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The Missus and I spent a week at Big Bear Lake in the San Bernardino mountains a couple weeks ago. We like to go there every summer for hiking and driving. The Missus didn't want to do any radical off roading and my usual off roading buddies couldn't make the trip this year so we just did some forest service roads and three hikes. My youngest daughter joined us for a couple of days and went on the Butler peak hike which I think I've posted before but I'll show some pics of this year's hike anyway.

But first some driving photos:


The area around BBL burned in 2010 and is gradually coming back to life


Scenery from the FS road


This road was pretty easy in the dry summer, much more challenging in the winter with some snow on it!




The Missus pretending to enjoy herself on the drive


Our lunch time spot

The Butler peak hike. Butler peak has a fire watch tower at the top staffed by volunteers who watch for fire outbreaks and call them to the Forest Service HQs. These towers used to be everywhere in the West but most were closed down and abandoned but recently some have been rehabilitated and staffed by volunteers on 24 hour shifts.


Trailhead is at about 6,900ft and is along an access road that is closed to civilian motor traffic


Lots of burned timber and lots of 'up'. It was very dry. We took lots of water and consumed it all by the end of the hike. Even the dogs carried water!


Youngest daughter and dogs. She's single, likes dogs, off-roading, guns, and horses. Just sayin'








Our destination but still a long way to go.


The Missus is a avid walker and can walk me into the ground.




Getting closer...


Almost there...


Made it!


Much of the area around the fire tower burned also but the tower itself was saved.


About 8,200 to the base of the tower which was probably another couple hundred feet higher to the tower.

In years past we've been invited up to the tower but not this time so after some lunch and rest we headed back down. It was a 9.5 mile round trip.

You've done it again! Stunning! - and no gun porn :shakeshout:

Thank you.

Now, where's my passport?????

JohnG :cornwall:

Is that San Bernardino California?? Supposed to go there this year but looks like it's on hold.

Seriously good photos albeit I am now jealous as hell! Keep em coming though

Tremendous pictures as ever.

Chuck wrote:Is that San Bernardino California?? Supposed to go there this year but looks like it's on hold.

Seriously good photos albeit I am now jealous as hell! Keep em coming though

Well, it is the San Bernardino mountains which are above the city of San Bernardino...way above!

Awesome scenery, looks like nature is yet again fighting it's way back to normality.

We have a walk around the local woods here which is about 3 miles, well done for walking that distance!

Youngest daughter and dogs. She's single, likes dogs, off-roading, guns, and horses. Just sayin'

clapclap :lol: