valley with a posse to chase away the Serranos, who had been raiding ranches in Riverside. They discovered a flourishing grizzly bear population; an area ripe for the profitable hunting of grizzly bear fur – thus the name change to Big Bear Lake. William Holcomb sparked Big Bear Lake’s modern growth after he discovered gold in 1859. Legend has it that Holcomb wounded a bear, and in his search for the elusive creature, stumbled upon a vein of quartz flecked gold. He quickly switched profession from hunter to miner. Prospectors poured into the area, turning San Bernardino County into one of the most populated areas in Southern California. The gold rush only lasted 4 years, but Big Bear was now on the map. In 1885, the newly created lake at Big Bear drowned more than 9,000 trees, whose rotting stumps created a breeding ground for insects, providing an abundant food supply for the newly stocked trout. Big Bear Lake became a magnet for fisherman, and with the addition of a new ski resort in 1953, Big Bear Lake became a complete sportsperson’s paradise.
Snow Summit Ski School
“Well, it’s never too late to learn,” smiled the 60-something woman on my left. Yes, fully-geared in proper ski attire at the beginners’ school, I was ready to take instruction. To be honest, I probably could have been happy just standing there in the pristine powder, surrounded by my own winter wonderland of alpine forest splendor (no grizzly bears, though) with the jewel of the lake below at the east end of the valley. But I was more than ready to take my turn at the school. Snow Summit allow students to learn at their own pace, with an emphasis on keeping the learning experience enjoyable. That spoke to me in a personal way. With a strong emphasis on safety, the instructors made us understand that we were always in control of our actions. So much care was dedicated to the lessons that even the thought of injury was forgotten. An hour later I was taking baby runs down the slope. Soon I was basking in even better views from the beginners’ chairlift. At the end of the day it was obvious why the ski school is constantly rated one of the finest in North America. I was informed that there are no disappointments when you book your ski vacation only to hear a forecast of a lack of snow – for there’s always a consistent quality of snow due to two of the largest and most snowmaking systems in the world. It doesn’t hurt that Big Bear has virtually an unlimited natural resource for snowmaking with the lake below.
Bear Mountain Ski Resort, located two miles from Snow Summit, is connected via a free inter-mountain express shuttle service. One interchangeable lift ticket provides skiers and boarders a combined 438 skiable acres, 26 lifts (including 4 high-speed detachable quads) and more than 55 runs. Snow Summit is also home to the Family Park, the resort’s slow skiing and riding zone with low-intermediate terrain. Night skiing is open most Fridays, Saturdays and holiday periods beginning at 3 p.m.
I couldn’t wait to hit the slopes the next morning. But first it was important that I get an objective overview of Big Bear Lakes après-ski pleasures, for me an important component to the complete ski experience. Plus, I had burned off some serous calories and was ready for my reward.
The Village
The Big Bear Lake Village is an inviting and pedestrian friendly collection of shops, restaurants and nightspots – most in alpine-style architecture or adorned in grizzly bear motifs – that works for all ages and budgets. After a mandatory pilgrimage to the iconic lake, a short stroll led me to Nottinghams Restaurant, located in the heart of the village. A local institution, I threw caution to the wind and ordered caramelized brie, crab stuffed Portobello and blackened salmon. I had earned it. Remember, I deserved it. Later, kicking back upstairs by a roaring fire at Friar Tucks Tavern , with a micro-brew in hand—fed, relaxed and only slightly sore—I wondered why I never became a regular skier. After all, Southern California’s premier ski resort was less than a tank full of gas away.
800-4-BIG-BEAR (800-424-4232) or BigBear.com
Just Married – Nov 2012
We had a rockin photographer and had a blast out in the red rocks shooting these pix – thought I’d share them. Sedona is an amazing place if you’ve never been – and quite a place to marry the man of your dreams.
Wedding Bells – Sedona
Well – we did it …. been a busy week but Chip and I got married.
Sedona AZ – Nov 3rd – weather was amazing, the ceremony spiritual, and yes – I looked like a princess!
The boys went bike riding – us girls did the spa day – pampered
Ceremony at Sedona Creative Life Center –
Reception at Market Place Cafe – they did a GREAT job – talk to Austin www.mpcsedona.com
Some pix of our wedding day
Zion National Park – Sept 2012
The fall colors are just beginning, the weather is perfect and the National Park was awesome as always.
With the Geology team from Irvine Valley College we trudges the paths of the backcountry – a 12 mike hike that began at East Canyon and dropped down to the switchbacks above Dripping Cavern. We found some slot canyons with enough water to swim in – I love that area….
Enjoy the pix – next stop, Blythe for some off-roading!
adventurebarb 