Nostalgic Trip to the San Bernardino Mountains

Driving up the grade to Lake Gregory where we were going to spend a few days, I was pleased that each curve and turn looked familiar even though it had been several years since we had come up this way. As we drove, Don and I talked of the many different people with whom we had shared these mountains: Our children, both of our brothers and their families, parents, school and church groups, and several friends. We began our trips up the San Bernardino mountains separately with our parents, Scouts, and different childhood friends.

            Together in our forty-eight years, we have camped in a tent with our kids, even when they were just babies, camped with relatives, stayed in a lovely condo with other relatives, attended church camps at least five times, and enjoyed several different hotels or motels. We’ve hiked, fished, and cooked over an open campfire, gotten lost once, and even attended a concert. I’ll just mention a few outstanding memories:

            Sleeping on the ground, gazing at the incredible stars.

            Walking through Pine Knot Campground with my mom and dog Twinkie.

            Watching Dan, Jenifer, and David playing in the forests and lakes.

            Washing hair in the icy water in the campground with my
            sister-in-law Barbara.

            Fixing Thanksgiving dinner with my other sister-in-law Valerie.

            Kayaking on the lake with Don.

            Taking my sixth grade classes to Camp O-Ongo for a week.

            Learning and worshipping during church retreats.

             

            During this short get-away, we drove up the additional twenty-six miles to Big Bear just to take a look at some of these places from our past. On our way we took a look at one of the camps we had attended, tried to locate a couple of campgrounds, and looked at stores we had patronized and restaurants we’d enjoyed.  The lake was full to the rim of the dam and to the edges of the road which bisects the lake at one point.

            Every season has brought us joy during our stays: Snowfall, sledding, and snowball fights in winter; rivulets of water running here and there watering daffodils and an abundance of wildflowers in the spring; the warm smell of pine forest, more flowers, and blue, blue sky in summer, and crisp nights, turning leaves, and frost in the fall. Of course blue sky, incredible cloud formations, and bird songs are always a part of every season. I trust we’ll be able to enjoy many more seasons in the San Bernardino Mountains.