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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 />
.com<br />
New! Night Glow Tubing!<br />
Fridays, Saturdays, Holidays 5-9 pm<br />
SNOW<br />
Coming<br />
Soon!<br />
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 />
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<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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