More pics of Big Bear

This economy has been very difficult for cities like Big Bear, which count on tourists and seasonal visitors.  It was pretty depressing to drive through town and see so many vacant buildings and homes for sale or empty.  It seems a lot of people are trying to sell their second homes up there.  It's a sign of the times, unfortunately.  I would love to go back in the fall and see the fall leaves.

Jenks Lake~Our World Tuesday~090611

As you know, hubby and I love to travel and take our cameras with us and Sunday we headed out to Big Bear.  We originally were set to visit Whitewater Canyon with my aunt, but she cancelled.  Hubby wanted to head up to pine trees and we hadn't been up the highway to Big Bear since BDC (before digital cameras) (about 7 years!)  Yes, can you believe it?  We just don't get over that way very often!  So, we drove through Oak Glen (which was very crowded) and up the road to Big Bear.  We came across a turnoff for Jenks Lake and we talked to the very polite and knowledgeable ranger at Barton Flats and we decided to take that road.  It wandered back into the mountain for a couple of miles and then we saw a parking lot ($5.00 for the day).  There were a lot of cars in the lot, but not that many people around...We found a beautiful, secluded little lake and lots of fishermen out in it with some kind of floating tube for fishing.  There was a nice wooden pier and lots of people were fishing from it.  We found picnic tables and sat and ate our lunch and enjoyed the sounds of blue jays and woodpeckers.  A family had brought their lab/doberman mix with them and I offered him a bite of my turkey which had fallen onto the table.  He eagerly, but politely took it!  It was a good day to get out of the desert as it was 114 down there.  We spent the rest of the afternoon driving through Big Bear and down through Running Springs. Our World Tuesday for September 6, 2011. To visit Our World Tuesday, please go to:  http://ourworldtuesdaymeme.blogspot.com/

Desert towns

I love driving up Highway 62 to the desert towns of Morongo Valley, Yucca Valley, and Joshua Tree.  There are so many interesting buildings to view, including these.  I could spend a couple days up there.  These are small high desert towns and have many old and unusual buildings, like these!

Joshua Tree reflection~Weekend Reflections~090411

It had rained right before we entered Joshua Tree National Park last Sunday.  It was actually a 15 minute downpour and when we drove into one of the turnouts, I looked down to see rocks reflected in a puddle.  However, being in the desert, most of the water evaporated quickly.  The washes were clear when we were there, but we did see running water still moving down the streets.  Weekend Reflections for Sunday, September 4, 2011. To visit Weekend Reflections, please go to:  http://weekendreflection.blogspot.com/

Rocks, rocks, and more rocks (Joshua Tree National Park)

Right after you enter JTNP from the western entrance, the first thing you see are the joshua trees (of course), but also the rocks.  Rocks, rocks, and more rocks!  But, they are interesting rocks.  The Alabama Hills in the Sierra have rocks, too, but they are different.  And, you have the incredible view of the Sierra behind them.  At Joshua Tree, you're on top of the plateau, so there are no mountains behind the rocks.  Just.The.Rocks.  There are so many, it would take me a week to see them all, but here are a few from last Sunday.

Reaching for the sky at Joshua Tree National Park~SkyWatch Friday~091111

Joshua Trees reaching for the sky at Joshua Tree National Park.  These are so incredible!  If I had the time, I would stay there for a week and photograph everything!  The rocks, the joshua trees, the climbers, and the lizards are all fascinating!  I'm just waiting for cooler weather.  It was 111 here today and will be 109 through the weekend and next week.  SkyWatch Friday for September 1, 2011.  To see other skywatchers, please go to:  http://skyley.blogspot.com/

Keys Point, Joshua Tree

Keys View is the highest point in Joshua Tree National Park, and it is over 5,000 feet.  We love to go there and look out across the Coachella Valley.  Unfortunately, after Sunday's storm, it was extremely humid and the valley has hazy.  That's Mt. San Jacinto in the distance.  We can go to Keys View and see our son's house and daughter's house down in Indio.  There is a 4 wheel drive road up San Berdo canyon, but we've never taken it, although I'd like to someday, if we rented a 4 wheel drive vehicle.  Many of the roads in the park DO require a 4 wheel drive.  In fact, the German tourists who got stuck on a side road with their rental car and then died in the park in August shouldn't have been on the road they were on when they got stuck.  And, ALWAYS carry extra water with you in the park.  There is NO cell phone reception in many areas (hubby has Verizon and was without cell phone service on Sunday).  Just think SMART when you visit the park!