Saying Goodbye to Summer

It's been awhile, between work on my novel, keeping up with my photography, and repeatedly subjecting myself to the restaurant industry, any free time I had was swept up trying to maintain personal relations. Spring and summer flew by in a blur, and with the first rains of the season last night, serious hiking weather is almost upon us. We've made many trips since my last post, and I'd like to share the highlights from those.

We started at Sand Pond Interpretive trail, off the Gold Lakes Highway, a quick little loop that we did not explore much due to the masses of children on one side. As we were there in July, many campers and tourists were there as well, but that didn't stop us from spotting this squirrel having at his pine cone, or some of the boldest frogs I've ever met.

From there, we continued our quest for a quiet adventure, stopping at Snag Lake to take in the sights and see how cold the water was.

The water was cold, too cold for me to be sure, although not everybody.

Finding little to keep us occupied here, we clambered back into the car and headed towards Big Bear and Little Bear lakes, for they have never disappointed us.

Clouds rolled in while we hiked the mile or so out towards towards Big Bear, where we were pleased to find only a few families, and only one child, whose splashes and yells echoed in a lonely way across the lake. A few drops of rain fell as we settled down to take in the view, relaxing upon boulders on the far side of the lake, watching fish snatch at hovering insects.

The hike out was easy and uneventful, possibly because of other hikers who didn't see a need to remain quiet in the woods. The Man and I agreed that it would best if we avoided the mountains during summer vacation. Despite the crowds, the time of year is beautiful, marked by summer showers and an abundance of wild flowers where lower elevations have lost theirs. 

We were also lucky enough to spot a rather grumpy looking Pacific Fisher, turning away from the freeway to trudge back into the woods, and although I didn't have time to grab my camera, I felt very blessed to see one. They are endangered, and it's been a struggle gaining protection for them. And of course, it wouldn't be a ride up into the mountains without at least one chipmunk sighting.

Well there you have it, a new post. There will probably be a flurry of activity before things settle down again, I'd like to make a post every Thursday, and hopefully time will allow. I'd like to begin work on a series inspired by the novel I'm working on, a fantasy adventure inspired by the Californian terrain. I'm also working with Sammie's Friends, a local non profit that provided animal rescue and services to our community. There may be some shelter cat posts, celebrating their new cat house and program. 

Hope you enjoyed! See you soon!