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Volume 30, No. 5 <strong>November</strong> <strong>2018</strong><br />

www.bigbeartodaymag.com<br />

Christmas in The Village<br />

with Mountain<br />

Marvelettes!<br />

• Dokken, Lorrie Morgan,<br />

Los Lonely Boys at Cave<br />

• Thanksgiving Feasts,<br />

Shopping, Turkey Trot<br />

• New Facilities, Snowcats,<br />

Snowmaking at Resorts<br />

• PCT Section Now Open...<br />

If You Can Find it<br />

Fly on the<br />

New Soaring Eagle!


Page 2—<strong>November</strong> <strong>2018</strong><br />

From the Publisher<br />

Cutting honeymoon<br />

short for skiing shows<br />

Goldsmith’s priorities<br />

red Goldsmith was on his honeymoon<br />

in Sausalito with new wife<br />

Linda when the phone call from Jo FTyndall Alexander, president of Snow<br />

Summit and his boss, came in.<br />

The big storm had finally arrived at<br />

the perpetually snow-challenged resort, allowing<br />

it to finally open for the season.<br />

So Fred did what any good ski employee<br />

would do: he looked at Linda and said they<br />

were cutting their honeymoon short.<br />

“We were supposed to stay another<br />

week,” Linda recalled. “That was my realization<br />

of how the ski industry works.”<br />

An industry the ski pioneer has helped<br />

shape during his 70 years calling <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong><br />

home. Fred Goldsmith rode the legendary<br />

Lynn Lift single chair that jumpstarted skiing<br />

in the San Bernardino Mountains (“It<br />

was very slow and saggy”) and put one in<br />

at Goldmine (now <strong>Bear</strong> Mountain) that<br />

was only removed last year.<br />

Along the way he’s been a resort<br />

owner, instructor, ski school director and<br />

mountain manager, plowed parking lots,<br />

even patrolled. It was he who first scoped<br />

out <strong>Bear</strong> Mountain’s Geronimo and envisioned<br />

a chairlift in Bow Canyon, which<br />

ended up in the resort’s expansion plan finally<br />

approved but never acted upon. Between<br />

all those jobs he’s taught so many<br />

people to ski (and took me snowshoeing),<br />

and employed so many more, that nary a<br />

week goes by without someone coming<br />

up to him to say “Remember me?”<br />

With the passing of Snow Summit<br />

president Dick Kun in 2016 Goldsmith,<br />

78, is one of <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong>’s last remaining ski<br />

pioneers, and he knows it. “I’m the only<br />

guy alive who worked with Tommi, Jo and<br />

Dick,” Goldsmith said of the family that<br />

founded Snow Summit in 1952 and turned<br />

it into a skiing superpower till it was sold<br />

along with <strong>Bear</strong> in 2014.<br />

Fred worked for the family for many<br />

years, but he also went into competition<br />

with them after forming a group of about<br />

40 investors to purchase the Moonridge<br />

area in 1970. The group paid $1 million,<br />

a lot of money back then, but the deal also<br />

included land where the zoo and golf<br />

course are now, plus more acreage adjacent<br />

to the resort and in Bow Canyon.<br />

The resort was renamed Goldmine.<br />

“Half after you, half after the mine up<br />

there,” Goldsmith said the group told him.<br />

“(The mine) is a little hole in the ground<br />

on the mountain, probably still the same<br />

with a tree stuck in it. The name made everyone<br />

think we’d make a million dollars.”<br />

That didn’t happen. There were only<br />

two rope tows and two poma lifts so first<br />

order of business was to put in a chairlift,<br />

Goldmine double for about $100,000.<br />

“There were two unloading stations plus<br />

we put in a small snowmaking system at<br />

the bottom,” Goldsmith said. But...<br />

“The first year there was no snow and<br />

we had just built the lift,” Goldsmith said.<br />

Chapter 11 followed. “I was around 30 and<br />

able to pull out from half-million dollars<br />

in debt to a valuable company making<br />

money, working with the Federal courts.”<br />

Fred already had his own idea of how<br />

resorts should be after spending time in<br />

Europe during service in the Army. His<br />

family came to <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> when he was<br />

eight and lived in Fox Farm when there<br />

were actually abandoned fox farms there.<br />

He grew up skiing with Kun among others,<br />

making yearly trips to Mammoth.<br />

Skills that paid off in the military, when<br />

Goldsmith was assigned to the ski team<br />

competing at top resorts throughout Europe<br />

in slalom, giant slalom and downhill.<br />

At Innsbruck the team needed someone<br />

for biathlon. “I’d never done it before,<br />

but I said I can do that,” he recalled. “I<br />

had to carry a 30 lb. pack and 10 lb. rifle.”<br />

All of which influenced Fred’s thinking<br />

at Goldmine, where he envisioned<br />

what would later become the resort’s signature<br />

run. “I took the partners to the top<br />

of Geronimo and showed them how a run<br />

to the bottom of the area would look,” he<br />

said of the double black diamond line with<br />

over a thousand feet of vertical. “I took<br />

them up 2N10 in a Jeep.<br />

“It’s gratifying that the resort materialized<br />

as I envisioned it,” Goldsmith said.<br />

“The lodge is where it was supposed to<br />

be, Geronimo and Silver Mountain as I<br />

saw them. There was definitely competition<br />

between Dick and myself.”<br />

Not so much that Fred couldn’t come<br />

back to Summit after he exited Goldmine,<br />

serving as mountain manager till 1987.<br />

That’s when he opened Goldsmith’s ski<br />

rentals, and after meeting Tom Sims the<br />

store began getting into snowboarding.<br />

Daughter Danielle in fact became a<br />

USASA national champion and son Dallas<br />

is a PGA golf professional and master<br />

bootfitter. People still talk about him<br />

throwing the switch to stop a chairlift!<br />

Between the resorts and Park District<br />

Fred’s taught countless people to ski. No<br />

wonder Fred and his family were honored<br />

this year by the Chamber of Commerce<br />

with an “Excellence in Business Award.”<br />

Have a good one.<br />

Marcus<br />

ON THE COVER: Ring in the holiday season with the Mountain Marvelettes at Christmas<br />

in the Village the day after Thanksgiving on <strong>November</strong> 23<br />

Volume 30, Number 5 <strong>November</strong> <strong>2018</strong><br />

4<br />

5<br />

6<br />

8<br />

16<br />

Publisher<br />

Marcus G. Dietz<br />

Associate Publisher<br />

Sandra L. Dietz<br />

Publishing Consultant<br />

Bret Colson<br />

Technical Consultant<br />

Charles Dietz<br />

Photography<br />

Steve Dietz<br />

John Daskam<br />

Mark Gauger<br />

In This Issue...<br />

See this fellow at the zoo’s Raccoon<br />

Saloon, plus 150 other animals. Page 15<br />

<strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> <strong>Today</strong><br />

Marvelettes, Village Ring in Holiday Season<br />

Poodle skirts and old time sound ring in the holidays the day<br />

after Thanksgiving at “Christmas in the Village,” courtesy of<br />

Mountain Marvelettes. Santa will be around and there’s<br />

carolers. The holiday marks the start of shopping season and<br />

Mountain Christmas Boutique is your place to start—2-for-1<br />

coupon on page 9.<br />

`Wait Until Dark,” `Gratitude Concert’<br />

The stage is alive in <strong>November</strong> as <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Theatre Project<br />

presents the classic thriller `Wait Until Dark’ BBHS is busy<br />

with `Little Women’ and don’t miss the first `Gratitude<br />

Concert’ by <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Chorale, music that will make you feel<br />

truly thankful.<br />

Soaring Eagle Ride Opens at Alpine Slide<br />

It’s part zipline and all amusement ride thrill with Alpine<br />

Slide’s latest attraction. Soar like a bird above tree tops at up<br />

to 26 mph. Just the latest way to have fun at the recreation<br />

area known for sled rides and inner tubing. Speaking of snow,<br />

expect more of it at the resorts after nearly $4 million in<br />

improvements in the off-season on page 7.<br />

Dokken, Morgan, Los Lonely Boys at Cave<br />

It’s a heavy hitting lineup at The Cave this month with<br />

Masters of Metal and Dokken, country star Lorrie Morgan,<br />

Los Lonely Boys and the best tributes to Led Zeppelin and<br />

Johnny Cash. All up close and personal!<br />

PCT Open After Holcomb Fire...or is it?<br />

The section of the international trail near Doble is open again<br />

after the 2017 inferno. At least that’s what we heard so we<br />

hiked it, once we found it. Then we found out it’s open but<br />

the Forest Service would just as soon no one was on it.<br />

Seems there’s this arsenic issue, on The Back Page.<br />

DEPARTMENTS<br />

2<br />

3<br />

13<br />

14<br />

From the Publisher<br />

Potpourri<br />

New! Area Map/<br />

Calendar of Events<br />

The Almanac<br />

<strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong>'s most complete<br />

listings for recreation,<br />

dining, and more.<br />

<strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> <strong>Today</strong> is a monthly magazine covering recreation,<br />

dining, nightlife, and events in <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong>. Reproduction of any<br />

material, without the express written consent of the Publisher,<br />

is prohibited. Advertising/editorial, call <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> <strong>Today</strong> at (909)<br />

585-5533. Mailing address: PO Box 3180, <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> City, CA,<br />

92314. Fax: (909) 585-9359. E-Mail: bigbeartoday@verizon.net.<br />

Member, <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Visitor Bureau and <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Chamber of<br />

Commerce. Internet Address: bigbeartodaymag.com<br />

Production: Offset printing by G.W. Reed Printing, Inc.<br />

Color prepress by 2-Bit Studio.<br />

Manuscripts and Art: Contributions are welcome. <strong>Big</strong><br />

<strong>Bear</strong> <strong>Today</strong> is not responsible nor liable for unsolicited<br />

manuscripts or art. Materials received will not be returned.<br />

© Copyright <strong>2018</strong> <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> <strong>Today</strong>


<strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>November</strong> <strong>2018</strong>—Page 3


Page 4—<strong>November</strong> <strong>2018</strong><br />

Ring in holidays with Marvelettes,<br />

carolers at `Christmas in Village’<br />

G<br />

et ready for a rocking start to the<br />

holiday season when Village merchants<br />

host the 33rd annual<br />

“Christmas in the Village” the day after<br />

Thanksgiving on Friday, <strong>November</strong> 23.<br />

Santa’s Grand Entrance begins at 5<br />

p.m. at the corner of Pine Knot and Village<br />

Dr. and the recently renovated business<br />

district with fire pits and seating is a<br />

great place to welcome the season—improved<br />

sound system too. The outdoor celebration<br />

features the arrival of Santa and<br />

Mrs. Claus on their traditional <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong><br />

sleigh—a City of <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Lake fire engine—which<br />

delivers the couple right to<br />

the holiday house they’ll inhabit all season<br />

at 5:30 p.m. The Clauses then head to<br />

their little house on the corner for pictures<br />

and to pass out candy from 6-9 p.m.<br />

Holiday entertainment again features<br />

<strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong>’s original Mountain Marvelettes,<br />

talented local girls who reunite for the<br />

event, singing holiday classics like<br />

“Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,”<br />

“Deck the Halls” and others to go with their<br />

standard song list of hits from the 1940’s,<br />

50’s and 60’s. In 2017 Caitlin Barney<br />

Theobald, Amber Carpenter, and sisters<br />

Kylar and Kortney Carmody engaged the<br />

audience with youthful enthusiasm.<br />

Don’t let their youth fool you; the<br />

Mountain Marvelettes have become a <strong>Big</strong><br />

<strong>Bear</strong> phenomenon, appearing at events for<br />

the Arts Council and Discovery Center<br />

singing classic standards like “Lollipop”<br />

and “Sugartime.” The girls all starred in<br />

Community Arts Theater Society (CATS)<br />

shows, and were even selected to join<br />

young singers from around the country in<br />

performing at Carnegie Hall.<br />

Also performing is singer Nikki<br />

Sparks, a favorite at <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> venues including<br />

The Cave, 572 Social and others.<br />

“She’s a little bit country, a little bit rock<br />

and roll” with a terrific voice and playlist<br />

that covers everything from Shania Twain<br />

to Bon Jovi. Sparks is also recording her<br />

first CD. Her rendition of “O Holy Night”<br />

last year was absolutely spine-chilling as<br />

she nailed the high notes with precision.<br />

The evening features master of ceremonies<br />

Steve Cassling and includes the<br />

tree lighting ceremony which illuminates<br />

an enormous and beautiful Village pine.<br />

Warm up with hot beverages offered by<br />

<strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Lion’s Club on the corner of Pine<br />

Knot and Village Dr. and huddle in front<br />

of outdoor fire pits in front of Copper Q,<br />

Amangela’s and The Cave.<br />

<strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Lake dignitaries cruise up<br />

the street at 5 p.m. in Nottingham’s 1920<br />

white touring bus. Arrive early to shop<br />

the 60-plus unique stores and restaurants<br />

in the Village before streets are closed to<br />

traffic at 4 p.m. Be sure to dress warm...just<br />

maybe there will be snow, though last year<br />

was downright balmy.<br />

Once festivities have concluded it’s<br />

time to enjoy Voices of Christmas, strolling<br />

carolers dressed in Dickens-style attire<br />

singing traditional and contemporary<br />

songs a cappella till about 8:15 p.m. Professional<br />

singers—each a soloist in his or<br />

her own right—present over 100 songs and<br />

have been seen on the hit television show<br />

“Modern Family.” The group is affiliated<br />

with The Wonderelles who entertained at<br />

Christmas in the Village a few years ago.<br />

Santa heads east on Saturday, Nov. 24<br />

to ring in the holiday season at the <strong>Bear</strong><br />

City Fire Station. Get in the holiday spirit<br />

with the tree lighting and caroling; please<br />

bring a dozen cookies. (909) 585-2362.<br />

The tree lightings kick off a busy <strong>Big</strong><br />

<strong>Bear</strong> holiday season. Santa will in his Village<br />

house for photos and Christmas<br />

wishes at the corner of the Village “L” ev-<br />

The shopping season gets off to a roaring<br />

start when the Convention Center at<br />

<strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Lake hosts its 34th annual Mountain<br />

Christmas Boutique arts and crafts<br />

show over Thanksgiving Weekend.<br />

For three big days <strong>November</strong> 23-25,<br />

handmade arts, crafts and unique holiday<br />

gifts will be presented by over 40 crafters<br />

from throughout the Western United States.<br />

There’s wire-wrap gem jewelry, handmade<br />

hats and scarves, personalized Christmas<br />

ornaments, homemade jams and oils, vintage<br />

clothing and more with one-of-a-kind<br />

gifts for every budget.<br />

Mountain Christmas Boutique is the<br />

largest holiday show in the mountains and<br />

the longest-running. Returning vendors<br />

and new favorite crafters present holiday<br />

items including wreaths, handmade Santas<br />

and treats. Many vendors were at the justcompleted<br />

48th Oktoberfest.<br />

The whole family gets in on the fun at<br />

Mountain Christmas Boutique. There’s<br />

<strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> <strong>Today</strong><br />

Ring in the holidays at Christmas in the Village Nov. 23 with <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong>’s own Mountain<br />

Marvelettes; Steve Cassling brings in Santa and Mrs. Claus; the Village tree<br />

ery Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.-4<br />

p.m. Nov. 24-December 23.<br />

The Village will be festively decorated<br />

for the holidays with lots of activities on<br />

tap each weekend. Enjoy the brick-paved<br />

sidewalks and brilliant holiday lights that<br />

were so impressive last winter. And don’t<br />

miss seven carved bears and other woodland<br />

critters in a variety of poses scattered<br />

throughout the Village for amazing mountain<br />

selfies, some large enough to sit on.<br />

Post to Facebook or Instagram!<br />

Start shopping at Mountain Boutique<br />

kids activities like free visits with Santa<br />

and ornament decorating plus great festival<br />

food and a wide selection of beers including<br />

crafts and holiday libations.<br />

Doors open at 10 a.m. daily with shopping<br />

and fun till 5 Friday and Saturday, 3<br />

p.m. Sunday. Admission is $3, $2 seniors,<br />

12 and under are free, and don’t miss the<br />

2-for-1 coupon on page 9 valid Saturday<br />

and Sunday. Local’s Day is Sunday with<br />

free admission for all <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> residents.<br />

With Oktoberfest over Wyatt’s Cafe<br />

& Saloon at the Convention Center returns<br />

to its fall schedule in <strong>November</strong>. Enjoy<br />

great western grub including half-pound<br />

burgers, famous wings and much more, full<br />

bar and entertainment. Wyatt’s familyfriendly<br />

New Year’s Eve party features<br />

renowned Doo Wah Riders.<br />

The Convention Center is on the boulevard<br />

at Division 1-1/2 miles east of the<br />

supermarkets. Call (909) 585-3000. Coupon<br />

for discount admission on page 9.


<strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>November</strong> <strong>2018</strong>—Page 5<br />

For real thrills, `Wait Until Dark’<br />

Halloween may be over but there’s still<br />

thrills and chills in store when <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong><br />

Theatre Project presents Wait Until Dark<br />

at the Performing Arts Center.<br />

The long-running, popular thriller<br />

plays six shows <strong>November</strong> 14-18 and it’s<br />

sure to keep audiences on the edge of their<br />

seats. It’s the story of young and vulnerable<br />

blind girl Susan Hendrix, played by<br />

Christine Drew Benjamin, who has to fight<br />

for her life against violent criminals that<br />

enter her home.<br />

Give thanks musically at <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong><br />

Chorale’s first “Gratitude Concert” on<br />

<strong>November</strong> 17 at 7 p.m.<br />

“Music of Thankful Hearts” is presented<br />

one show only at Community<br />

Church Historic Chapel in a production<br />

that has a recurring theme: be thankful! It’s<br />

presented by the Valley’s community choir<br />

which is taking a year off from its Decem-<br />

Doing so blind makes for great theater,<br />

and since Wait Until Dark premiered<br />

on Broadway in 1966 it’s been successfully<br />

revived for stage and film. It’s a riveting<br />

thriller and is PG-13 for language and<br />

violence as she’s faced with inconceivable<br />

obstacles as she tries to stay alive.<br />

Steve Cassling is Susan’s nemesis, a<br />

cunning and terrifying criminal. Steve<br />

Gaghagen directs a revised version of the<br />

show created by Jeffrey Hatcher and produced<br />

at the Geffen Playhouse in 2013, but<br />

Songs of thanks at Gratitude Concert<br />

BBHS `Little Women’<br />

<strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> High School Performing Arts<br />

Department celebrates the 150th anniversary<br />

of the classic novel Little Women with<br />

four shows at Performing Arts Center.<br />

Louisa May Alcott’s story following<br />

the lives, loves and tribulations of four sisters<br />

growing up during the Civil War comes<br />

to life <strong>November</strong> 1-4 at 7 p.m., 2 p.m. Sunday<br />

matinee. Beth Wheat adapted the novel<br />

for stage and donated the rights.<br />

Cast members include narrators Ricky<br />

De La Cruz and Chloe Anderson, with<br />

Andromedae Jackson as Jo March, Keara<br />

Ollila as Amy, Jazmin Thompson as Beth<br />

and Trinity Lowe as Meg. Other performers<br />

include Kelly Mount, Hannah Magers<br />

, Seth Morgan, Ely Dawson, DJ Hansen,<br />

Star Walker and Andrew Burton.<br />

Tickets are $15, student/senior $10.<br />

Call the PAC at (909) 866-4970.<br />

Follow Us<br />

On Facebook!<br />

ber production of The Messiah and replacing<br />

it with this show.<br />

Some 40 voices will come together to<br />

present a wide range of material, from<br />

musical theater including a tune from<br />

Mama Mia, to a classic by Handel, Thanksgiving<br />

hymm, pop music and more.<br />

“We’re also mixing in some dance,<br />

readings and more, all with a theme of<br />

gratitude and benefits of being thankful,”<br />

said Glenda Beukelman, who is producing<br />

and directing the show along with Shari<br />

Beckett and Barbara King, who also provides<br />

musical accompaniment.<br />

The program list includes “Happy” by<br />

Pharrel Williams and “Thankful” by Josh<br />

Gordon. “You’ll Newer Walk Alone” from<br />

the Rodgers and Hammerstein hit musical<br />

Carousel is another favorite, as is “Climb<br />

Every Mountain” from Sound of Music.<br />

“Thanks Be to Thee” by Handel is a<br />

moving spiritual. “The Awakening” will<br />

also be performed along with “Thank You<br />

for the Music” from Mama Mia.<br />

The choir includes well-known talented<br />

<strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> vocalists including Elena<br />

Peavy, Steve Mangels, Julie Dawson and<br />

many others. A reception follows the 75-<br />

minute program.<br />

Tickets are $10, students $5 and available<br />

at the door. Community Church is at<br />

40946 <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Blvd.<br />

SEEK ...<br />

and Ye Shall Find!!<br />

Use the Search Feature on our website to learn<br />

about previous events, discover exciting new ones,<br />

and general <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> information!<br />

• 4-Day Weather Forcasts!<br />

• Read Print Magazines Online!<br />

• Calendar of Events<br />

... and Much More!<br />

www.<strong>Big</strong><strong>Bear</strong><strong>Today</strong>Mag.com<br />

Monthly • Summer • Oktoberfest • Winter<br />

the gist of the<br />

story is the<br />

same: valuables<br />

are<br />

missing, in<br />

this case diamonds<br />

instead<br />

of the original<br />

heroin, and<br />

the bad guys<br />

want them<br />

back.<br />

T h e<br />

show also features<br />

Vernon<br />

Taylor as<br />

Mike, Andrew<br />

as<br />

Carlino and<br />

the stage debut<br />

of <strong>Big</strong><br />

<strong>Bear</strong> native<br />

and filmmaker<br />

Brandon<br />

Miller as<br />

Sam. Alli<br />

Perkins as Gloria, an adolescent, insolent<br />

neighbor supposed to look after Susan, to<br />

their equal dismay. Darlene Fischbein appears<br />

in a surprise role.<br />

1940’s sets are designed by Bob Perry<br />

and feature many vintage elements like<br />

period refrigerator and furniture shared by<br />

the community for this production. Lighting<br />

and sound effects feature prominently<br />

in this production, designed by Randy<br />

Worden with Robert Colver as engineer.<br />

Cassling and Beth Wheat are producers.<br />

Year-Round<br />

Christmas Room!<br />

Our rooms are<br />

filled with gifts<br />

and treasures<br />

from nearly<br />

20 artists!<br />

Come Up the Historic Staircase of the 1920's Navajo Hotel<br />

• <strong>Bear</strong>-ly Used<br />

Books<br />

• Jerky<br />

• Pottery<br />

• Aprons<br />

• Sports<br />

Memorabilia<br />

• Everything<br />

<strong>Bear</strong>s & More<br />

<strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Theatre Project presents<br />

the thriller “Wait Until Dark” six<br />

shows at the PAC Nov. 14-18<br />

Wait Until Dark opening night on Nov.<br />

14 has an interesting twist. The 7:30 performance<br />

is “Pay What You Can Night”<br />

with no advance sales so tickets are only<br />

available at the lobby first-come, firstserved.<br />

Doors open at 6:30.<br />

Subsequent 7:30 p.m. shows at the<br />

PAC are Nov.15-17 plus 2 p.m. matinees<br />

on Nov. 17-18. Tickets are $19, senior/students<br />

$14.<br />

Call the PAC at (909) 866-4970.<br />

Open 7 Days<br />

a week<br />

<strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong>'s from 9:30 a.m.<br />

Shopping Experience<br />

There is not “Anything” we do not have!<br />

Village Faire<br />

40794 Village Dr.<br />

(909) 866-8220<br />

Above the Leather Depot in <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Village


Page 6—<strong>November</strong> <strong>2018</strong><br />

Soaring Eagle opens at Alpine Slide<br />

There’s a new eagle in town, soaring<br />

through the skies and you get to come along<br />

for the ride.<br />

Soaring Eagle is set to debut at Alpine<br />

Slide on <strong>November</strong> 10, the latest attraction<br />

at a recreation area that already has its<br />

famous bobsled ride plus inner tubing in<br />

winter and water slide in summer. The<br />

Soaring Eagle attraction is a zipline-like<br />

experience with a couple notable differences.<br />

Riders sit instead of lie down and<br />

ride up to the top tower backwards.<br />

They don’t have to apply any brake<br />

or use any skill set, since it’s an amusement<br />

park ride rather than zipline. Between<br />

the two towers riders soar 500 feet—close<br />

to two football fields!—and reach speeds<br />

Earn dinner at Thanksgiving Turkey Trot<br />

Earn your Thanksgiving Day dinner—and<br />

burn those Oktoberfest calories<br />

at the same time—with a run beforehand<br />

during the sixth annual <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Turkey<br />

Trot on Thursday, <strong>November</strong> 22 at<br />

Meadow Park.<br />

Burn the calories to come later in the<br />

day with three, six and nine mile road<br />

runs. Turkey Trot is family friend—strollers<br />

welcome—with the course a relatively<br />

flat three-mile loop through Eagle Point.<br />

Runners do two or three laps for the<br />

longer races.<br />

The nine mile race begins at 9 a.m.,<br />

followed by the six mile at 9:15 and the<br />

three mile at 9:30. Registration fees are<br />

COVERED<br />

MAGIC CARPET<br />

RIDE UPHILL!<br />

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New! Night Glow Tubing!<br />

Fridays, Saturdays, Holidays 5-9 pm<br />

SNOW<br />

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Heated Base Lodge • Snack Bar • Family Fun!<br />

Winter Hours – Daily 10am – 4pm<br />

up to 26 mph, with a vertical drop of about<br />

125 feet.<br />

It’s the first ride of its kind in California<br />

with the nearest other one just installed<br />

atop the Rio Hotel in Las Vegas. There’s<br />

no bulky shoulder harness to wear so<br />

guests feel, well, as free as birds while they<br />

fly.<br />

Which they first do backwards! Electric<br />

harnesses secure up to two riders and<br />

they shoot to the top tower facing the<br />

ground in an experience that’s as exhilarating<br />

as the descent.<br />

Get ready for high-speed thrills coming<br />

down as Soaring Eagle tickles tree tops.<br />

Riders hit top speed as they approach the<br />

bottom and the attraction automatically<br />

$50, $45 and $40 respectively; youth $25<br />

any distance. Preregister for Turkey Trot<br />

shirt and event ornament. In true Turkey<br />

Trot tradition a turkey prize is awarded<br />

to the winners for the family feast.<br />

Races start and finish at Meadow<br />

Park (41220 Park Ave., <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Lake)<br />

where there’s finish festival and family<br />

activities. Run in bear or turkey costumes<br />

to compete for prizes then hang around<br />

for raffles. Last year several hundred participated.<br />

Proceeds from Open Air <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong><br />

event benefit Kodiak Kids Trail Runs and<br />

Community Church <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> food pantry.<br />

www.bigbearturkeytrot.com..<br />

Soaring Eagle set to open at<br />

Alpine Slide<br />

<strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong>'s<br />

Best Coffee House!<br />

(909) 281-4546<br />

Open 7 Days! • 7 am-6 pm<br />

Free Wireless Internet! TVs Too!<br />

<strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> <strong>Today</strong><br />

Be among the first to ride Soaring Eagle at Alpine Slide, only one in California!<br />

brings them to a stop.<br />

“You come in really fast then there’s<br />

Veterans Day service,<br />

Marine Corps B-day<br />

Honor American heroes during Veterans<br />

Day ceremonies open to the public<br />

on Sunday, <strong>November</strong> 11.<br />

Ceremonies begin at 11 a.m. at Veterans<br />

Park, just east of Pine Knot on <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong><br />

Blvd. Featured speakers honoring those<br />

who have served include Honored Guest<br />

Colonel William F. Schoen Jr., U.S. Marine<br />

Corps, Sergeant Major Bobby R.<br />

Estrada of the U.S. Army, guest speaker<br />

Assemblyman Jay Obernolte and Field<br />

Representative Shannon Dunkle and City<br />

of <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> LakeMayor Rick Herrick.<br />

Students of Diane Kubeja and <strong>Big</strong><br />

<strong>Bear</strong> High School Voice Students will perform.<br />

Kudos to City of <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Lake,<br />

American Legion Post 584, Marine Corps<br />

League Detachment 1038, and U.S. Marine<br />

Corps Color Guard from Barstow.<br />

It’s also the Marine Corps 243rd birthday<br />

with celebration at The Lodge (40650<br />

Village Dr.) on Nov. 10 from 5-9 p.m. Tickets<br />

$70, $125/couple. Call (909) 261-1269.<br />

Moonridge Coffee Co.<br />

Finest Coffee &<br />

Freshest Beans<br />

Direct from<br />

Sisters, Oregon<br />

a sudden stop that’s really cool,” said Alpine<br />

Slide’s Julie Eubanks, one of the ride’s<br />

early testers. “It’s different than anything<br />

I’ve ever done. You’re facing the lake at<br />

the top for great views. It’s really exciting<br />

and the people watching me wanted to<br />

know how they can get on!”<br />

At $12 per ride Soaring Eagle is priced<br />

less than other attractions and quite a bit<br />

less than at the Rio. Riders can go solo or<br />

with a companion to share the experience<br />

with, unlike ziplines. Guests must be at<br />

least 42” tall and those between 42-48”<br />

must ride with an adult. Photo and video<br />

of the experience can also be purchased.<br />

Alpine Slide also hopes to have its<br />

snowplay hill open in early <strong>November</strong> as<br />

well. The area’s powerful Lenko fan guns<br />

are ready to produce volumes of snow that<br />

will reach dozens of feet high very quickly.<br />

Snowplay will be open daily from 10 a.m.-<br />

4 p.m. with might tubing sessions from 5-<br />

9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays plus holidays.<br />

Tickets include tube rental and are $35,<br />

children 36-42 inches $20.<br />

Alpine Slide bobsleds are open weekends<br />

till snowplay begins.<br />

Alpine Slide is 1/4 mile west of the<br />

Village. Call (909) 866-4626.<br />

New Owners! New Management!<br />

• Espresso • Lattes • Cappuccinos<br />

• Teas<br />

• Hot and cold specialty drinks<br />

• Pastries • Baked fresh daily<br />

• Sandwiches<br />

• Homemade ham & cheese croissants<br />

Fine brew served in relaxed mountain lodge setting<br />

Best Grinders and Espresso Machines on the hill!<br />

42646 Moonridge Rd.<br />

next to Wild Wings by <strong>Bear</strong> Mtn.'s lower lot


<strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>November</strong> <strong>2018</strong>—Page 7<br />

Yet more snowmaking, cats at resorts<br />

Nearly $4 million in snowmaking and<br />

related expenditures alone, on top<br />

of the millions that have been<br />

poured in during recent years to guarantee<br />

plenty of white stuff for winter adventure..<br />

Plus two new Piston Bully snowcats<br />

to mold and shape all that snow. A new<br />

6,000 sq. ft. base facility at <strong>Bear</strong> Mountain.<br />

Most important, the Ikon Pass, the<br />

new standard in season passes good not<br />

just in <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> but also Mammoth and<br />

June Mountains, along with 30-plus other<br />

iconic mountains across North America,<br />

Australia and Japan.<br />

Truly there’s a lot to look forward to<br />

when the <strong>2018</strong>-19 winter season gets underway<br />

at Snow Summit and <strong>Bear</strong> Mountain,<br />

typically but not always in <strong>November</strong>.<br />

When the snow does start falling, either<br />

from the sky or guns, it figures to be a<br />

better ski and snowboard season than last<br />

year, when the Southland’s most powerful<br />

snowmaking systems were silenced by<br />

warmer than normal temperatures plus humidity,<br />

both enemies of manmade snow.<br />

In fact both areas had favorite runs that<br />

never opened at all, like Chairs 6 (The<br />

Wall) and 10 at Snow Summit plus<br />

Geronimo at <strong>Bear</strong>. The fact that both resorts<br />

were open at all, with seasons that<br />

lasted well into spring and massive jumps<br />

and even halfpipe, is a testimony to<br />

snowmaking systems that belched white<br />

stuff when conditions were right.<br />

Now they’ll really go to town after off<br />

season improvements that weren’t sexy but<br />

will lead to more and better snow. Huge<br />

compressors were installed at both areas<br />

to increase air pressure capacity. And with<br />

a virtually unlimited water supply courtesy<br />

of <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Lake, look for the 150-plus<br />

fan guns between the two resorts along<br />

with traditional nozzle guns to be firing on<br />

all cylinders. Plus maintenance work on<br />

resort pipelines ensures that water and air<br />

flow to where they need to go.<br />

New Piston Bully Park Pros join the<br />

resort fleets of snowcats designed for both<br />

pipe and general mountain maintenance.<br />

Combined with the more than $12 million<br />

in snowmaking investments in recent<br />

years, the <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> resorts are poised to<br />

deliver winter whether the forecast is El<br />

Nino, La Nina or something in between.<br />

<strong>Bear</strong> will debut it’s new Adventure<br />

Academy, which is very similar to the facility<br />

built at Snow Summit two years ago.<br />

It’s a one-stop shop for family rentals, lift<br />

tickets and sports school programs, 6,000<br />

feet of much-needed space slated to open<br />

by mid-December. Larger than Summit’s<br />

building, there will also be a dining venue<br />

serving artisan pizzas, full service coffee<br />

bar and spirits.<br />

Ikon Pass guests who haven’t been to<br />

the <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> resorts in recent years will be<br />

amazed at the transformations both areas<br />

have received. Snow Summit for years has<br />

had the nicest base area in the region and<br />

now it’s even nicer with new base area<br />

locker room put in last year and redesigned<br />

Hawks 52 bar.<br />

The outdoor Meadow courtyard is<br />

awesome, paved with wood-burning <strong>Big</strong><br />

Horn Smokehouse right below the<br />

chairlifts, a great spot to grab a bite or beer<br />

apres ski, with built-in fire pit plus two portable<br />

ones, tables, heat lamps, charging stations<br />

and inflatable 30 foot movie screen.<br />

Which hosts the expanded “Movies in the<br />

Meadow” series with free films each<br />

month, beginning on December 15 and<br />

22 with “The Muppet Christmas Carol”<br />

and “Polar Express.” Bring a lawn chair<br />

for a free night of family entertainment!<br />

<strong>Bear</strong> Mountain has also been busy. A<br />

couple years ago the main lodge saw a ton<br />

of work with the introduction of Methods<br />

Sports Bar with an array of new big screen<br />

HDTVs and all the major sports packages<br />

so skiers and snowboarders don’t miss the<br />

big games.<br />

<strong>Bear</strong>’s Groomer’s Grill cafeteria<br />

downstairs was completely redesigned as<br />

well with new food service stations and<br />

more registers to get guests in and out<br />

18<br />

Photo courtesy Lee Stockwell/BBMR<br />

Where were the goods last season? <strong>2018</strong>-19 will be different...Ulr says so!<br />

faster. Even the 13,000 sq. ft. deck saw the<br />

introduction of Laybacks Bar as it remains<br />

the perfect spot to take in views and brews.<br />

Don’t “Pass Up” the opportunity to<br />

purchase the best season passes for<br />

Southland skiers and boarders. Midweek<br />

passes good anytime at Summit and <strong>Bear</strong><br />

are just $329, while a pass with unlimited<br />

<strong>Bear</strong> access is $399. Anytime passes valid<br />

at both areas are only $499, less than the<br />

preseason price just a few years ago!<br />

Ikon Base Pass is the best value, good<br />

locally plus with holiday restrictions at<br />

Mammoth, June and a host of worldclass<br />

resorts for $749. Go all-in with Ikon Pass<br />

at $1049, which adds unlimited access at<br />

Standard<br />

Motel Rooms<br />

$65<br />

with Fireplace<br />

& Queen Bed<br />

Non-Holiday / Midweek<br />

Weekends Slightly Higher<br />

Subject to change without notice.<br />

Steamboat and other top resorts. But hurry,<br />

pass sales end Dec. 13.<br />

www.bigbearmountainresorts.com.<br />

Click Us Up!<br />

For What’s Happening<br />

in <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> <strong>Today</strong>!<br />

Calendar, Print Pubs, More<br />

<strong>Big</strong><strong>Bear</strong><strong>Today</strong>Mag.com<br />

CLOSE TO VILLAGE,<br />

LAKE, DINNING<br />

CLOSE to SLOPES!<br />

Deluxe<br />

Spa Rooms<br />

$85<br />

with Cozy<br />

Fireplace<br />

(800) 255-4378<br />

local (909) 866-2166<br />

41121 <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Blvd. • <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Lake, CA<br />

www.BlackForestLodge.com


Page 8—<strong>November</strong> <strong>2018</strong><br />

Dokken, Morgan, Los Lonely Boys at Cave<br />

Country to comedy, Monsters of<br />

Metal to Dokken and Los Lonely<br />

Boys, The Cave <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> has a<br />

wide range of shows in <strong>November</strong>.<br />

There’s famed band Led Zepagain<br />

with tribute to the rock heavyweights and<br />

best tribute to Johnny Cash. Country star<br />

Lorrie Morgan and <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Mini-Fest. So<br />

much top shelf entertainment, all served<br />

in an intimate setting where the dance floor<br />

is inches from the stage and there’s full<br />

cocktail service including craft beers from<br />

<strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Lake Brewing Co. Plus special<br />

effects like lasers, fog and even “snow” that<br />

falls on the dance floor add to the experience<br />

as does concert quality sound system.<br />

MONSTERS OF METAL gets the<br />

month off to a rocking start Nov. 2 with<br />

not one but four heavy-hitting tributes.<br />

Rock to the music of Ozzy Osbourne with<br />

Mr. Crowley, a band that has been a virtual<br />

breeding ground for talented musicians<br />

playing the hits of the Prince of Darkness.<br />

Many have gone on to big things including<br />

guitarist Mark Knapp, featured on<br />

AXS-TV’s World’s Great Tribute Bands.<br />

Ozzy hits from both his Black Sabbath<br />

and solo careers are authentic with no<br />

backing tracks ever. The night also features<br />

tributes to Iron Maiden, Scorpions and AC/<br />

DC so get set for a metal overload. Tickets<br />

are just $15.<br />

DOKKEN brings its heavy-hitting<br />

heavy metal sound to The Cave one night<br />

only Nov. 3. Founder and vocalist Don<br />

Dokken is joined by a lineup that includes<br />

original drummer Mick Brown along with<br />

guitarist Jon Levin and bassist Sean<br />

McNabb, formerly of Quiet Riot and Great<br />

White. Dokken has sold over ten million<br />

albums worldwide during its long-running<br />

career that has propelled the band to the<br />

forefront of the metal scene.<br />

Hits include charting singles “Home<br />

Again,” “In My Dreams” and “Burning<br />

Like a Flame.” In 1989 “Beast from the<br />

East” was nominated for the inaugural<br />

Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance.<br />

Dokken’s song “Dream Warriors”<br />

was featured in the movie “A Nightmare<br />

on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors.”<br />

More recently the band’s release of<br />

“Lightning Strikes Again” was its most<br />

successful album in over a decade featuring<br />

the single “Empire.” Dokken is in the<br />

midst of a U.S. Tour before heading to<br />

Germany this summer. Tickets $30-$50.<br />

LORRIE MORGAN makes her first<br />

"Fly, Drive or Walk to the Barnstorm Restaurant"<br />

18<br />

Los Lonely Boys on Nov. 30<br />

Breakfast • Lunch<br />

Dinner<br />

Airport Terminal<br />

X<br />

Valley Blvd.<br />

W. <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Blvd.<br />

International Menu<br />

The Best Homemade Food in <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong><br />

Open Daily from 7 am to 3 pm<br />

Dinner: Fri., Sat. & Sun. from 5 to 9 pm<br />

live Entertainment & Weekly Specials!<br />

<strong>Big</strong> Tree Dr.<br />

10% OFF*<br />

for BB Locals<br />

(beer & wine<br />

not Included)<br />

Duke Michaels &<br />

Peggy Baldwin<br />

play at the Barnstorm<br />

(909) 585-9339<br />

Art<br />

Harriman<br />

Nov. 24<br />

For Your Dining Pleasure<br />

Hot Lunch Specials from $8.99<br />

Monday thru Friday, except Thursday<br />

*non-Holiday prices<br />

• Fine Selections<br />

of Beer and Wine<br />

• Authentic<br />

German<br />

Specialties<br />

Nov. 3, 10, & 17<br />

Live Music<br />

Saturday<br />

Night<br />

The Barnstorm Restaurant — Inside the Airport Terminal<br />

501 W. Valley Blvd. • <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> City • CA 92314<br />

Dokken (above) at The<br />

Cave Nov. 3; country star<br />

Lorrie Morgan Nov. 16<br />

Follow Us<br />

On Facebook!<br />

<strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> <strong>Today</strong><br />

Cave visit Nov. 16. The<br />

country artist has sold over<br />

six million records worldwide<br />

with 40 songs hitting<br />

the Billboard charts, including<br />

three number ones: “Five<br />

Minutes,” “What Part of No”<br />

and “I Didn’t Know My Own<br />

Strength.” Not bad for a performer<br />

who made her first<br />

appearance at the Grand Ole<br />

Opry at age 13!<br />

With 15 studio albums<br />

to her credit Morgan has a<br />

wealth of material to draw<br />

on. Songs like “Good As I<br />

Was to You,” “Something in<br />

Red,” “A Picture of Me” and<br />

“Maybe Not Tonight” are<br />

among her many favorites,<br />

leaving her to be voted Female<br />

Vocalist of the Year four<br />

times by fans at TNN’s Music<br />

City News Awards. Tickets $40-$50.<br />

LED ZEPAGAIN the next night on<br />

Nov. 17 is arguably the world’s top tribute<br />

band to the rock supergroup. Led<br />

Zepagain, Sony recording artists in their<br />

own right, has been named one of the<br />

“World’s Greatest Tribute Bands” and for<br />

good reason. The band’s spot-on reproductions<br />

of Zeppelin classics like “Rock and<br />

Roll,” “Black Dog” and “Stairway to<br />

Heaven” caught the eyes and ears of non<br />

other than guitarist Jimmy Page, who invited<br />

Led Zepagain to attend the original<br />

band’s 2007 reunion concert in London.<br />

Drummer Jason Bonham also put his<br />

Continued on page 10<br />

SEEK ...<br />

and Ye Shall Find!!<br />

Use the Search Feature on our website to learn<br />

about previous events, discover exciting new ones,<br />

and general <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> information!<br />

• 4-Day Weather Forcasts!<br />

• Read Print Magazines Online!<br />

• Calendar of Events<br />

... and Much More!<br />

www.<strong>Big</strong><strong>Bear</strong><strong>Today</strong>Mag.com<br />

Monthly • Summer • Oktoberfest • Winter


<strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>November</strong> <strong>2018</strong>—Page 9<br />

Buffets, repasts mark Thanksgiving<br />

Most places are closed Thanksgiving<br />

Day in <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong>, but those that are open<br />

have major feasts set <strong>November</strong> 22.<br />

Nottingham’s Tavern at Robinhood<br />

Resort is open from 1-8 p.m. with a special<br />

Thanksgiving menu. Start the holiday<br />

right with the restaurant’s cranberry brie,<br />

duck wings tossed in teriyaki sauce, or artichoke<br />

spinach dip or more.<br />

Of course there’s turkey breast with<br />

stuffing, prime rib and black forest ham,<br />

New York steak or prime rib. Other selections<br />

include New York steak, blackened<br />

salmon and orange duck, along with pasta<br />

dishes like the restaurant’s famous butternut<br />

squash ravioli or southwestern served<br />

with tangy lobster sauce. Dessert is a must<br />

with traditional pumpkin and pecan pie<br />

plus Greek yogurt cheesecake.<br />

Nottinghams is at 40797 <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Blvd.<br />

(909) 866-4644.<br />

Stillwells Restaurant meanwhile at<br />

The Lodge at <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Lake brings back<br />

its popular Thanksgiving brunch from 11<br />

a.m.-2 p.m. Eggs, omelettes and pasta are<br />

cooked to order with a wide selection of<br />

ingredients plus Belgian waffle station. The<br />

carving station will be slicing tender prime<br />

rib and turkey.<br />

At the hot entree station there’s favorites<br />

like honey dipped fried chicken, blackened<br />

salmon, plus stuffing, mashed potatoes<br />

and side dishes. Breakfast lovers find<br />

bacon, sausage, French toast and potatoes<br />

plus a selection of salads. Cap off the repast<br />

with an assortment of seasonal desserts.<br />

There’s free-flowing champagne, assorted<br />

juices and coffee. Reservations required;<br />

call (909) 866-3121. The Lodge is<br />

at 40650 Village Dr.<br />

Or have Barnstorm Restaurant prepare<br />

Thanksgiving dinner for pick up to take<br />

home. The local’s favorite prepares the full<br />

meal and you get the credit. It includes<br />

Barnstorm’s famous rolls with seasoned<br />

butter, whole roasted turkey with homemade<br />

sausage stuffing and gravy.<br />

Side dishes include candied sweet potatoes,<br />

garlic mashed potatoes and string<br />

beans made with bacon, another specialty.<br />

Homemade cranberry sauce and apple or<br />

pumpkin pie with whip cream round out<br />

the meal, priced at $190 to feed six. Order<br />

by Sunday, Nov. 18 to pick up Thanksgiving<br />

morning 8-10; call (909) 585-9339.<br />

Santa Claus also flies in to Barnstorm<br />

courtesy of Helicopter <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Nov. 24<br />

for breakfast with the kids and photos 8-<br />

9:30 a.m.<br />

Enjoy a different kind of bird for the<br />

holiday at Dynasty Restaurant. Peking<br />

Duck is a specialty, with less fat thanks to<br />

lengthy air drying. Dynasty’s extensive<br />

menu also features assorted chicken, beef<br />

and shrimp dishes along with favorites like<br />

moo goo gai pan and the hot plate, a local’s<br />

favorite. Dynasty is open from 11:30 a.m.-<br />

9:30 p.m. Call (909) 866-7887.<br />

Peppercorn Grille serves traditional<br />

Thanksgiving dinner along with its dinner<br />

menu from noon-8 p.m.; (909) 866-5405.<br />

Royal Thai Cafe and Himalayan Restaurants<br />

in the Village are also slated to open<br />

with regular menu.<br />

Grand Finale ends 48th Oktoberfest<br />

48th annual <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Oktoberfest<br />

closes in style Saturday, <strong>November</strong> 3 with<br />

its season Grand Finale.<br />

Last call for chicken dancers as toprated<br />

Oktoberfest concludes its nine<br />

weekend run. Those savory bratwursts,<br />

topped with tasty sauerkraut and German<br />

mustard, are gone after this. And the German<br />

bakery that provides the streudel<br />

won’t be sending any more once the last<br />

chickens have danced the last of nearly<br />

500 dances.<br />

The closing party sees contest winners<br />

from previous weekends returning<br />

for the 6 p.m. championships so expect<br />

to see the best of the best in log sawing<br />

and stein holding. Plus there’s prizes and<br />

special giveaways and a sneak preview<br />

at new contests for next year’s event.<br />

Returning to close out Oktoberfest<br />

is longtime favorite The Express, Southern<br />

California’s premier German band.<br />

The band also opened this year’s event<br />

in September and brings its popular mix<br />

of traditional Oktoberfest favorites and<br />

today’s favorites. The Express has closed<br />

Oktoberfest many times before and<br />

knows how to bring it to a crescendo.<br />

Youth group Kleine Bar Tanzers<br />

(“Little <strong>Bear</strong> Dancers”) perform with The<br />

Rippers on the outdoor Wyatt’s Stage<br />

Grand Finale is from noon-midnight<br />

with admission $15.99, $11.99 seniors<br />

and $9 children 12 and under.<br />

Call Convention Center at (909)<br />

585-3000 or www.<strong>Big</strong><strong>Bear</strong>Events.com.


Page 10—<strong>November</strong> <strong>2018</strong><br />

Cash show, Los Lonely Boys...<br />

Continued from page 8<br />

stamp of approval on Led Zepagain, sitting<br />

in with them at a show.<br />

Last year Led Zepagain returned to<br />

AXS-TV to perform the iconic Led Zeppelin<br />

IV album in its entirety. Having<br />

played around the world including Japan,<br />

Russia, Germany, several South American<br />

countries and throughout the country, the<br />

group routinely plays to packed houses.<br />

More proof? Led Zepagain has well over<br />

a million iTunes downloads to its credit.<br />

With vintage equipment and costuming,<br />

this is the closest you’ll get to seeing<br />

Led Zep live. Tickets are $20-$30.<br />

Be thankful the nation’s top JOHNNY<br />

CASH TRIBUTE returns to entertain<br />

Cave guests on Nov. 24. The only tribute<br />

endorsed by the star’s official website<br />

JohnnyCash.com, San Diego-based<br />

CASH’D OUT brought tears to Cindy<br />

Cash’s eyes during a show. “She gave me<br />

a necklace with Johnny’s hair in a glass<br />

locket,” said vocalist Douglass Benson.<br />

Cash’d Out plays over 150 of the late<br />

singer’s tunes including the June Carter-<br />

Cash duets made famous in the Oscar-winning<br />

film “Walk the Line.” The band includes<br />

George Bernardo on drums and<br />

Stephen Rey on bass and has toured the<br />

country for 11 years and thousands of<br />

miles. From Cash’s Sun Records days and<br />

early Columbia era sound to the mega live<br />

recordings from Folsom and San Quentin<br />

prisons, Cash’d Out presents an authentic<br />

recreation of the music with passion.<br />

NEW<br />

WEBSITE<br />

Live weather!<br />

Photo Gallery!<br />

PDF Reader!<br />

Cash’s longtime drummer W.S. Holland<br />

sat in with Cash’d Out. Cash producer<br />

Lou Robin has been to several shows and<br />

calls it like “going back in time.” The group<br />

has won four San Diego Music Awards for<br />

Best Tribute Band. Tickets $15-$35.<br />

LOS LONELY BOYS returns to The<br />

Cave Friday, Nov. 30. The Grammy-winning<br />

band is best known for the megahit<br />

single “Heaven,” which reached #1 on the<br />

adult contemporary chart, #16 on the Billboard<br />

Hot 100 and #11 in the Top 40.<br />

“Heaven” was featured in Guitar Hero: On<br />

Tour and the song earned Los Lonely Boys<br />

a Grammy Award in 2005.<br />

Los Lonely Boys since followed up<br />

with top songs like “More Than Love” and<br />

“Onda,” both nominated for Grammys in<br />

2006. The group has recorded “I Don’t<br />

Wanna Lose Your Love” with Carlos<br />

Santana for his album All That I Am. Recently<br />

Los Lonely Boys released the album<br />

“Revelation.” Tickets are $45.<br />

Other Cave events include <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong><br />

Mini-Fest on Nov. 9. Music by Low Lake<br />

Mountain Fire, Quint and Loneship is on<br />

tap plus artist and vendor booths and great<br />

raffles. The evening is a fundraiser for the<br />

high school art club and <strong>Bear</strong> Valley Guild<br />

for the Arts. Tickets $10.<br />

The Cave is also one of the venues for<br />

<strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Comedy Festival on Nov. 10<br />

(story this page).<br />

All shows start at 7:30 p.m.<br />

The Cave; 40789 Village Dr. (909)<br />

878-0204 or thecavebigbear.com.<br />

If you can’t pick us up ... then click us up!<br />

Monthly!<br />

Your Best Source for activities and happenings in the <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Lake Area<br />

Summer!<br />

Fall!<br />

Winter!<br />

Laughs galore are in store during the<br />

third annual <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Comedy Festival at<br />

four different venues in the Village <strong>November</strong><br />

9-10.<br />

The two-day comedy bender features<br />

performances by nearly two dozen comedians<br />

seen on Comedy Central, Last Comic<br />

Standing, the Conan O’Brien and Jimmy<br />

Kimmel shows, Comics Unleashed and<br />

more. Each has varying comedic styles to<br />

tickle funny bones with most shows adult<br />

rated and all with some hard language.<br />

There’s eight shows during the two<br />

days at The Cave, Nottingham’s Tavern,<br />

The Bone Yard. and Stillwells. Shows<br />

range from “LR” to “Adult,” kicking off<br />

with “Tap the Funny” at 7 p.m. on Nov. 9<br />

at Nottinghams and closing with the 11<br />

p.m. adult closer “Delectable Absurdities””<br />

at Stillwells. In between there’s shows like<br />

“Chuckle Chasers,” “Only the Nasty Survive,”<br />

“Battle of the Sexes” and more.<br />

All the performers have serious television<br />

and acting credits. Lamont Ferguson<br />

has appeared on Comedy Central and<br />

Comics Unleashed and was named “Best<br />

<strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> <strong>Today</strong><br />

“Voices of Christmas” carolers perform 6-8 p.m. on Nov. 23 in the Village<br />

Laughs in store at comedy festival<br />

FREE<br />

Bowling &<br />

Laser Tag!<br />

of Fest” at San Luis Obisbo and Detroit<br />

Comedy Festivals.Ryan Stout has two fulllength<br />

stand-up comedy albums for sale<br />

and over 200 national television appearances.<br />

Darrin Rose has been seen twice on<br />

CBS’ Late Late Show and called “hilarious”<br />

by TV Guide.<br />

Don’t miss Jimmy Shubert, finalist on<br />

Last Comic Standing with TV credits that<br />

include Monk, 2 Broke Girls, Just Shoot<br />

Me, ER and more. Mark Fry has appeared<br />

in many commercials along with “Last<br />

Comic Standing,” “Conan” and most recently<br />

“Marvin Marvin on Nickelodeon.<br />

And all performers will be hanging out at<br />

the venues, creating an electric<br />

atomosphere and fun weekend.<br />

Advance tickets are $15 for each show<br />

or $20 at the door. Weekend pass good for<br />

all performances is $69. Purchase online<br />

or in person at Village Music (603 Pine<br />

Knot Ave.), (909) 866-4449.<br />

www.bigbearcomedyfestival.com<br />

www.bigbeartodaymag.com<br />

Lake Activities<br />

Boating • Fishing • Hiking<br />

Biking & Special Events<br />

Follow Us<br />

On Facebook!<br />

All Things Oktoberfest!<br />

Join the Two Month long Celebration<br />

with all the insider information.<br />

Essential Information about the<br />

#1 Ski Resorts in Southern California<br />

for All Skiers, Snowboarders<br />

& Snowplayers<br />

<strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong>'s Best Calendar of Events<br />

• Lodging • Attractions • Much More!<br />

All Available On-line: www.<strong>Big</strong><strong>Bear</strong><strong>Today</strong>Mag.com<br />

With this ad buy 2 games per person at<br />

regular price and your 3rd game is FREE!<br />

(Not valid when on wait list)<br />

Visit Our New SPORTS BAR & ARCADE!<br />

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40625 BIG BEAR BLVD. (ENTER ON BONANZA) •878-BOWL (2695)<br />

THERE’S ALWAYS A PARTY AT THE BOWLING BARN! BBT—35


<strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>November</strong> <strong>2018</strong>—Page 11<br />

Inner tubing areas snow much fun<br />

The snow guns are positioned as <strong>November</strong><br />

arrives, ready to fire when<br />

temperatures and humidity allow.<br />

<strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong>’s two tubing areas are ready<br />

for winter adventure just as soon as Mother<br />

Nature cooperates. <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Snow Play<br />

and Alpine Slide are usually the first winter<br />

recreation areas in Southern California<br />

to open for the season, in some years even<br />

before Halloween. That didn’t happen this<br />

year but odds are that by the time you read<br />

these words, people will be sliding down<br />

snow-covered slopes at both places.<br />

Once the snow starts, it doesn’t stop<br />

till both areas are blanketed with deep snow<br />

depths. Each boasts five powerful ski resort<br />

quality guns that blanket the slopes<br />

with jet streams of snow, enough to ensure<br />

tubing through Easter and beyond as<br />

depths typically reach 20-30 feet or more.<br />

The snow isn’t just for traditional straight<br />

downhill tubing either; both Alpine Slide<br />

and <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Snow Play craft features like<br />

rollers, whoop-di-doos and the famous<br />

twisting, turning “Snake.”<br />

Worldclass tubing is what Alpine Slide<br />

and <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Snow Play do. The latter has<br />

the longest tubing runs in Southern California<br />

since a half-century ago <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong><br />

Snow Play was a ski area known as Rebel<br />

Ridge. Indeed it was the first hill in Southern<br />

California and one of the first in the<br />

country to make snow in the late 1950’s.<br />

The area wasn’t big enough to sustain<br />

skiing but for inner tubing, which it has<br />

embraced for decades, it’s perfect. Those<br />

long tubing runs let sliders really get going<br />

with up to eight downhill runs plus features<br />

taking tubers on the rides of a lifetime.<br />

Snow gets groomed nightly at <strong>Big</strong><br />

<strong>Bear</strong> Snow Play and also Alpine Slide to<br />

ensure the best possible conditions for<br />

guests, who enjoy evenly-spread corduroy<br />

for their fast-paced downhill adventure.<br />

Interestingly Alpine Slide was once a<br />

ski area too, but for many years it’s been<br />

known as the home of the bobsled-like ride<br />

Now<br />

Re-Opened!<br />

of the same name. Two cement tracks take<br />

riders on sleds with teflon runners and ballbearing<br />

wheels that they actually control<br />

through a series of banked turns and long<br />

straightaways.<br />

It’s an adventure that closely mimics<br />

Olympic bobsleding, much more than an<br />

amusement park ride since guests control<br />

how fast or slow they go by braking and<br />

leaning into each turn. Alpine Slide operates<br />

weekends only till Nov. 10 then daily,<br />

when the new Soaring Eagle opens (story<br />

page 6).<br />

Alpine Slide’s tubing hill has been a<br />

generational favorite for years as well, introducing<br />

night tubing sessions under the<br />

lights several years ago that have become<br />

wildly popular. <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Snow Play took<br />

the after dark concept a step further two<br />

seasons ago with Glow Tubing sessions<br />

featuring LED strobe lights that light up<br />

the snow in all the colors of the rainbow.<br />

Even black light! Colorful tubes reflect the<br />

glow in dazzling brilliance and the lights<br />

are even better for <strong>2018</strong>-19 season after<br />

off-season improvements.<br />

Night sessions at each area are held<br />

Fridays, Saturdays and holiday periods<br />

from 5-9 p.m. beginning Nov. 23, conditions<br />

permitting and cost $35.The snow is<br />

groomed again between days and evening<br />

sessions to assure prime tubing surfaces<br />

and as the stars come out the snow gets<br />

faster.<br />

Magic Carpet uphill lifts are moving<br />

conveyor belts at both areas that families<br />

merely step on and off of so there’s no<br />

struggling to get back to the top of the<br />

snow. Parents and kids save their energy<br />

for downhill fun without the uphill climb<br />

and get all the runs in they want! The<br />

Carpets are enclosed in Plexiglass for chilly<br />

conditions. <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Snow Play has a second<br />

carpet for busy days and it’s primary<br />

carpet is illuminated during Glow Tubing<br />

sessions with cool lighting.<br />

<strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Snow Play and Alpine Slide<br />

Your Wild Bird & Squirrel Headquarters<br />

Inner tubing fun at Alpine Slide; even more light for Glow Tubing at BBSP!<br />

offer tubing<br />

daily once<br />

operations<br />

begin from<br />

10 a.m.-4<br />

p.m. All-day<br />

passes including<br />

tube<br />

rental and<br />

Magic Carpet<br />

lift are<br />

also $35 and<br />

guests can<br />

come and go<br />

as they want.<br />

B i g<br />

<strong>Bear</strong> Snow<br />

Play is on <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Blvd. three miles east<br />

of Alpine Slide next to Motel 6. Call (909)<br />

909.878.4FUN<br />

at North Shore Landing<br />

& Holloway’s Marina<br />

Pirate Ship Lake Tours Aboard ‘Time Bandit’<br />

Narrated lake tours aboard<br />

1/3 replica of a Spanish galleon<br />

seen in the movie ‘Time Bandits’<br />

• Pirate Booty for the Kids<br />

• Cocktails for Adults • Sunset Tours<br />

585-0075. Alpine Slide is 1/4 mile west of<br />

the Village. Call (909) 866-4626.<br />

• Waverunners • Jet Skis<br />

• Sea Doos! • Kayaks, SUP<br />

• Wakeboard/Water Ski Rides<br />

• Poontoon Boats<br />

and Fishing Boats!<br />

Bird Info Here!<br />

Birdwalks, Too<br />

• Fine Oregon Pine Furnishings<br />

• Seed<br />

• Suet<br />

• Nuts<br />

• Gift Items<br />

• Feeders<br />

• Nectar<br />

(909) 281-4548 • 42656 Moonridge Rd.<br />

<strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Lake, California<br />

(Across from the New Zoo, On the Way to <strong>Bear</strong> Mountain)<br />

www.HollowaysMarina.com or www.<strong>Big</strong><strong>Bear</strong>Boating.com<br />

COZY CHALETS WITH FIREPLACES & GREAT VIEWS...<br />

LOCATED AT SNOW SUMMIT'S BASE AREA...<br />

JUST STEPS TO THE SKI LIFTS!<br />

Also Available<br />

Lakeside RV Park<br />

with<br />

Full Hookups!<br />

Remodeled Bathrooms and Store<br />

www.800<strong>Big</strong><strong>Bear</strong>.com


Page 12—<strong>November</strong> <strong>2018</strong><br />

Nature Zone, walks at Center<br />

Hike Sugarloaf, South Fork trails<br />

Sugarloaf Mountain plus South Fork<br />

and Santa Ana River trails. All great hikes<br />

led by Sierra Club <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Group in <strong>November</strong>,<br />

open to the public.<br />

SUGARLOAF MOUNTAIN on Nov.<br />

3is the Valley’s highest point at nearly<br />

10,000 ft. elevation.It’s strenuous at 10-<br />

miles (roundtrip) with over 2,500 elevation<br />

gain but there’s everything from forest<br />

of Jeffrey and onederosa pines to junipers,<br />

cedars and pinyon with stands of<br />

mountain mahogany.<br />

Great views near the summit of San<br />

Gorgonio Wilderness<br />

and the high<br />

desert plus limber<br />

pines. Meet at Vons<br />

at 8:30 a.m. (760)<br />

333-3103.<br />

S O U T H<br />

FORK TRAIL is<br />

an awesome hike<br />

into San Gorgonio<br />

Wilderness on<br />

Nov. 4 at 8:30 a.m.<br />

See how the forest<br />

is recovering from<br />

the Lake Fire as the<br />

trail passes historic Horse Meadow and ascends<br />

a chapparal-filled ridge to Poopout<br />

Hill. From there the moderate, 8-mile trek<br />

leads to Slushy Meadow, one of the<br />

Southland’s most beautiful, tranquil spots.<br />

Meet at South Fork trailhead on Jenks Lake<br />

Rd. off Hwy. 38. Call (909) 289-1932.<br />

SANTA ANA RIVER TRAIL on<br />

Nov. 17 at 8:30 departs from the large<br />

South Fork turnout off Hwy. 38 and heads<br />

north about four miles. (909) 289-1932.<br />

Hike South Fork Trail (below), post<br />

Lake Fire to see how forest recovers<br />

Crafts, walks and talks at <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Discovery Center<br />

Make <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Discovery Center your<br />

recreation destination with exhibits, information<br />

and much more.<br />

Think visitor center on steroids with<br />

hands-on activities for kids like Nature Discovery<br />

Zone, which opened two years ago<br />

with unstructured play areas just for youngsters.<br />

Nine interactive areas encourage outdoor<br />

exploration In addition there’s an adjacent<br />

half-mile interpretive loop, strollerfriendly<br />

for a forest walk the whole family<br />

will enjoy.<br />

“Nature Discovery Zone is an outdoor<br />

adventure space designed to enhance nature<br />

play and exploration while connecting<br />

children to nature,” said Stacy Gorin<br />

of Southern California Mountains Foundation.<br />

The areas let kids climb and crawl,<br />

build and dig, gather and enjoy quiet time,<br />

plus there’s Pollinator Pathway, Messy<br />

Materials and Music and Movement.<br />

Popular family activities at Discovery<br />

Center, which opened May 1998, include<br />

free Nature Walks around its forested<br />

grounds led by a naturalist, 45-minute adventures<br />

perfect for the entire family. Learn<br />

about local flora and fauna and even interesting<br />

historical facts—there’s a wealth of<br />

nature all around at <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Discovery<br />

Center. Nature Walks are on Saturdays at<br />

1 and 2 p.m. and Sundays at 11 a.m. and<br />

noon, fun for all ages.<br />

Get inspired by the great outdoors to<br />

<strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> <strong>Today</strong><br />

build Nature Crafts out of recyclable materials<br />

at 10:30 a.m. <strong>November</strong> 3, 10 and<br />

24 during free programs for the whole family.<br />

Story Time is also free for children<br />

ages 6 and under with reading and snacks<br />

at 12:30 and 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 10.<br />

Next month Bald Eagle Counts and<br />

events return with the first of the season<br />

on December 15 from 8-10 a.m., followed<br />

by Eagle Celebration at 11. Guided Snowshoe<br />

Eco Tours for all ability levels, held<br />

twice each Saturday and once on Sunday,<br />

run Dec. 15-March 3 weather and snow<br />

conditions permitting. Cost is $30, $20<br />

ages 8-12.<br />

Discovery Center is at 40971 North<br />

Shore Blvd. (Hwy. 38( in Fawnskin. Closed<br />

Tuesday-Wednesday. Call (909) 866-3437.<br />

Providing the most accurate & detailed snow forecasts available on the net<br />

for <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> and the local southern California mountains since 1998<br />

www.snowforecast.com/<strong>Bear</strong>MountainResort<br />

www.snowforecast.com/SnowSummitMountainResort<br />

Become a Fan on FaceBook and<br />

WIN STUFF for the 2010 / 11 season @<br />

www.facebook.com/snowforecast.comom


<strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> <strong>Today</strong><br />

HOMESTYLE<br />

QUALITY...<br />

Steaks<br />

East<br />

Seafood<br />

Valley's<br />

Pasta<br />

Only<br />

Chicken<br />

Bakery!<br />

Voted <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong>'s<br />

Best Breakfast!<br />

DAILY Breakfast Special!<br />

Every Saturday Night<br />

All-You-Can-Eat<br />

Beef Ribs $20.95!<br />

NIGHTLY DINNER SPECIALS<br />

WED—PRIME RIB $17.95<br />

THURS—NEW YORK STEAK $17.95<br />

FRIDAY—HOMEMADE POT PIES $14.25<br />

OR SURF & TURF $18.95<br />

SAT—ALL-U-CAN-EAT BEEF RIBS<br />

$20.95...POT PIES $14.25 IF AVAILABLE<br />

SUN-HOLIDAYS—PRIME RIB $18.95<br />

FRESH CATCH OF THE DAY FRI/SAT<br />

After lunch or dinner...<br />

treat yourself from our<br />

Bakery!<br />

Caramel-topped apple<br />

dumplings...cheesecakes...<br />

apple streudel...fresh-baked pies<br />

of the season!<br />

Also Available to Go!<br />

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○<br />

Dine Next to Our 2 Cozy<br />

Fireplaces or Under Trees on<br />

Our Outdoor Patio!<br />

337 W. <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Blvd.<br />

(2 miles east of the Convention<br />

Center in <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> City)<br />

(909) 585-7005<br />

...FAMILY<br />

PRICES!<br />

To To Los Angeles<br />

and Orange County<br />

Captain John’s<br />

S<br />

CAPT. Marina<br />

JOHN’S GROUT BAY<br />

MARINA<br />

West Boat Ramp<br />

WINDY POINT<br />

W E<br />

North Shore<br />

Landing<br />

Castle Rock<br />

Trail<br />

Holcomb<br />

Valley<br />

BOULDER<br />

BAY<br />

1989 25 YEARS 2014<br />

The Mountain’s Monthly Lifestyle Magazine<br />

All Phone Numbers are area code<br />

(909) unless otherwise noted<br />

<strong>November</strong><br />

1-4<br />

BBHS Presents `Little Women’<br />

at Performing Arts Center 7 p.m.,<br />

2 p.m. Sunday matinee $15,<br />

student/senior $10. 866-4970.<br />

3<br />

Sugarloaf Mountain Hike climbs<br />

the Valley’s highest peak at<br />

nearly 10,000 feet at 8:30 a.m.<br />

Strenuous; call (760) 333-3103.<br />

3<br />

48th Annual Oktoberfest Encore<br />

at the Convention Center<br />

noon-midnight featuring The<br />

Express Band, Kleinen Bar<br />

Tanzers, contest championships.<br />

$15.99, $11.99 senior,<br />

$9 child. 585-3000.<br />

3<br />

Dokken in concert at The Cave<br />

7:30 p.m. $30-$50. 878-0204.<br />

9<br />

<strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Mini-Fest fundraiser at<br />

The Cave 7:30 p.m. with music,<br />

raffles. $10. 878-0204.<br />

9-10<br />

<strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Comedy Festival at<br />

four Village locations; 8 shows,<br />

21 professional comedians. Tickets<br />

$15 per show ($20 at door),<br />

all-event weekend pass $69.<br />

bigbearcomedyfestival.com.<br />

10<br />

Holiday Bazaar & White Elephant<br />

Sale 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at Friends of<br />

the <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Alpine Zoo (41220<br />

Park Ave.) 878-4200.<br />

10<br />

243rd Marine Corps Birthday at<br />

The Lodge (40650 Village Dr.)<br />

5-9 p.m. with DJ Al Anthony.<br />

Tickets $70, $125/couple. 261-<br />

1269.<br />

11<br />

Veterans Day Ceremony 11<br />

a.m. at Veterans Park; presentations,<br />

dignitaries. 866-5831<br />

GILNER POINT<br />

METCALF<br />

Holloway<br />

BAY Marina<br />

<strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> and Vicinity<br />

Pleasure<br />

Point<br />

Performing Arts<br />

Center (PAC)<br />

Polique Canyon<br />

Trail<br />

Solar Observatory<br />

BIG BEAR LAKE<br />

Mill Creek<br />

Mill Creek<br />

Alpine Slide<br />

at Magic Mtn.<br />

Pine Knot<br />

Trail<br />

Cougar Crest<br />

Trail<br />

Woodland<br />

Trail<br />

Discovery Center<br />

Serranno<br />

Campground<br />

East Boat<br />

Ramp<br />

EAGLE POINT<br />

Swim<br />

Beach<br />

<strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong><br />

Pine Knot<br />

Marina<br />

Marina<br />

Meadow Park<br />

Town Trail<br />

14-18<br />

`Wait Until Dark’ by <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong><br />

Theatre Project at the PAC 7:30<br />

p.m. Thurs-Sat, 2 p.m. Sat, Sun<br />

matinees. $14-$19. 866-4970<br />

16<br />

Lorrie Morgan in concert at The<br />

Cave 7:30 p.m. $40-$50. 878-<br />

0204.<br />

17<br />

Gratitude Concert-Music of<br />

Thankful Hearts 7 p.m. at Community<br />

Church Historic Chapel<br />

(40946 <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Blvd.) Tickets<br />

$10, students $5. 866-7523.<br />

17<br />

Led Zepagain tribute to Led Zeppelin<br />

at The Cave 7:30 p.m.<br />

$20-$30. 878-0204.<br />

22<br />

<strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Turkey Trot starts and<br />

finishes at Meadow Park (41220<br />

<strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Blvd.) with 9-mile race<br />

at 8:30 a.m,, 6-mile at 9, 3-mile<br />

at 9:30. 866-8555.<br />

23<br />

Christmas in the Village featuring<br />

Santa’s Grand Entrance &<br />

Tree Lighting Ceremony at 5<br />

p.m. kicks off the holiday season<br />

with entertainment in the<br />

Village. Free. 866-4607.<br />

23-25<br />

Mountain Christmas Boutique<br />

at Convention Center has holiday<br />

shopping 10 a.m.-5 p.m.<br />

Fri. and Sat., 10-3 Sun. 585-<br />

3000.<br />

24<br />

<strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> City Tree Lighting 5<br />

p.m. at the fire station with<br />

caroling, Santa. 866-7566.<br />

24<br />

Cash’s Out tribute to Johnny<br />

Cash at The Cave 7:30 p.m.<br />

$15-$35. 878-0204.<br />

30<br />

Los Lonely Boys in concert at<br />

Walk<br />

Board<br />

<strong>November</strong> <strong>2018</strong>—Page 13<br />

<strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> City<br />

Moonridge<br />

For updated calendar of events visit us on the Internet!<br />

www.bigbeartodaymag.com<br />

CC<br />

Club View Drive<br />

<strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Mountain<br />

The Cave 7:30 p.m. Tickets<br />

$45-$65. 878-0204.<br />

December<br />

1<br />

Fleetwood Mac vs. Heart with<br />

tribute bands Mirage, Dog N<br />

Butterfly 7:30 p.m. at The Cave.<br />

Tickets $20-$40. 878-0204.<br />

2<br />

Winter Voice Recital by Diane<br />

Sloan Kubeja Studio 2 p.m. at<br />

the PAC. $14, $12 senior, $9<br />

student. 866-4970.<br />

14<br />

Winter Kickoff Party 6 p.m. at<br />

The Cave with Warren Miller’s<br />

“Face of Winter,” giveaways,<br />

specials. $15. 878-0204.<br />

14-16<br />

`The Nutcracker ’ by Moonridge<br />

School of Dance at the PAC 7<br />

p.m., 2:30 Sunday matinee.<br />

$22, senior/child/military $20,<br />

under 7 free. 866-4970.<br />

15<br />

Bald Eagle Count, the first of the<br />

season held by the Forest Service,<br />

8-10 a.m. Meet at Discovery<br />

Center. Bald Eagle Celebration<br />

follows at 11 a.m., free.<br />

866-3437.<br />

21-22<br />

`A Christmas Carol...Askew’<br />

presented in panto form by <strong>Big</strong><br />

<strong>Bear</strong> Theatre Project at the PAC<br />

7:30 p.m. $15, seniors/students<br />

$10. 866-4970.<br />

31<br />

New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade<br />

at Snow Summit at 7 p.m.,<br />

followed by party in the base<br />

lodge. 866-5766.<br />

31<br />

Wyatt’s Family New Year’s Eve<br />

Party 5 p.m. at the Convention<br />

Center with live music by Doo<br />

Wah Riders, family activities.<br />

585-3000.<br />

To Victorville, Barstow<br />

& Las Vegas<br />

Museum<br />

<strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong><br />

Alpine Zoo<br />

To Angelus Oaks<br />

and Redlands<br />

E<br />

V<br />

E<br />

N<br />

T<br />

C<br />

A<br />

L<br />

E<br />

N<br />

D<br />

A<br />

R


Page 14—<strong>November</strong> <strong>2018</strong><br />

Recreation<br />

Guide<br />

Action Tours<br />

Zip through the trees on nine ziplines.<br />

Segway along Village streets, discovering<br />

<strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> history at the same time on a most<br />

unique tour and ride. Learn tree rope climbing<br />

skills like rappelling from certified<br />

instructors or seasonally snowshoe through<br />

the forest. Action Tours has year-round<br />

guided mountain adventure for all ability<br />

levels! (909) 866-0390/ (909) 866-0830.<br />

Alpine Slide<br />

Shoot down a tobogan-style ride at Magic<br />

Mountain, as a hand lever allows you to<br />

control the speed. After an exhilerating<br />

run, ride the chairlift back to the top for<br />

more. $6/ride, 5-ride books $25. Snowplay<br />

area with Magic Carpet uphill ride, miniature<br />

golf, Go-Karts, family-priced snack<br />

bar, video games. <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Blvd., 1/4 mile<br />

west of the Village. 866-4626.<br />

<strong>Bear</strong> Valley Farms<br />

Real working farm on 30 acres in the East<br />

Valley! Petting zoo, horse and hay rides,<br />

play zone with bounce house and more.<br />

Enjoy good old fashioned farm fun Saturdays<br />

and special events. All-inclusive admission<br />

is $15. The Farm also offers riding<br />

lessons and horse camps. (909) 547-5424.<br />

Bike Rentals<br />

<strong>Bear</strong> Valley Bikes across from Alpine<br />

Slide has a variety of bike rentals. Front<br />

NEW<br />

WEBSITE<br />

Live weather!<br />

Photo Gallery!<br />

PDF Reader!<br />

THE ALMANAC<br />

suspension $10/hour, $30/4 hours, $40/all<br />

day. Full suspension $20/hour, $50/4 hours,<br />

$70/all day. Full suspension demo $25/<br />

hour, $60/4 hours, $85/all day. 40298 <strong>Big</strong><br />

<strong>Bear</strong> Blvd. Call (909) 866-8000.<br />

Goldsmiths Pedego Electric Bike Shop<br />

has a variety of electric bike rentals, 42071<br />

<strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Blvd. (909) 866-2728.<br />

Bingo<br />

The Elks Lodge hosts stirring Bingo games<br />

each Friday night at 7 p.m. All are welcome<br />

ages 18 and over. 40611 <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Blvd.<br />

west of the Village, across from Lakeview.<br />

(909) 866-3557.<br />

Bowling<br />

The Bowling Barn offers new lanes with<br />

automated scoring for bowling enjoyment.<br />

Also arcade games and full-service cocktail<br />

lounge with pool. Glow Bowling after<br />

dark with black lights, sounds. Bowl 3<br />

games for the price of 2 with coupon in this<br />

issue. Open daily. 40625 <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Blvd.<br />

(enter on Bonanza).(909) 878-BOWL.<br />

Discovery Center<br />

The Discovery Center on the north shore,<br />

two miles west of Stanfield Cutoff, is a<br />

breathtaking facility overlooking the lake<br />

and offering informational galleries, self<br />

and naturalist guided tours, Adventure<br />

passes and wilderness permits, and recreation<br />

programs. Open daily (closed Tuesdays<br />

and Wednesdays). (909) 866-3437.<br />

Fishing<br />

Catch some fun with <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Charter<br />

Fishing on a 22' fully loaded, super comfortable<br />

boat with afriendly, expert guide<br />

If you can’t pick us up ... then click us up!<br />

Monthly!<br />

Your Best Source for activities and happenings in the <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Lake Area<br />

Summer!<br />

Fall!<br />

Winter!<br />

<strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> <strong>Today</strong><br />

Recreation • Dining • Nightlife • And More<br />

Road Conditions: (800) 427-ROAD www.ie511.org<br />

Experience beautiful trails on guided horseback rides out of Baldwin Lake<br />

Stables in the East Valley; call (909) 585-6482<br />

Aaron Armstrong. Open or private charters<br />

for individuals or groups of all ages.<br />

All gear provided—rods, reels, bait, lures,<br />

drinks and snacks. Bass fishing too aboard<br />

a Ranger Comanche. At Holloway’s Marina;<br />

(909) 866-2240.<br />

Gold Rush Mining Adv.<br />

The adventures are real and so are the<br />

treasures! Pan for gemstones and fossils<br />

millions of years old in the working sluice<br />

with water wheel, crack geodes to reveal<br />

prescious stones within, find real pearls in<br />

oysters and unearth dinosaur bones and<br />

poop. Emporium with mining and dinosaur<br />

theme gifts plus old fashioned fudge,<br />

candy, sarsaparilla and more. 50016 <strong>Big</strong><br />

<strong>Bear</strong> Blvd. (909) 866-5678.<br />

Helicopter Tours<br />

See <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> from above during new aerial<br />

tours by Helicopter <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong>. See the lake,<br />

ski resorts, desert and surrounding mountains<br />

aboard a climate-controlled Robinson<br />

R44 helicopter with longtime pilot Roy<br />

Harding at the controls, departing daily out<br />

of <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Airport. Tours start at $35 per<br />

person based on two passengers. (909)<br />

585-1200.<br />

Hiking<br />

There’s dozens of trails and natural areas to<br />

enjoy the rugged beauty of the San<br />

Bernardino National Forest. From easy<br />

strolls along the lake to stenuous climbs<br />

into the mountains, there are trails for all<br />

abilities, including families, within a short<br />

drive of <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong>. For information on all<br />

trails in the Valley and the required<br />

Adventure Pass, visit the Discovery Center<br />

on North Shore Dr., about two miles west<br />

of Stanfield Cutoff. 866-3437.<br />

Alpine Pedal Path is a very easy 3.5 mile<br />

(each way) paved trek following the lake<br />

on the north shore. Popular with hikers,<br />

bikers, skaters, strollers and wheelchairs<br />

as it passes Carol Morrison East Boat<br />

Launch, Discovery Center, Serrano<br />

campground, Solar Observatory and more.<br />

Castle Rock Trail is a short but strenuous<br />

hike, that ends with a panoramic view of<br />

<strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Lake. Legend has it that a beautiful<br />

Indian maiden, jilted by her lover, took her<br />

life by leaping from this towering 100 ft.<br />

monolith. It’s reached after a mostly uphill,<br />

.8 mile walk past a stream and featuring<br />

beautiful views. Located on Hwy. 18<br />

between Boulder Bay and the dam; park on<br />

the lake side of the road.<br />

Cougar Crest Trail is moderate two-mile<br />

(each way) hike. As it winds above the<br />

lake’s north shore, it offers up great views<br />

of water and the surrounding mountains.<br />

Trailhead is on North Shore Dr. about two<br />

miles west of Stanfield Cutoff, .6 mile<br />

from the Discovery Center where you can<br />

park without an Adventure Pass.<br />

Continued on page 15<br />

HORSEBACK RIDING<br />

Baldwin Lake Stables<br />

Open Year Round•Rates by the Hour<br />

1, 2, 3 & 4 Hour Rides•Reservations Suggested<br />

Lake Activities<br />

Boating • Fishing • Hiking<br />

Biking & Special Events<br />

Follow Us<br />

On Facebook!<br />

All Things Oktoberfest!<br />

Join the Two Month long Celebration<br />

with all the insider information.<br />

Essential Information about the<br />

#1 Ski Resorts in Southern California<br />

for All Skiers, Snowboarders<br />

& Snowplayers<br />

<strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong>'s Best Calendar of Events<br />

• Lodging • Attractions • Much More!<br />

All Available On-line: www.<strong>Big</strong><strong>Bear</strong><strong>Today</strong>Mag.com<br />

Pony Rides & Petting Zoo<br />

909-585-6482 • <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> City<br />

<strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Blvd. east through stop sign at Hwy. 38,<br />

veer left on Shay Rd. and follow the signs<br />

46475 Pioneertown Rd.<br />

www.baldwinlakestables.com<br />

Specialty Rides<br />

•Majestic Sunset Ride<br />

•1/2 Day Ride along the<br />

famous Pacific Crest Trail<br />

Please Make Reservations<br />

for Specialty Rides<br />

Under Permit USDA Forest Service


<strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> <strong>Today</strong> <strong>November</strong> <strong>2018</strong>—Page 15<br />

Woodland Interpretive Trail is a short,<br />

scenic family stroll with minimal elevation<br />

gain, located on the north shore near Cougar<br />

Crest. Free trail maps (available at the<br />

trailhead or Discovery Center) identify<br />

markers along the route noting local<br />

vegetation, wildlife areas, etc.<br />

Pacific Crest Trail comes through <strong>Big</strong><br />

<strong>Bear</strong> from Onyx Summit through the East<br />

Valley to Hwy. 18 and then past Holcomb<br />

Valley Rd. and Cougar Crest through<br />

Holcomb Valley before continuing its 2,638<br />

mile journey from Mexico to Canada. Call<br />

the Discovery Center to find out where to<br />

catch this famous international trail.<br />

Pine Knot Trail from Aspen Glen picnic<br />

area climbs the southern ridge above Alpine<br />

Slide three miles (each way) to Skyline Dr.<br />

2N10, through lush meadow and stands of<br />

white fir and Jeffrey Pine. Continue another<br />

1/4 mile to Grand View Point for spectacular<br />

180-degree vistas.<br />

Holcomb Valley<br />

At one time, <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Valley was thriving<br />

gold country. The last remaining signs of<br />

this historic chapter in <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> history are<br />

featured in a driving tour through what is<br />

known as Holcomb Valley. Totaling 11.6<br />

miles over a dirt road, the tour stops at Two<br />

Gun Bill’s Saloon, Hangman’s Tree, Pigmy<br />

Cabin, Metzger Mine, and more. Free maps<br />

available at the <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Discovery Center<br />

on the North Shore—(909) 866-3437.<br />

Allow three hours for the drive.<br />

Horseback Riding<br />

Baldwin Lake Stable is open year-round<br />

for horseback riding. Rates are by the hour,<br />

offering one, two, three and four-hour rides<br />

with longer rides heading along the famous<br />

Pacific Crest Trail plus sunset rides. A<br />

variety of spectacular mountain trails with<br />

horses for all riding abilities. For little<br />

buckeroos there’s hand-led pony rides and<br />

petting zoo. Reservations suggested for all<br />

rides. <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Blvd. east to stop sign at<br />

Hwy. 38, go through intersection, veer left<br />

on Shay Rd. to 46475 Pioneertown Rd.,<br />

<strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> City. (909) 585-6482.<br />

Miniature Golf/Go Karts<br />

Putt ‘N Around, located at the Alpine Slide<br />

at Magic Mountain, features a landscaped<br />

18-hole miniature golf course complete<br />

with water hazards and breaking greens.<br />

Then there’s an oval-shaped go-kart track<br />

with high-banked turns, which nine Can<br />

Am racers—including four two-seaters—<br />

with Honda 5.5 horsepowers engines and<br />

an array of safety features zip around.<br />

Open till 9 p.m. daily. 866-4626.<br />

Ski Rentals<br />

Goldsmith’s Boardhouse beginner ski<br />

packages $17.50, performance skis $25,<br />

demos $45, kids under 12 $15. Snowboards<br />

$24, demo boards $35. Child’s package<br />

$18. Butt, elbow, knee pads, wrist guards,<br />

helmets, jackets, pants available for rent.<br />

42071 <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Blvd. 866-2728.<br />

Snow Playing<br />

Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain, which<br />

has snowmaking to ensure snow, offers<br />

great inner tubing, and there’s a Magic<br />

Carpet to take riders to the top, too. $35<br />

buys an all-day (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) pass in the<br />

winter wonderland, which includes tube<br />

rental and Magic Carpet use. Night tubing<br />

(5-9 p.m.) each Friday and Saturday plus<br />

holiday periods for $35. The area also has<br />

the Southland’s only Alpine Slide and a<br />

great outdoor deck, plus the Putt ‘N Around<br />

go-karts and miniature golf course. 1/4<br />

mile west of the Village on <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Blvd.<br />

866-4626.<br />

<strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Snow Play has Southen<br />

California’s longest tubing runs. Two<br />

Magic Carpet lifts mean guests never have<br />

to walk back to the top and snowmaking<br />

lets the area build features to enhance the<br />

experience. Heated base lodge and paved<br />

parking. Next.to Motel 6 on the bouleard 1<br />

mile east of the supermarkets.Sessions daily<br />

After Dark...<br />

<strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong>’s Nightlife & Entertainment Guide<br />

ALLEY OOPS SPORTS BAR—Family Karaoke each Saturday night at 8 p.m. Glow<br />

Bowling at 8:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 7 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. Sat. and Sun.<br />

Watch the big game on big screen TVs, open to all ages. Happy Hour Monday-<br />

Friday 5:30-7 p.m. with 50¢ off all bar drinks (except draft), $1 hot dogs. Bowl<br />

3 games for the price of 2 with coupon in this issue. Inside the Bowling Barn at<br />

40625 <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Blvd. Call 878-BOWL.<br />

AV NIGHTCLUB—DJ every night at 9 p.m. Happy hour daily till 6 p.m. with $1<br />

beers. 664 Pine Knot. (909) 866-7377.<br />

BARNSTORM RESTAURANT—Live music Saturdays during dinner with Duke<br />

Michaels and Peggy Baldwin Nov. 3, 10 and 17, popular entertainer Art Harriman<br />

Nov. 24. 501 W. Valley Blvd. at the airport. (909) 585-9339.<br />

BEST WESTERN CHATEAU—Enjoy Silver Moon in the Tiffany Lounge Saturdays<br />

from 7-10 p.m. 42200 Moonridge Rd. (909) 866-6666.<br />

BIG BEAR MOUNTAIN BREWERY— Craft microbrew beers, food in a cozy<br />

atmosphere. Wear your gear, 75¢ off your beer. 40260 <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Blvd. 866-BEER.<br />

NOTTINGHAMS—Live music on the patio Thursdays 6-8 p.m. and Sundays 5-8..<br />

40797 <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Blvd. near Bartlett. 866-4644.<br />

THE CAVE BIG BEAR—Your favorite artists up close and personal! See national<br />

performers, top tribute bands and more in <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong>’s hot new intimate concert<br />

venue. Good food and full cocktail service including craft beers from <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Lake<br />

Brewing Co. (909) 878-0204.<br />

THELODGE AT BIG BEAR LAKE—Fridays and Saturdays see singer Nikki Sparks<br />

in Stillwells lounge 5-8 p.m. followed by Johnny Jukebox 8-10. 30650 Village Dr.<br />

(909) 866-3121.<br />

THE PINES LAKEFRONT—Pianist Mike Cross and Bass Mark Cade live Thursdays<br />

5:30-8:30 p.m., Sundays 4-7 p.m. 350 Alden Rd. (909) 866--5400.<br />

WYATT’S CAFE & SALOON—Open 4 p.m. Wednesdays for country dancing with<br />

DJ Evan. Great grub and drinks, family-friendly. Convention Center, <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Blvd.<br />

at Division. (909) 585-3000.<br />

10 a.m.-4 p.m. $35 all day pass includes<br />

tube rental. Glow Tubing sessions Fridays,<br />

Saturdays, holiday periods 5-9 p.m., $35<br />

includes tube rental. (909) 585-0075.<br />

Forget Your Snowplay Pants/Jacket?<br />

Goldsmith’s Boardhouse has them for<br />

rent along with helmets, wrist guards, other<br />

gear. 42071 <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Blvd. 866-2728.<br />

Snowshoeing<br />

No lift lines—nor lift tickets to buy—<br />

makes snowshoeing one of the fastestgrowing<br />

winter sports. A great way to<br />

escape the crowds and enjoy the serenity of<br />

<strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong>’s endless hiking trails covered by<br />

winter’s snow. Get maps, directions etc.<br />

from the shop below or Discovery Center.<br />

Goldsmith’s Boardhouse has Atlas<br />

snowshoes for $15/day. 42071 <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong><br />

Blvd. 866-2728.<br />

Zoo<br />

Grizzly and black bears, bobcats, coyotes,<br />

mountain lions, deer, eagles, and other<br />

animals are at <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Alpine Zoo, many<br />

of which are native to the San Bernardino<br />

Mtns. Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays, 10-<br />

5 Saturday and Sunday with daily animal<br />

presentations at noon and weekend 3 p.m.<br />

“feeding frenzy” tours. Moonridge Rd. to<br />

Clubview, veer right to <strong>Bear</strong> Mountain,<br />

and turn left to the zoo. $12 adults, $9 ages<br />

over 60 and children 3-10, under two free.<br />

(909) 584-1299.<br />

Dining<br />

Guide<br />

<strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> City<br />

BARNSTORM RESTAURANT—<br />

Comfortable dining at the airport. Open<br />

daily for breakfast and lunch, dinner<br />

Thursday through Sunday with nightly<br />

specials and Saturday night entertainment.<br />

German food a specialty plus steaks,<br />

seafood, chicken, burgers. Ground floor at<br />

the airport. (909) 585-9339.<br />

THELMA’S TWIN PINES-Homestyle<br />

cooking at awesome prices make this a<br />

family dining favorite. Daily breakfast,<br />

lunch and dinner specials. All-you-can-eat<br />

beef ribs $20.95 on Saturday nights, and<br />

homemade pot pies are big favorites. Open<br />

daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner. 337 W.<br />

<strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Blvd. Call 585-7005.<br />

<strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Lake<br />

BIG BEAR LAKE BREWING CO.—<br />

Craft micros brewed on premises and<br />

gourmet pub grub and appe-teasers at this<br />

new brewery in the Village. Full bars<br />

upstairs and down with lakeviews and all<br />

sports all the time on big screens. 40827<br />

Stone Rd. (909) 878-0283.<br />

CAPTAIN’S ANCHORAGE—Historic<br />

and rustic, this restaurant, built in 1947 as<br />

the Sportsman’s Tavern and once owned<br />

by Andy Devine, is a <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> favorite<br />

with specialties like prime rib, Alaskan<br />

King Crab legs, seafood, and steaks.<br />

Ccktails in the Andy Devine Room. Open<br />

for dinner daily from 4:30 p.m. Moonridge<br />

Rd., just off <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Blvd. (909) 866-<br />

3997.<br />

DYNASTY—Authentic Szechuan cuisine<br />

with an array of specialty dishes. Mongolian<br />

BBQ too and specialty cocktails like<br />

scorpions and mai tais. 40989 <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong><br />

Blvd. 866-7887.


Page 16—<strong>November</strong> <strong>2018</strong><br />

THE BACK PAGE<br />

Open or closed, fun to `Hump the Dump’<br />

This section of Pacific Crest Trail I<br />

know so well, having hiked it dozens<br />

if not hundreds of times, looks<br />

so different it might as well be another<br />

planet.<br />

In fact there’s an entire stretch where<br />

we can’t locate the path at all. Amidst the<br />

charred trees surrounded by regrowth<br />

there’s rocks all around, probably washed<br />

over and around the trail by summer thunderstorms<br />

since there wasn’t much of a<br />

winter to speak of.<br />

Not that rocks are so unique on this<br />

stretch of the PCT, the famed 2,638-mile<br />

trek from Mexico to Canada that wanders<br />

into <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> Valley. We affectionately call<br />

this section “Hump the Dump” because it<br />

crosses Holcomb Valley Rd. and ascends<br />

several hundred feet before crossing into<br />

the valley of the same name beyond. And<br />

if I had a penny for every rock on this route,<br />

I wouldn’t have needed to play last month’s<br />

Mega Millions lottery.<br />

This early October trek is our first on<br />

this trail since it was closed by the Forest<br />

Service after the June 2017 Holcomb Fire.<br />

It’s since been reopened though we wonder<br />

if it should have been after the trail<br />

completely disappears just a couple hundred<br />

feet in, completely burned and/or<br />

washed away by heavy rains.<br />

We’re not even sure we should be<br />

here. Yellow caution tape stretched across<br />

the trail’s start is gone along with the no-<br />

tice threatening a $10,000 fine for trespassing<br />

into closed forest land. But a more permanent<br />

metal closed sign is still stuck in<br />

the ground that we have to walk past. Since<br />

the area is reputed to be open we decide to<br />

take our chances and venture in, but the<br />

formerly well-trodden path disappears almost<br />

immediately.<br />

“Here it is,” buddy John Daskam says<br />

after a brief search. And for the next couple<br />

hundred yards we more or less recreate one<br />

of our favorite trails, pieced together from<br />

both memory and what we see.<br />

It isn’t easy. Several areas are completely<br />

washed away marked by obvious<br />

gullies. There isn’t as much Moon-like dust<br />

as I’ve seen in other fire areas, perhaps<br />

because of all the rocks that call this area<br />

home, but it looks like much of the land<br />

was razed down to the stones.<br />

Yet regrowth is everywhere, green<br />

stalks of shrubs popping up in between the<br />

rocks and charred trees that still stand. We<br />

continue toward Doble trail camp where<br />

the fire reportedly started, picking our way<br />

through washed out gullies, when all of a<br />

sudden we walk out of burn area and into<br />

green forest oasis that hasn’t changed a lick<br />

since I was last through here, probably two<br />

years ago.<br />

I had just assumed that Doble had<br />

burned too but it didn’t. The trail camp<br />

below us looks intact, the sign marking it<br />

is still there, and trees are green all around.<br />

—<strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> <strong>Today</strong> photo by John Daskam<br />

Then we notice the fire ring above trail,<br />

and the burn area that billows out away<br />

from it, and piece together what happened:<br />

Hikers built their own crude fire ring<br />

instead of using the one at trail camp. Probably<br />

didn’t clear much around it nor in the<br />

morning properly douse it—water can be<br />

a precious commodity on the PCT. Winds<br />

picked up and the 1,500 acre fire that<br />

threatened homes and wiped out a great<br />

section of hiking was burning.<br />

Not all was lost though. Doble and beyond,<br />

PCT is exactly how we left it, as we<br />

found after climbing the ridge to our favorite<br />

view spot. Not knowing the trail’s<br />

status, I didn’t want to even post on<br />

Facebook, $10,000 good reasons to not tell<br />

<strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> <strong>Today</strong><br />

Regrowth amidst blackened trees on the PCT at the Holcomb Fire area<br />

the world I was there.<br />

“Officially, people can go in,” said<br />

Zachary Behrens of the Forest Service.<br />

“The trail might still need some rehabilitation.”<br />

John and I can vouch for that.<br />

Update: as <strong>Big</strong> <strong>Bear</strong> <strong>Today</strong> was going<br />

to press— Zach called. “Forest Service<br />

doesn’t actually encourage people to go out<br />

there,” he said. “It’s open but we may close<br />

it again.<br />

“It’s not just the burned trees and trail<br />

conditions. That is an old mining area and<br />

the concern is that the fire might have exposed<br />

traces of arsenic.”<br />

Now they tell me!<br />

—by Marcus Dietz<br />

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